Gallo Sausage Festival

A Ferragosto tradition in the heart of Marsica

The Gallo Sausage Festival is one of the most deeply rooted gastronomic events in the Abruzzo summer. It takes place in the hamlet of Gallo, a small village belonging to the municipality of Tagliacozzo, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of the Marsica region. Now in its fourth decade—the 46th edition was held in 2024—the event is a staple of the Ferragosto calendar, drawing residents, vacationers, and hikers returning from the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park and the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park.

Sausage takes center stage

The heart of the festival is the Abruzzo sausage grilled over an open flame, served in the classic sandwich version. From the gastronomic stalls set up in the village square, open from late afternoon, you can also enjoy sandwiches with pancetta, steak, and other local specialties, all accompanied by local wine. It is simple, genuine cuisine that tells the story of the rural and pastoral soul of the Marsica mountains.

• Grilled sausages and sausage sandwiches
• Pancetta and steak sandwiches
• Local wine and other drinks
• Food stalls managed by local volunteers

Music, dancing, and festive atmosphere

Beyond the food and wine, the Gallo Sausage Festival is above all a moment of gathering for the entire community. The evening comes alive with live music and group dancing in the square, involving both young and old until late at night. It is an opportunity to gather under the Ferragosto stars, amidst the village streets, in a convivial atmosphere that is the true hallmark of Abruzzo village festivals.

Tagliacozzo and the village of Gallo

Tagliacozzo is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy: a historic center of great charm with the scenic Piazza dell'Obelisco, the Ducal Palace, and the Teatro Talia. The village of Gallo, nestled in the greenery of western Marsica, offers an ideal starting point for hikers and preserves the traditions of village life intact. Participating in the festival means discovering an authentic Abruzzo, far from the major tourist circuits, where hospitality and good food are still at the heart of the celebration.

Useful information

The festival is traditionally held on Ferragosto, August 15th, or the nearest weekend. Admission is free, and the stalls open in the late afternoon. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: it is recommended to check local channels and the village website as summer approaches.