Hanging Caciocavallo and Pittulone Festival

A festival born from an ancient ritual

Some festivals are built around a dish, while others are born from a ritual. The Hanging Caciocavallo and Pittulone Festival belongs to the latter: everything revolves around a wheel of caciocavallo cheese suspended over a brazier, softened by the heat until it drips, thread by thread, onto a slice of warm bread. It is a simple tradition rooted in the pastoral culture of Irpinia, which has quickly become one of the most popular summer events in San Sossio di Serino.

The event takes place in the hamlet of San Sossio, within the Municipality of Serino, in the province of Avellino, Campania, about fifty kilometers from Naples. The heart of the festival is the square adjacent to the church on Via Giovanni Masucci: an intimate, illuminated space where food stalls and the stage stand just a few meters apart.

The hanging caciocavallo, the undisputed star

The name might make visitors smile, but it perfectly describes the technique: the caciocavallo wheel is suspended from a support over hot coals rather than being placed on a grill. The cooking is slow and indirect; the cheese doesn't burn, it melts. As the surface softens, it is scraped onto warm bread and served immediately while still stringy. It is as much a visual spectacle as it is a culinary one, and crowds of curious onlookers with their phones at the ready always gather around the braziers.

The pittulone, the festival's other soul

If the caciocavallo catches the eye, the pittulone wins over those seeking the taste of home. It is a thin, round rustic flatbread, typical of local tradition, filled with cheeses, cured meats, and regional products. It is the classic communal dish to share at long tables, and in past editions, it has been joined by other Irpinian specialties, from roasts to homemade dishes prepared by the committee's volunteers.

Live music and village festival vibes

Every evening, after the stalls open, the program continues with live music concerts and DJ sets. Previous editions have featured folk music groups and artists from the Campania scene, with evenings dedicated to dancing and moments designed for families, including inflatables for kids. The atmosphere is that of a traditional village festival: no admission fee, shared tables, and different generations gathered in the same square until late at night.

Who organizes it

The festival is organized by the San Giuseppe, San Michele, and San Sossio Festival Committee together with the "I Ragazzi di Don Carlo" Association. It is an organization entirely based on local volunteering, born in continuity with the hamlet's religious festivals, and the proceeds support the activities of the San Sossio community.

Serino and Irpinia around the festival

Serino is a town spread across several hamlets, nestled among the hills that close the valley south of Avellino. Those who arrive for the festival will find a green territory, far from mass tourism, and a solid food and wine tradition made of Irpinian cheeses, cured meats, chestnuts, and wines. Combining an evening at the festival with a day of hiking or visiting nearby villages is the best way to understand why, in Irpinia, food is never just food.

When to go

The event is held every August, always over three evenings. In 2026, the festival reaches its fifth edition, scheduled from Friday, August 7th to Sunday, August 9th. The stalls open in the evening and the party continues until late: those who want to dine in peace should book ahead, as attendance is high on weekend nights.