Intermesoli Chestnut Festival

The Intermesoli Chestnut Festival

The Intermesoli Chestnut Festival is the autumn celebration of the small village of Intermesoli, a mountain hamlet part of the Municipality of Pietracamela, in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo. Situated at the foot of the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, the village gathers around its ancient chestnut groves every October to celebrate the season's signature fruit.

A Local Tradition

Now in its twentieth year, the festival is organized by the Intermesoli Festival Organizing Committee under the patronage of the Municipality of Pietracamela. Originally conceived as a community gathering, it has evolved over the years into a highly anticipated event, attracting visitors from across the Teramo province and the Gran Sasso area, all eager to spend an autumn day enjoying good food, music, and mountain walks.

Chestnuts and Autumn Flavors

The heart of the event is, of course, the chestnuts, harvested from the surrounding woods and served at the food stalls in various ways:

• Roasted on the grill and boiled chestnuts;
• Chestnut-based desserts and local products;
• Traditional Abruzzo dishes and mountain street food.

Stalls typically open in the late morning and remain active throughout the day, filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and local specialties.

Music, Motors, and Hiking

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival offers a rich entertainment program: live music, DJ sets, and performances keep the crowd entertained from morning until evening. The traditional motorcycle rally is a highlight, drawing vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts to Intermesoli. For nature lovers, guided hikes are organized along local trails, such as those in the scenic Valle del Venacquaro, offering a chance to discover an authentic corner of the Gran Sasso.

A Village to Discover

The Chestnut Festival is the perfect opportunity to visit Intermesoli and Pietracamela, two of the most characteristic villages on the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, and to experience the genuine atmosphere of a mountain community in the heart of its autumn colors.