L'Estate di San Martino – Chestnut, Hazelnut and Wine Festival

L'Estate di San Martino: Irpinia in November

As the first chill descends from the Partenio massif and the sun still offers a few warm days, the village of San Martino in Monteforte Irpino (Avellino province, Campania) celebrates L'Estate di San Martino, the historic Chestnut, Hazelnut and Wine Festival. It is one of the most cherished autumn events in Irpinia: for a few days, the stone alleys of the old village are filled with stalls, the scent of roasted chestnuts, folk music, and crowds strolling until late in the evening.

Chestnuts, hazelnuts, and new wine

The absolute stars are the three signature fruits of the season, paired with traditional local peasant dishes:

• Partenio chestnuts, roasted on braziers along the narrow streets or transformed into desserts and preserves by local pastry shops.
• Irpinian hazelnuts, a hallmark product of the Avellino province, featured in creams, nougats, and dry pastries.
• New wine and the great wines of Irpinia offered by local wineries: Aglianico among the reds, and Greco di Tufo and Fiano among the whites.

Alongside these local products, restaurateurs, farms, and local artisan shops set up dozens of tasting stations along the festival route.

The Fuocaroni and the patronal feast of Saint Martin

The event is more than just a food and wine festival: it is deeply linked to the patronal feast of Saint Martin, which falls on November 11th and has always marked the calendar of the Monteforte community. Following the religious rites, locals and visitors gather around the bonfires for the traditional Fuocaroni di San Martino ritual, a moment to share chestnuts, hazelnuts, and new wine while the village glows with firelight. It is a gesture that gives meaning to the entire celebration: sharing the first wine of the vintage around the fire, just as it was done in the Irpinian countryside for generations.

Music, street performers, and guided tours

The program features a mix of performances and opportunities to explore the area. Recent editions have hosted folk music concerts, jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, creative workshops for children, storytelling, and medieval music performed within the castle walls. Guided tours of the Medieval Village, organized at set times during the weekend, allow visitors to discover the history of the town while walking through arches, courtyards, and stone houses.

The village of San Martino and the Lombard castle

The festival takes place along via Loffredo and the narrow streets of the San Martino village, at the foot of the Lombard castle that overlooks the valley. Its compact urban layout, characterized by staircases and small squares, takes on a special atmosphere in autumn: the scenery itself is part of the show, explaining why the event attracts visitors from across the Avellino province and the Naples area.

A community-driven event

The event is organized by the Municipality of Monteforte Irpino in collaboration with the Pro Loco Mons Fortis and local associations, with the stated goal of promoting the roots and peasant culture of Irpinia. The direct involvement of the parish, youth groups, scouts, and volunteers is the hallmark of the event: rather than an externally produced show, L'Estate di San Martino is a celebration the town hosts for itself and opens to its visitors.

When to go

The event is traditionally held in November, around the Saint Martin holiday on November 11th, spanning a long weekend. As the festival is largely outdoors, dates may change in case of bad weather: it is always advisable to check the final calendar on the Municipality and Pro Loco channels before traveling.