Gnocchitti Festival

The Gnocchitti Festival in Rosciolo dei Marsi

In the heart of the Marsica region, at the foot of Mount Velino, the small village of Rosciolo dei Marsi — a hamlet of the municipality of Magliano de' Marsi, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo) — dedicates every summer a festival to its most iconic specialty: gnocchitti. This is a short, hollowed-out egg pasta, crafted entirely by hand according to a recipe passed down through generations. The Gnocchitti Festival is traditionally held on August 14th, the eve of Ferragosto, in Piazza della Torre, the heart of the village.

A handmade tradition

What makes this festival special is the collective effort behind it: for weeks, the women of Rosciolo gather to knead and shape the gnocchitti one by one, using over twelve hundred eggs. It is a communal ritual that unites the village's generations and transforms pasta preparation into a moment of storytelling, singing, and shared memory. The quality of this commitment has been rewarded: in March 2025, the UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy) awarded the event the "Quality Festival" recognition, attesting to its cultural value and its ability to preserve local gastronomic traditions.

The village in celebration

On the evening of August 14th, the village lights up: food stalls open in the ancient cellars and in the square, where the gnocchitti are served steaming hot in their traditional variations. Alongside the tasting, the program includes the re-enactment of ancient crafts and musical entertainment, with roving and live performances that enliven the evening until late at night. A free shuttle service makes it easy for visitors to reach the village, with its narrow streets and medieval charm.

Flavors of the Marsica

The festival is also an opportunity to showcase local products: in the 2025 edition, the gnocchitti were offered in a reinterpretation with Rosciolo saffron and a wild boar ragù scented with mountain herbs like thyme. Traditional cuisine remains the star, however, with the genuine flavors of the Marsica and the Abruzzo hinterland.

A village to discover

A visit to Rosciolo dei Marsi is enriched by the nearby church of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta, a jewel of Abruzzese Romanesque art nestled in the greenery on the slopes of Mount Velino. The Gnocchitti Festival is thus much more than a gastronomic event: it is an immersion in the tradition, community, and landscape of one of the most authentic corners of the province of L'Aquila.