Fried Pizza Festival

A village festival in the heart of Abruzzo

The Fried Pizza Festival is one of the most deeply rooted summer events in Casoli, a town in the province of Chieti overlooking the Sangro Valley in Abruzzo. Every July, the event brings the small Laroma district to life, where food stalls are set up next to the Church of Sant'Antonio: a cozy, familiar setting that gives the festival the authentic flavor of Abruzzese community celebrations.

Fried pizza, the absolute star

At the heart of the festival is fried pizza, a humble yet delicious specialty of popular cuisine: leavened dough plunged into boiling oil until golden and fragrant, served hot and prepared on the spot by local volunteers. It is a simple dish, tied to the region's rural heritage, celebrated here as a symbol of identity and sharing. Surrounding this signature dish, the food stalls offer other traditional Abruzzese flavors in a convivial atmosphere that invites guests to linger at the table.

Live music and evenings in good company

The festival spans two evenings, with food stalls opening in the evening. Accompanying the tastings is live music: recent editions have featured dance and ballroom music bands that turned the district's small square into an open-air dance floor. It is a festival designed for all ages, where local families and visitors gather to dine, dance, and spend warm summer evenings together.

Organization and tradition

The event is promoted by the Cluviae Cultural Association, which has managed the organization for years with the dedication of local volunteers. The association's name itself recalls Cluviae, the ancient Italic settlement linked to the history of this corner of Abruzzo, testifying to the deep bond between the festival and the roots of the territory. With its many editions, the Fried Pizza Festival has established itself as a staple of the Casoli summer.

Casoli and its surroundings

Those attending the festival can combine their visit with a tour of the village of Casoli, dominated by its ducal castle, and the surrounding Sangro Valley, a land of rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The area offers numerous other summer food festivals, making Casoli and the Chieti district a popular destination for culinary tourism and traditional Abruzzese flavors.