Foro in Festa – Sagne e Ceci Festival

A neighborhood festival turned tradition

Born from grassroots efforts and grown through the passion of the local community, Foro in Festa – Sagne e Ceci Festival is one of the most deeply rooted summer events in Francavilla al Mare, a seaside town in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Every year, the event brings the characteristic Foro district to life, transforming Piazza SS. Angeli Custodi into a vibrant open-air gathering place.

The star of the show: Sagne e Ceci

At the heart of the festival is a signature dish of Abruzzese peasant cuisine: sagne e ceci, fresh handmade pasta served with chickpeas, steaming hot from the food stalls. Alongside this namesake dish, visitors can enjoy other local specialties, embarking on a culinary journey that reflects the farming and maritime roots of the Teatine territory.

Music, dance, and local atmosphere

Each evening, the festival blends fine dining with live music: concerts, ballroom orchestras, and popular Italian music guests take to the stage in the square, drawing residents and tourists alike into a festive, shared experience. Stalls typically open in the early evening, with musical performances continuing late into the night in a convivial summer setting.

A staple of the Francavilla summer calendar

As part of the rich summer program of the Municipality of Francavilla al Mare, the festival is a true declaration of love for the Foro district's roots and Abruzzese gastronomy. Admission is free, and the event is designed for a broad, diverse audience—from families to young people—in one of the most popular spots along the Trabocchi coast and the Teatine side. Every summer, the festival attracts residents and vacationers, helping to keep the neighborhood's identity alive while showcasing traditional Abruzzese cuisine at its most authentic.