Italian Rabbit and Rigatoni all'Ancaranese Food Festival

The signature festival of Ancarano

The Italian Rabbit and Rigatoni all'Ancaranese Food Festival is one of the most deeply rooted summer culinary events in the province of Teramo. Every year, in early August, the historic center of Ancarano transforms into a vast village of flavors. As the food stalls open at dusk, the narrow streets of the village fill with enticing aromas, music, and visitors arriving from across Abruzzo and the neighboring Marche region. Organized by Pro Loco Ancarano with the patronage of the Municipality of Ancarano, the event is now a classic of the Teramo summer, having celebrated over thirty-five editions.

Rabbit and rigatoni all'ancaranese

The undisputed star of the table is the Italian rabbit, prepared according to local recipes: alla cacciatora (hunter-style) or in porchetta (roasted with herbs), seasoned with traditional aromatic plants. Alongside the rabbit, the festival's signature dish is the rigatoni all'ancaranese, served with a rich meat sauce featuring prosciutto, pancetta, and a touch of chili pepper. For those who prefer more delicate flavors, there is also a white rabbit ragù version.

The menu is rounded out by the specialties that make Abruzzese festivals an unforgettable experience: arrosticini (sheep skewers) grilled over charcoal, sausage sandwiches, fried cheese, assorted fried treats, and traditional fried desserts, all washed down with local wines.

Music and atmosphere in the village

The festival is about more than just food. Every evening, while the food stalls are open, the village comes alive with live music and entertainment, featuring dance parties and DJ sets at the Belvedere that continue late into the night. The streets of the historic center also host displays of local crafts and regional products, creating a festive atmosphere that brings together residents and tourists alike.

A village between Abruzzo and the Marche

Ancarano is a small town in the province of Teramo, in Abruzzo, perched on the hills of the Val Vibrata, just a few kilometers from the border with the Marche and the Adriatic coast. Visiting the village for the festival is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Teramo hinterland, where traditional cuisine and the hospitality of the Pro Loco showcase the identity of a community deeply connected to its roots. The event is the perfect occasion to savor the area's iconic dishes in a convivial, popular setting.