La Pezzata of Capracotta

The festival of the Molise mountains

La Pezzata di Capracotta is one of the most important and iconic festivals in Molise. It takes place every year on the first Sunday of August on the Prato Gentile plateau, a splendid mountain plain surrounding Capracotta, in the province of Isernia, one of the highest municipalities in the Apennines. Here, amidst woods and meadows at over 1500 meters above sea level, a ritual rooted in the pastoral civilization of Alto Molise is renewed.

The dish of pastoral tradition

The heart of the festival is la pezzata: boiled sheep with aromatic herbs, cooked according to the ancient shepherds' recipe, served alongside grilled lamb. It is a dish that is both humble and generous, telling the story of transhumance and the ancient sheep tracks that crossed these mountains. The Pro Loco of Capracotta, which organizes the event, provides visitors with the traditional wooden fork, bowl, and glass, symbols of a day spent in nature.

Thousands of visitors on the plateau

Defined as the day of welcome, La Pezzata attracts thousands of people every year from all over Molise and surrounding regions. The morning begins with the setup, a mass on the plateau, and the distribution of portions, in a festive atmosphere that combines gastronomy, folk music, and open-air relaxation. For Capracotta and all of Alto Molise, it is the quintessential summer event, showcasing an authentic and hospitable mountain region.