La Pascolata - Sheep, Shepherds & Surroundings

La Pascolata, the festival of pastoral life in Introdacqua

La Pascolata - Sheep, Shepherds & Surroundings is an event dedicated to the agropastoral culture held in Introdacqua, a small village in the Peligna Valley in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. The event was founded in 2022 by the Fattorie Pingue Agritourism and takes place at Bosco Plaja, on the slopes of Monte Plaja, in a natural setting that transports visitors back to the slow rhythms of life from the past.

A dive into the world of transhumance

The heart of the festival is the walks with the flock: guided hikes along the forest trails in the company of sheep and shepherds, with routes of varying lengths suitable for families and hikers. Dozens of activities revolve around this experience, showcasing the identity of the Abruzzo mountains, from wool processing to milking, and the transformation of milk into pecorino cheese.

Flavors of the Peligna Valley

Local gastronomy is a major highlight. Over the two weekends, there are continuous tastings such as "La Pecora a lu cuttùr" (traditional mutton stew), spit-roasted lamb, arrosticini, and pastoral cuisine dishes, paired with "Shepherd's Wine" and craft beers. There is also the pecorino cheese competition, organized with the Slow Food chapter of the Peligna Valley, which awards the best cheeses from local producers.

Workshops, conferences, and contests

• Creative workshops for adults and children, from "cheesemaker for a day" to wool spinning.
• Conferences on livestock farming, the protection of local products, and Abruzzese culinary heritage.
• Photo contest dedicated to the pastoral world, with an awards ceremony for the best images.
• Market featuring local artisans and producers.

Music and entertainment

The days conclude with Abruzzese folk music, featuring accordions and traditional songs, along with comedy and entertainment that enliven Bosco Plaja until the evening. La Pascolata is a complete festival, blending nature, culture, fine food, and conviviality in one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Municipality of Introdacqua.

Why attend

For those looking to discover the authentic soul of inland Abruzzo, La Pascolata is a unique opportunity: an event that promotes the tradition of transhumance—a UNESCO-recognized heritage—and the communities of shepherds who still preserve this knowledge in the Peligna Valley today.