La Polenta del Brigante

La Polenta del Brigante: Peasant heritage of the Laga Mountains

La Polenta del Brigante is the festival that brings Pagliaroli, a tiny hamlet in the Municipality of Cortino (Teramo), to life every autumn in the heart of the Laga Mountains in Abruzzo. Created to bring a signature local product back to the table and into the collective memory, the event revolves around the ancient Pagliaroli corn, an indigenous variety rediscovered in 2012 and affectionately dubbed "the King's Corn," now the symbol of the "Terra dei Briganti, products of yesteryear" territorial brand.

The King's Corn and the Terra dei Briganti brand

The common thread of the festival is the agricultural biodiversity of the Upper Tordino Valley: the recovery of this ancient corn has revitalized a local supply chain and helped tell the story of these mountain villages. The polenta is served in several delicious variations, from meat ragù to local porcini mushrooms, accompanied by traditional Teramo specialties. The food stalls, set up in a covered and heated structure, are open from Friday evening through Sunday lunch.

Nature, hiking, and autumn foliage

La Polenta del Brigante is more than just food: the event also offers a rich program of nature and culture. The highlight is the hike through the fiery autumn woods, a five-kilometer loop connecting Pagliaroli, Servillo, Fonte Palumbo, and Elce, organized in collaboration with FederTrek for the National Walking Day. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Laga Mountains at the peak of the foliage season.

Folk music and Abruzzese traditions

Throughout the festival, folk music fills the air, featuring local bands, theatrical and musical performances, and workshops dedicated to traditional Abruzzese dances. The event is dedicated to the memory of Mimmo Paesani, one of the project's founders, and stems from the commitment of the Pro Loco Pagliaroli in partnership with the Municipality of Cortino, the GAL Gran Sasso Laga, the Consorzio BIM Vomano-Tordino of Teramo, and the Braga Conservatory.

A defining event for Cortino

For a mountain village like Cortino, La Polenta del Brigante represents much more than a food festival: it is a moment of community, a celebration of rural heritage, and a boost for tourism in the Teramo hinterland. An autumn weekend that weaves together nature, tradition, and taste, offering visitors an authentic immersion into the culture of the Laga Mountains.