Fusillo and Braciola Pietrafusana Festival

A historic festival in the heart of Irpinia

The Fusillo and Braciola Pietrafusana Festival takes place in Pietradefusi, a charming village in the Province of Avellino, Campania, overlooking the Calore Valley. Organized by the Amici del Fusillo association, it is one of Irpinia's most enduring gastronomic traditions. After celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and its 52nd in 2025, the festival reaches its 53rd edition in August 2026. The heart of the event remains Piazza Marconi, where the food stands draw visitors from across the province and beyond.

Hand-rolled fusilli

The undisputed star is the pietrafusano fusillo, a fresh pasta shape (seven to ten centimeters long) created by wrapping dough around a thin metal rod and sliding it off with a quick, expert hand movement. As the organizers emphasize, this shape cannot be replicated by any machine; its unique texture is the result of the local women's skill, who still prepare the pasta by hand in the days leading up to the festival. Traditionally, these fusilli were reserved for special family celebrations; serving them in the piazza for two nights in August is a way to share a piece of Pietradefusi's identity with visitors.

Braciola pietrafusana and Aglianico wine

The other symbol of the festival is the braciola pietrafusana: thin slices of beef rolled and tied with kitchen twine, stuffed with aromatic herbs, mint, and garlic, and slow-cooked in a rich tomato ragù. This dish was born from peasant ingenuity, where a single fire was used to prepare both the pasta sauce and the meat course. Everything is paired with Aglianico, the ancient grape variety of the Avellino region. The east-facing hills of Pietradefusi capture the morning sun, producing grapes that yield a fresh, well-structured ruby red wine, served by the glass directly from local producers.

What to eat at the stands

• Fusilli with braciola ragù, the festival's signature dish
• Braciola pietrafusana, slow-cooked in tomato sauce
• Ciarcia prosciutto, a highly prized local cured meat
• Sausage sandwiches and other traditional street food
• Eggplant parmigiana
• Aglianico wine from Irpinian wineries
• Pizzillo, a traditional local dish served during the patronal feast day

Music, dancing, and patronal festivities

The festival is more than just a meal. Evenings typically begin at 8:00 PM with live music, ballroom dancing, and folk dances under the square's plane trees, overlooking the valley. Recent editions have featured a variety of Italian music and dance bands, while the final day coincides with the patronal feast, often featuring a concert band—a classic combination in Irpinian summer festivals where gastronomy and devotion intertwine.

The village of Pietradefusi

Visitors can take the opportunity to explore the historic center, clustered around the medieval Aragonese tower, the Baroque church of Maria SS. Annunziata, and the Franciscan Sisters' museum. The surrounding landscape is quintessential Irpinia, defined by Aglianico vineyards, olive groves, and perched villages—a setting that explains why the local cuisine remains so deeply rooted in the land and family traditions.

When to go

The date is fixed: the second weekend of August. In 2026, the festival will be held on Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th. It is advisable to arrive early, as the food stands are popular and the square fills up quickly; the village is small and parking near the center is limited.