Fusillo co' Ciurillo Festival

Two nights of celebration in the heart of Irpinia

The Fusillo co' Ciurillo Festival takes place every year in mid-July in the historic center of San Potito Ultra, a small town in the province of Avellino, in Campania. It is one of the first festivals to open the Irpinian summer season: as the sun sets, Piazza Barone Amatucci fills with long tables, lights, and chatter, transforming the village into a culinary journey dedicated to local peasant traditions. The evenings begin at 7:00 PM and continue late into the night with traditional dishes and music.

Handmade fusilli and ciurilli

The undisputed star is the fusillo, a long, hollow pasta that is hand-rolled around a knitting needle in Irpinia. Here, it is served in two versions: with ragù, prepared according to a local recipe simmered for hours, and the namesake co' ciurillo, dressed with local zucchini flowers. Alongside the pasta, the festival menu showcases the entire repertoire of local popular cuisine.

• Cuoppo di ciurilli: fried zucchini flowers served in a paper cone, the most popular specialty
• Caciocavallo impiccato: cheese melted over embers and served on bread
• Braciola di cotica and grilled pork
• Mixed fried garden vegetables
• Traditional desserts, prepared by the local women
• Local wine — Aglianico dell'Irpinia — and draft beer

Folk music and village atmosphere

The festival is about more than just food: both nights feature live folk music, with tarantellas and traditional tunes that get entire families dancing between one bite and the next. Past editions have featured local Irpinian bands, chosen specifically for their ability to capture the authentic rhythm of a village feast. The atmosphere is that of a rare, self-funded event managed by volunteers: no massive stages, just shared tables, fast service, and a crowd arriving from across the province.

A village to discover around the festival

San Potito Ultra has just over 1,500 inhabitants and is located a few kilometers from Avellino, along the route toward Alta Irpinia. The village is compact and easily explored on foot: the festival occupies the main square and adjacent streets, making a stroll between stalls a perfect way to visit the town. Those arriving in the afternoon can enjoy the local playgrounds and green areas, while local shops offer cured meats, cheeses, and nougat, other specialties of this corner of Campania.

Who organizes the festival

The event is organized by the Maria SS. del Soccorso Festival Committee along with a group of local volunteers, the same people who manage local religious celebrations. Proceeds from the festival support the committee's activities and community life in the town. Admission is free: you only pay for what you consume, with portions served à la carte at the various food stands.

Tips for your visit

It is best to arrive early, shortly after the stands open at 7:00 PM, as queues for the ciurilli grow quickly and some items may sell out during the evening. Parking for cars and motorcycles is free, and there are unequipped parking areas available for campers. The festival is held outdoors: in July, temperatures in Irpinia drop significantly after sunset, so a light sweater is recommended.