Festa della Fontana Festival

The festival where the fountain pours wine

In the heart of the most authentic Abruzzo, nestled among the forests and slopes of the Maiella, the village of Colledimacine preserves a truly unique tradition. Once a year, in this town in the province of Chieti, the historic Monumental Fountain undergoes a transformation: instead of water, wine begins to flow from its spouts. This is the Festa della Fontana, an event that has quickly become a regional phenomenon, attracting curious travelers and wine lovers from all over the Sangro-Aventino valley.

A fountain from 1893

The Monumental Fountain of Colledimacine dates back to 1893 and features a five-spout design with a washing area, a testament to the community life of the past, when the fountain was the center of daily village activities. The festival was born right around this monument: the first edition took place on September 6, 2023, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the fountain's construction. The idea, both simple and evocative, was to have the fountain dispense organic wine instead of water for one day, celebrating both the village's heritage and the bounty of the Abruzzo land.

Organic wine and local flavors

The heart of the festival is the tasting experience: red, white, and rosé wine flow from the spouts, provided by Cantina Orsogna BIO, a cooperative winery renowned for recovering ancient native Abruzzo grape varieties and for its organic production. Alongside the wine, the evening features tastings of local specialties and, in some editions, local honey. Live music accompanies the festivities until late, turning the fountain square into a vibrant meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

Tradition, memory, and community

The Festa della Fontana is about more than just food and wine: over the years, it has also hosted moments of remembrance and community, such as the twinning between the Alpini and Bersaglieri corps and mountain choir concerts in the church of San Nicola. It is a celebration that tells the story of an inland Chieti town, where the bond with the land, the mountains, and popular traditions remains strong and vibrant.

A village to discover

Attending the Festa della Fontana is also the perfect opportunity to explore Colledimacine and the eastern Maiella area: enjoy the trails, untouched nature, and the genuine charm of Abruzzo's villages. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Colledimacine in collaboration with the Municipality, with the support of local businesses and associations.