Grilled Lamb Festival

A Ferragosto tradition in the upper Sinello valley

The Grilled Lamb Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Roccaspinalveti, a village nestled on a hill at an altitude of approximately 740 meters in the upper Sinello river valley, in the province of Chieti, in the heart of inland Abruzzo. Organized by the Pro Loco of Roccaspinalveti APS, the festival is celebrated on Ferragosto and has now surpassed forty editions, establishing itself as a landmark for lovers of traditional cuisine and village festivals in the Vastese area.

Grilled lamb, the star of the show

The highlight of the event is the lamb roasted over charcoal, prepared according to an ancient local recipe. The meat, sourced from farms in the lush pastures surrounding the village, is slow-cooked on grills by a team of expert grill masters and served at food stalls set up in the Piazza del Mercato. The lamb is paired with local wines, beers, and other Abruzzese culinary specialties, creating a communal feast that draws hundreds of visitors from neighboring towns and beyond every year.

Games, music, and village atmosphere

The festive day is about more than just food. The morning is enlivened by traditional folk games for all ages, while the food stalls open at noon. The evening gives way to live music, with concerts and bands animating the square: recent editions have featured performers from the Abruzzese music scene, turning the festival into a true community celebration that continues late into the night.

An identity-defining event for the Municipality of Roccaspinalveti

More than just a food and wine festival, the event represents a moment of gathering for the entire community of Roccaspinalveti. The setting of the square and the village's green spaces creates the atmosphere of a grand Ferragosto picnic, where Abruzzese culinary tradition intertwines with the hospitality and conviviality typical of mountain villages. The Pro Loco, with the contribution of sponsors and volunteers, ensures the organization of an event that promotes the territory and its gastronomic excellence every year.

Why attend

• Grilled lamb prepared according to the traditional Abruzzese recipe
• Local wines and typical products from the Vastese region
• Traditional games for adults and children
• Live music on the evening of Ferragosto
• An authentic village in the upper Sinello valley to discover