Fettuccine Festival

The Fettuccine Festival of Villa San Sebastiano

In the heart of the Marsica region, nestled within the mountains of the Abruzzo Apennines, the small hamlet of Villa San Sebastiano—part of the municipality of Tagliacozzo in the province of L'Aquila—preserves one of the area's most cherished summer culinary traditions: the Fettuccine Festival. For twenty years, in mid-August, the village square transforms into a large open-air dining hall where residents, vacationers, and curious travelers gather to share a simple, authentic meal.

Handmade fettuccine with ragù

The undisputed stars are the fettuccine with ragù, rolled and cut by hand by the volunteers of the Pro Loco of Villa San Sebastiano according to a recipe passed down through generations. The main course is complemented by specialties of traditional Abruzzese cuisine: sheep arrosticini cooked over charcoal, sausages, sandwiches, fries, and fine local wine. The artisanal care and the genuineness of the ingredients have made this festival a reference point for lovers of good Marsican food.

A mark of excellence

In March 2026, the event received an important distinction: the "Sagra d'Eccellenza" mark, awarded by the Ente Pro Loco Italiane (EPLI) under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. The award was presented to the Pro Loco in the Chamber of Deputies at Palazzo Montecitorio, a testament to the strong organizational capacity and the deep bond between the event and the cultural and gastronomic identity of the territory.

Atmosphere and music

Beyond the food, the Fettuccine Festival is above all a moment of community: long tables, joy, live music accompanying the evening, and the pleasure of being together. The event kicks off in the late afternoon and continues late into the night, enlivening the village center with concerts and entertainment.

Villa San Sebastiano and the Marsican Ferragosto

The festival is part of the rich calendar of summer celebrations in Villa San Sebastiano, which during the same period also hosts the historic Polenta Festival, organized by the "Gli Amici" Association. Together, they represent the heart of the hamlet's Ferragosto celebrations, an ideal opportunity to discover the hospitality of this corner of Abruzzo, just a few kilometers from the medieval village of Tagliacozzo and the landscapes of the Sirente-Velino Regional Park.