In Search of the Sarapullo — Pizzilli with Sarapullo
May 1st in Aiello del Sabato: wild thyme foraging at the Acqua del Lupo spring and freshly fried pizzilli in the woods
About In Search of the Sarapullo
A May 1st tradition in the heart of Irpinia
In Aiello del Sabato, a small town in the province of Avellino, Campania, May 1st is more than just a date on the calendar: it is the day the village heads into the woods to go "in search of the sarapullo." The event, which has grown year after year to become a highlight of the local calendar, combines a nature walk, the foraging of wild herbs, and a long, convivial outdoor gathering around the stove. The meeting point is the picturesque Acqua del Lupo spring, just outside the town center on Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini.
The sarapullo, the wild thyme that flavors the pizzilli
Sarapullo is the local Irpinian dialect name for wild thyme, an aromatic herb that grows spontaneously on the slopes and along the woodland paths around Aiello del Sabato. Its intense fragrance is the soul of the pizzilli, the savory fritters prepared here on the first day of May. The tradition is guarded by a popular saying passed down through generations: "He who wishes to avoid gnats all year round, must eat pizzilli with sarapullo on the first of May," as wild thyme has always been considered an excellent natural repellent.
How the day unfolds
The program is simple and intentionally informal, designed for those who want to walk at a leisurely pace and then stop to eat together:
- Meeting at the Acqua del Lupo spring in the early afternoon, welcoming participants of all ages;
- Walk along the forest trails, accompanied by Virgilio, Carmine, and Conny, who teach how to correctly identify and harvest the sarapullo;
- Return to the spring in the late afternoon with freshly picked bunches of thyme;
- Outdoor feast: Enzo and Tonino fry hot sarapullo fritters and the famous pizzilli on the spot;
- Stories, anecdotes, and recipes passed down through time, amidst folk music, local dialect chatter, and a shared glass of wine.
The pizzilli, the town's signature dish
Pizzilli are much more than just a fritter: they are the symbolic dish of Aiello del Sabato, recovered through interviews with local elders and relaunched by the Pro Loco as part of the "Products and Territories" promotion initiative. On the same day, local bars and restaurants offer their own version of the pizzilli, so that even those who do not join the walk can taste them. It is a successful example of how a peasant recipe can become, without any pretense, a source of identity and a tourist attraction for a small Irpinian town.
A community celebration in memory of Pietro
The event is dedicated to the memory of Pietro, and it is precisely this emotional bond that gives it its authentic tone: no stage, no spectacle, just a group of friends and families continuing a collective ritual. Participation is completely free; those who wish can leave a voluntary donation to the "Il Fiorellino e la Tartaruga" association, which promotes the inclusion of autistic children in Irpinia.
Why it's worth attending
Those who arrive in Aiello del Sabato on May 1st will find one of the most authentic experiences that inland Campania has to offer: lush green woods just a stone's throw from Avellino, wild herbs picked by hand, the sound of sizzling oil, and the scent of thyme spreading through the trees. It is a family-friendly, accessible event, with no tickets or queues, where simplicity is the true added value and where the sense of community is measured by the number of people who stay around the frying pan until evening.
In Search of the Sarapullo — edition 2026
Fourth edition, in memory of Pietro
On May 1st, 2026, in Aiello del Sabato, the "In Search of the Sarapullo" event returned for its fourth edition, once again dedicated to the memory of Pietro. The meeting was set for 3:00 PM at the picturesque Acqua del Lupo spring, the usual starting point for the day.
In the woods, in search of wild thyme
Guided by Virgilio, Carmine, and Conny, participants ventured along the forest trails in search of sarapullo, the fragrant wild thyme that is a symbol of the Irpinian territory. The return, scheduled around 4:30 PM, marked the beginning of the most anticipated part of the day.
The feast
Enzo and Tonino prepared hot sarapullo fritters and the famous pizzilli on the spot, served alongside other local specialties and accompanied by stories, anecdotes, and recipes handed down through time. The ancient local saying was not forgotten: "He who wishes to avoid gnats all year round, must eat pizzilli with sarapullo on the first of May."
A free and charitable event
The initiative was free and open to everyone, adults and children alike. The donations collected, which were entirely voluntary, went to support the "Il Fiorellino e la Tartaruga" association, which promotes the inclusion of autistic children in Irpinia.
Programme In Search of the Sarapullo 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026 — Acqua del Lupo Spring, Aiello del Sabato (AV)
- 3:00 PM — Meeting of participants at the Acqua del Lupo spring
- From 3:00 PM — Walk along the forest trails in search of sarapullo (wild thyme), accompanied by Virgilio, Carmine, and Conny
- Around 4:30 PM — Return to the spring
- Following — Outdoor feast: hot sarapullo fritters and pizzilli prepared on the spot by Enzo and Tonino, with other local specialties
- Throughout the afternoon — Stories, anecdotes, and traditional recipes shared with participants
Event open to all, adults and children. Suitable footwear for trails is recommended.
Highlights In Search of the Sarapullo 2026
- Fourth edition of the initiative, dedicated to the memory of Pietro
- Meeting at 3:00 PM at the Acqua del Lupo spring, in the greenery just outside the town
- Guided foraging of sarapullo, the wild thyme that symbolizes the territory
- Hot sarapullo fritters and pizzilli fried on the spot by Enzo and Tonino
- The ancient saying: "He who wishes to avoid gnats all year round, must eat pizzilli with sarapullo on the first of May"
- Voluntary donation to support the Il Fiorellino e la Tartaruga association
Prices In Search of the Sarapullo 2026
Practical information — In Search of the Sarapullo
How to get there
Aiello del Sabato is just a few kilometers from Avellino, along the Sabato river valley. By car, take the A16 Naples-Canosa motorway (Avellino Ovest exit) and continue towards Atripalda and Aiello del Sabato; the meeting point is the Acqua del Lupo spring, at Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini 30. The journey from Naples takes about an hour. Regular buses connect Avellino to the towns of the Sabato valley.
When
Every May 1st, meeting in the early afternoon with a feast lasting until evening.
Costs
Participation is free and open to all. A free and voluntary donation is appreciated to support the "Il Fiorellino e la Tartaruga" association, which works for the inclusion of autistic children.
Useful tips
- Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots: the trails are unpaved and can be damp;
- Bring water, a hat, and a basket or cloth bag for the harvested sarapullo;
- The initiative is suitable for children and families, but little ones should be accompanied along the forest paths;
- The organizers ask that you notify them of your attendance in advance to better organize the frying and the feast.
Information
Pro Loco of Aiello del Sabato — phone +39 347 0766068, e-mail [email protected], Facebook page "ProLocodiAiellodelSabato".
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Where does it take place — In Search of the Sarapullo
Sorgente Acqua del Lupo
Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini, 30, 83020 Aiello del Sabato