International Chefs Festival

A gastronomic festival in the heart of Abruzzo

The International Chefs Festival is the premier summer event that brings haute cuisine to the narrow streets of Bugnara, a medieval village in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. Nestled in the heart of the Valle Peligna, at the foot of the mountains surrounding Sulmona, the entire historic center comes alive for a day dedicated to flavor, the meeting of culinary cultures, and the promotion of local produce.

Live cooking and culinary masters

The heart of the festival lies in its live cooking shows, where Michelin-starred chefs, emerging talents, and masters of tradition work before the public, sharing techniques, ingredients, and stories. Alongside these demonstrations, a roving tasting route winds through the village, featuring dishes ranging from traditional Abruzzo fare to innovative international creations.

A journey through taste, culture, and territory

• Food stalls featuring traditional dishes and signature recipes
• Roving tastings throughout the historic center
• Spaces dedicated to sustainable cuisine and zero-mile products
• Presence of slow food advocates and local producers
• Entertainment, artisanal crafts, and family-friendly activities

Bugnara and the Valle Peligna

Bugnara is a small Abruzzo municipality known for its compact village layout, dominated by its castle and crisscrossed by stone alleys. Its location in the Valle Peligna, a land of transhumance and peasant traditions, makes the festival an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the L'Aquila hinterland, far from the most crowded tourist circuits. The event is part of the town's rich summer calendar, filled with festivals, patron saint feasts, and community gatherings.

An international event with a village soul

While maintaining the intimate charm of a local village event, the International Chefs Festival boasts an international reach, hosting professionals and guests from diverse gastronomic traditions. The result is a day where culinary excellence meets the conviviality typical of Abruzzo villages, offering visitors and enthusiasts a multisensory experience immersed in history, flavor, and landscape.