Fava Bean, Prosciutto, and Pecorino Festival

A festival that smells of Abruzzo spring

The Fava Bean, Prosciutto, and Pecorino Festival is the annual May event that brings Villa Iubatti to life. This small village, part of the municipality of Ortona in the province of Chieti, sits in the heart of the rolling Abruzzo hills. Created to celebrate local land products and rustic culinary traditions, the festival has grown year after year, becoming one of the most beloved spring gastronomic events in the Ortona area, drawing visitors from neighboring districts and the entire Trabocchi Coast.

The star flavors

The signature dish is the one that gives the festival its name: fresh seasonal fava beans, prosciutto, and pecorino cheese, served with local bread and olive oil. You will also find traditional Abruzzo sweets like bocconotto and nevola, accompanied by water, wine, and beer. The food stands also offer vegetarian options, providing a simple, genuine menu that reflects the gastronomic identity of this part of the Chieti hinterland.

• Fresh fava beans, prosciutto, and pecorino
• Bread and olive oil, bocconotto, and nevola
• Wine, beer, and vegetarian alternatives

The feast of Saint Michael the Archangel

The festival is deeply rooted in local devotion: it is organized by the Saint Michael the Archangel Festival Committee and coincides with the celebrations in honor of the saint. The program includes Holy Mass, a procession accompanied by the Ortona City Band, the blessing of agricultural vehicles in the square, and a wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen—moments that unite faith, memory, and community.

Traditional games and the Beer Run

Beyond the table, the festival offers entertainment for all ages. Among the most characteristic traditions is the popular game "Lo Sticchio" and, above all, the Abruzzo Costumed Beer Run: a fun-filled footrace along a local circuit where participants in costume drink a glass of beer at every lap. It is not about speed, but about having fun, with prizes awarded for the most original costumes. Live music and DJ sets wrap up both evenings in a festive atmosphere.

Why it is worth a visit

Small in size but rich in authenticity, the Villa Iubatti Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover the most genuine side of Abruzzo: the world of rural districts, rustic flavors, and village feasts that keep the community's identity alive. Located just a few kilometers from the sea and the historic center of Ortona, it is a perfect stop for a spring weekend dedicated to taste and tradition.