Festival of the Ciammellottu

A Village Festival in the Heart of the Marche

The Festival of the Ciammellottu takes place in Casette Verdini, a populous hamlet in the Municipality of Pollenza, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. As part of the larger Casette Verdini Festival, organized by the Pro Loco Casette Verdini APS, the event enlivens the village for four days between late May and early June, transforming the hamlet's spaces into a large meeting place with communal tables, music, and outdoor fun.

Lu Ciammellottu, a Dessert of Peasant Tradition

The star of the festival is lu ciammellottu (or ciammellotto, a large Marchigiano cake), one of the oldest and most iconic desserts of the Macerata area. Despite its name, it is not ring-shaped: it rather resembles a loaf of bread or a large rustic biscuit. The ingredients are simple and genuine — eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and the characteristic mistrà, a typical anise liqueur from the Marche region. Its origins are purely rural: in the past, women used to prepare it during the wheat harvest period as refreshment for the field workers, who would enjoy it with a glass of cooked wine. Even today, it is the dessert of Sundays and holidays, a symbol of simple but flavorful cuisine.

Gastronomy and Local Specialties

Alongside the dessert that gives the festival its name, the Pro Loco's food stalls offer dishes of typical Marchigiano cuisine, served in a convivial atmosphere among the village's communal tables. The festival is an opportunity to rediscover the authentic flavors of the Macerata hinterland in a familiar and welcoming setting.

Music, Dancing, and Shows

The evenings of the Festival of the Ciammellottu are marked by live music, group dancing, and cabaret shows. Over the years, popular dance music groups, bands, and comedians from the Marche region have performed on stage: among the recurring guests are the duo Lando & Dino, famous for their comedic-musical repertoire, and variety artists who attract audiences of all ages.

A Festival for the Whole Family

Great attention is paid to the youngest attendees, with inflatables, wooden games, and entertainment for children in the late afternoon, before the evening musical performances. Admission to the event is free, in the true spirit of a village festival.

Pollenza and the Territory

Pollenza, a hilltop village overlooking the Chienti river valley, preserves a charming medieval historic center and is also known for its tradition of antique furniture restoration. The hamlet of Casette Verdini, located in the flat part of the municipal area, is one of the main inhabited centers and, thanks to the Pro Loco's activities, a focal point for cultural initiatives and local promotion in the Macerata area.