Festival of Ancient Flavors

A festival in the historic heart of Ortona

The Festival of Ancient Flavors is one of the most beloved summer events in Ortona, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. It takes place in the Terravecchia district, the city's historic core overlooking the sea, where narrow alleys, small squares, and ancient walls provide a natural stage for a re-enactment that blends gastronomy, folk traditions, and live entertainment. For several nights in August, Terravecchia transforms into a village from another era, illuminated by soft lights and brought to life by performers in period costume.

Traditional Ortona cuisine

The heart of the festival is traditional Ortona cuisine, which highlights both the sea and the land. The star is Adriatic fish prepared according to ancient local recipes: sagnette with fish and chickpeas and chitarrina with pelosi crabs are among the most requested dishes. There is no shortage of land-based options, such as sagnette with chickpeas and sausage, as well as local desserts and specialties. Along the streets of the district, food stalls managed by committee volunteers guide visitors on a journey of authentic flavors, designed to rediscover the city's farming and maritime roots.

Flag-wavers, processions, and medieval entertainment

Alongside the food, the event offers a rich calendar of performances. Flag-wavers, groups in period costumes, and performers parade through the alleys, bringing to life processions and games inspired by the Middle Ages. Along Corso Matteotti, there are ancient craft workshops showcasing traditional artisan skills, while medieval entertainment organized by performance troupes engages both adults and children. Traditional music, featuring performances by the Cantori di Ortona, completes the atmosphere that makes this village festival unique.

The grand finale beneath the Aragonese Castle

The most evocative moment is the grand finale, held against the backdrop of the Aragonese Castle, the ancient fortress overlooking the sea that serves as a symbol of Ortona. The dancing fountains, with their light and water displays, close the festival with a spectacular show highly anticipated by visitors. The setting of the castle and the view over the Adriatic make this event one of the most photographed of the Ortona summer.

A staple of the Ortona Summer

The Festival of Ancient Flavors is part of the Ortona Summer program, a series of events promoted by the Municipality of Ortona together with numerous local associations, which enlivens the center and surrounding areas from July to September with dozens of events including music, culture, sports, and traditions. For the Terravecchia district, the festival represents the defining moment of the year, uniting residents, volunteers, and tourists around the historical and gastronomic roots of Ortona.