La Trebbiatura

La Trebbiatura in Controguerra: a journey into peasant life

In the heart of the Val Vibrata, at the northern tip of Abruzzo and just a few kilometers from the border with the Marche region, the Municipality of Controguerra (Teramo province) renews its commitment to tradition every summer with La Trebbiatura, a historical re-enactment dedicated to rural culture. This event is far more than a simple festival; it is a moment of collective memory that restores dignity and value to a heritage of skills, knowledge, and tools that have largely vanished.

Grain threshing: the heart of the event

The centerpiece of the day is the scenic re-enactment of threshing, the final stage of the harvest when grain was separated from straw. In Controguerra, this is demonstrated live using antique agricultural machinery still in working order, such as the historic thresher provided by local farms. The atmosphere around the thresher recreates the spirit of the past, when grain beating brought entire communities together in a collective effort defined by hard work, singing, and conviviality.

Culture, music, and traditional games

Alongside agricultural demonstrations, La Trebbiatura offers a rich program of cultural initiatives. These include round-table discussions with local experts on the social significance of threshing, exhibitions of vintage agricultural tools and tractors organized by the Museum of Peasant Civilization in Val Vibrata, and the traditional blessing of the tractors—both historic and modern—symbolizing the continuity between the past and today's agriculture. The festival comes alive with folk music from local groups, traditional games, and tastings of genuine Abruzzo peasant cuisine.

A village of wine and tradition

Controguerra is also renowned for its winemaking heritage, lending its name to the Controguerra DOC designation. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves, La Trebbiatura carries a strong sense of identity, celebrating the deep bond between the community and its land. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Controguerra in collaboration with the Youth and Seniors Recreational and Cultural Center, the Museum of Peasant Civilization in Val Vibrata, and local associations.

Why attend

• Witness the live re-enactment of grain threshing with vintage agricultural machinery
• Discover historic tools and tractors at the Museum of Peasant Civilization
• Experience the authentic atmosphere of a village in the Teramo region of Abruzzo
• Taste the traditional flavors of the Val Vibrata peasant cuisine