Laga Rural Villages Cultural Festival

A festival spread across the Laga villages

The Laga Rural Villages Cultural Festival is an itinerant, multi-municipal event that travels each year through the small mountain towns straddling the borders of Abruzzo, Marche, and Lazio, united by the Laga Mountains massif. In the municipality of Torricella Sicura, in the province of Teramo, the festival unfolds through a series of stages in the local hamlets, bringing culture, hiking, and history to the villages that dot the slopes of the Laga within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

The featured hamlets

In Torricella Sicura, the festival visits some of the most characteristic hamlets in the area: Magliano, Poggio Valle, and Ioanella. Each stop has its own theme, focusing on an aspect of mountain life, from the figure of the woodcutter and traditional forest crafts to reflections on innovation and living at high altitudes, as well as tales and legends linked to places of devotion like the Madonnina delle Nevi.

Focus on intangible heritage

The event was created to preserve and pass on the intangible heritage of the Laga communities: the local dialect, folk songs, ancient crafts, agropastoral memories, and the deep bond between the inhabitants and the mountains. In a territory marked by depopulation and the scars of the earthquake, the festival gives voice to stories of restanza (the choice to stay) and abandonment, turning every village into a widespread stage for stories, meetings, and walks.

Hiking and slow tourism

At the heart of the program are guided hikes, led by FederTrek guides, who accompany participants to discover trails, ancient springs, historical settlements, and high-altitude landscapes. The walks are intertwined with readings, tastings of local products, and in-depth discussions, following a slow and sustainable tourism approach consistent with the naturalistic vocation of the area.

Organizers

The festival is promoted by the Laga Mountains Territorial Network and the municipalities of the area, including Cortino, Crognaleto, Teramo, Torricella Sicura, Rocca Santa Maria, and Valle Castellana, in collaboration with FederTrek Hiking and Environment. The event has been recognized by ASviS as one of the 125 "Territorial Best Practices" for sustainability, a testament to its cultural and social value for the inland areas of the Apennines.

A free and participatory experience

Festival events are free of charge. As many stages involve walking and hiking, booking is recommended, and appropriate trekking footwear and clothing are advised. The Laga Villages Festival in Torricella Sicura is an invitation to discover the authentic Abruzzo, where folk culture, hiking, and mountain landscapes merge into a unique experience.