Grilled Mortadella Festival

A popular festival in the heart of the Gran Sasso

The Grilled Mortadella Festival takes place in Colledoro, a small village in the municipality of Castelli, in the province of Teramo, nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains at the foot of the Gran Sasso massif. While Castelli is world-renowned for its artistic ceramics, in August, the hamlet of Colledoro draws visitors from across the province for one of its most heartfelt and well-attended celebrations.

Organized by the Carpe Diem Cultural Association of Colledoro with the patronage of the Municipality of Castelli, the event is a key part of the local summer calendar. Now in its twentieth year, the festival is a staple of late August, blending the religious significance of the patronal feast with a convivial food and wine experience.

Grilled mortadella, a Colledoro specialty

The undisputed star of the festival is the grilled mortadella, a specialty rooted in ancient tradition: the meat is crushed in a mortar, slow-cooked over embers, and scented with myrtle, following a recipe passed down through generations. Alongside this signature dish, food stalls offer other popular Abruzzo specialties such as arrosticini (lamb skewers), grilled sausages, and fries, all paired with local wines.

Faith, traditions, and music

The festival traditionally opens with the procession of the patron saints Lucia and Macario through the village streets and a community lunch. Food stalls typically open in the afternoon from 6:00 PM, while evenings are enlivened by live music, cover bands, DJ sets, themed nights like the 'Night of the Taranta', and traditional briscola card tournaments. The event celebrates local folklore and traditions, offering a meeting point for residents and tourists alike within the beautiful setting of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

A highlight of the Teramo summer

Simple, authentic, and deeply rooted in the local community, the Grilled Mortadella Festival is a defining event for the summer in Castelli and the Teramo hinterland. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a hidden gem of the Gran Sasso, far from the crowded tourist circuits, while savoring a unique culinary specialty in a genuine village atmosphere.