Guilmi Ventricina Festival
Celebrating the signature cured meat of the Alto Vastese region in the heart of the Guilmi summer
About Ventricina Festival
The festival celebrating authentic ventricina
In the heart of the Alto Vastese, nestled among the hills sloping down toward the Sinello valley, the town of Guilmi (Chieti province, Abruzzo) preserves one of the region's most authentic culinary traditions: ventricina. Every summer, around the Ferragosto holiday, the village comes alive for the Ventricina Festival, the most cherished event of the local summer calendar, now boasting over forty years of history.
Ventricina, the signature cured meat of the Alto Vastese
Guilmi's ventricina is a cured sausage made from hand-selected lean pork, seasoned with sweet and spicy bell pepper powder, wild fennel, and garlic. The coarse-ground mixture is stuffed and left to age slowly, which gives it its deep red color and spicy aroma. It is a defining product of the entire Vasto area, and Guilmi proudly claims one of the most traditional interpretations. During the festival, ventricina is served in countless ways: in sandwiches, on charcuterie boards, as skewers, in fritters, and in delicious creative variations.
Two nights of flavor and music
Food stalls typically open at 6:00 PM and remain active until late. Alongside the star of the show, the menu offers traditional Abruzzese peasant dishes and seasonal specialties, such as friarielli with crispy peppers. The festival is about more than just food: each evening features live music from popular bands and groups, continuing with DJ sets and a cocktail bar for younger crowds.
A community event
The festival is promoted by the Pro Loco of Guilmi in collaboration with the Municipality and serves as the highlight of the village's summer calendar. It is a perfect opportunity to rediscover a small village in the Abruzzo hinterland, support local producers, and experience the genuine hospitality of the Guilmi community. Its timing, spanning the eve and the day of Ferragosto, makes it an unmissable stop for anyone spending the summer in the Abruzzo hills.
Why attend
- Taste the authentic Guilmi ventricina, the signature cured meat of the Alto Vastese
- Experience the atmosphere of an authentic village festival in the heart of Abruzzo
- Enjoy evenings with live music, DJ sets, and traditional cuisine
- Discover the village of Guilmi and the Frentana territory in the province of Chieti
Ventricina Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Guilmi Ventricina Festival is scheduled, according to tradition, for August 13 and 14 in the town of Guilmi (Chieti province, Abruzzo). As every year, the Pro Loco and the Municipality will bring the village to life with two evenings dedicated to ventricina, the signature cured meat of the Alto Vastese, featuring food stalls, Abruzzese culinary specialties, and live music. The full program, including artist names and menus, will be released by the organizers in the weeks preceding the festival.
Practical information — Ventricina Festival
Getting there
Guilmi can be reached by car from the Vasto Sud exit of the A14 motorway, continuing inland along the Sinello valley. The nearest train station is Vasto-San Salvo, from which you can continue by car or local transport connections.
Hours and admission
Food stalls typically open at 6:00 PM. Admission to the festival area is free; you pay for the items you order from the menus.
Information
For updated information on dates and the program, you can contact the Pro Loco of Guilmi at +39 0872 869146 or follow the event's social media channels.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Ventricina Festival
Centro storico di Guilmi