Ham, Wine and Lamb Festival

An Irpinian tradition since 1978

The Ham, Wine and Lamb Festival is the signature event of Venticano, a small town in the province of Avellino, Campania, nestled among the hills of the Calore Valley. Organized by the Pro Loco Venticanese, the festival has been celebrating the authentic flavors of Irpinia since 1978. It has grown with every edition, earning the title from the local press as "the most beautiful and anticipated festival in Irpinia," often referred to as the "queen of festivals" in the area.

For nearly half a century, the event has drawn visitors and food lovers from across the province and neighboring regions to Venticano, with the only interruption caused by the health emergency. The 46th edition took place in 2025; for the summer of 2026, the municipal calendar announces the 47th edition.

Ham, wine, and lamb: the three protagonists

The name of the festival says it all. At the heart of the food stalls are three products that tell the story of the peasant and pastoral economy of these hills:

• ham, sliced and served in abundance, the identity core of the event;
• Irpinian wines, from a land of denominations famous throughout Italy, which accompany every course;
• lamb, cooked according to local pastoral traditions.

Alongside these three protagonists, other specialties of Irpinian cuisine find their place in a simple, hearty menu that has remained faithful to its original spirit: local products, generous portions, and popular prices.

Piazza Monumento ai Caduti, the heart of the celebration

The stage for the festival is Piazza Monumento ai Caduti, described by organizers as one of the most beautiful squares in Irpinia. For the occasion, the space is set up with hundreds of tables—provincial sources mention about three hundred—transforming the town center into one large, open-air dining room. The stands open in the evening as the summer heat fades, and the atmosphere remains vibrant until late at night.

Music, dance, and conviviality

The Venticano festival is not just about gastronomy. Every edition is accompanied by live music and dancing of all kinds, with bands and orchestras alternating on the stage set up in the square. It is this combination of food and popular celebration that explains the event's success: you eat sitting side-by-side with the locals, toast with local wine, and end up dancing in a climate that remains deeply authentic despite the large crowds.

The prelude to the patronal feast

The festival also holds a ritual value for the community: it effectively kicks off the week of celebrations leading up to the patronal feast on September 7th and 8th, dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Alexius. Those arriving in Venticano between late August and early September will find the town at its most vibrant time of the year, amidst illuminations, processions, and popular events.

Inside «ViviAMO Venticano»

The festival is the highlight of «ViviAMO Venticano – Summer Events», the summer program promoted by the Municipality together with the Pro Loco: over two months of initiatives from July to September involving Piazza Monumento ai Caduti, Piazza Santa Maria, Piazza Pio, and the Theater Cavea. The program includes the Venticano Theater Festival, the film festival dedicated to Mario Puzo, traditional tournaments, children's activities, the "4 steps for Venticano" race, and the "Beeropoli" beer event.

Tips for your visit

Those unfamiliar with Irpinia can combine the festival with a day exploring the villages and wineries of the area: we are in one of the most important wine-producing regions of Southern Italy, a short distance from Avellino and easily accessible from the highway. It is advisable to arrive early to find a seat at the tables and park without difficulty in the streets around the center, as the turnout is truly significant on peak evenings.