Grape and Wine Festival

A festival dedicated to the grape harvest in Fossacesia

The Grape and Wine Festival is the event that, between late September and early October, brings the historic center of Fossacesia to life. This town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, overlooks the Costa dei Trabocchi and is watched over by the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. Created to rediscover and promote the ancient farming culture linked to the harvest, the festival has grown with each edition to become one of the most popular autumn events in the Frentano area.

The parade of district floats

The highlight of the event is the grand parade of allegorical floats that winds through the town streets in the early afternoon. Each contrada (district) of Fossacesia builds its own float, the result of weeks of collective work, creating a lively competition filled with imagination, color, and references to the agricultural world and winemaking tradition. A jury of experts evaluates the works, and at the end of the day, the trophy is awarded to the winning district: a deeply felt moment that renews the spirit of friendly rivalry between the neighborhoods.

Traditional games, flavors, and music

Alongside the parade, the program features traditional games of the past, involving both adults and children in Piazza Alessandro Fantini: from tug-of-war to sack races, handkerchief games, and relay races for the little ones. There is no shortage of food and wine stalls with local products and regional wines, the absolute stars of a festival that celebrates the fruits of the earth. The day is accompanied by live music and performances by folk groups, such as flag-wavers, who entertain the streets until evening.

A community celebration

Organized by the Associazione Culturale Festa dell'Uva e del Vino with the support of the Municipality of Fossacesia, the event attracts thousands of visitors every year. To facilitate access, a free shuttle service is provided from the parking areas outside the center. More than just a simple food festival, the Grape and Wine Festival is a gathering that unites the entire Fossacesia community around its farming roots, conviviality, and pride in the traditions of Abruzzo.