Lamb Festival
Grilled lamb at the Prati di Sant'Elia, 1,500 metres above sea level in the Marsica region
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Lamb Festival
A mountain tradition in the heart of the Marsica
The Lamb Festival is one of the most deep-rooted summer traditions in Collelongo, a small town in the Marsica area of L'Aquila province, in the heart of Abruzzo. Every first Sunday of August, the entire village moves up to the mountains to the Prati di Sant'Elia, a vast plateau at an altitude of about 1,500 metres surrounded by nature, to spend a day of celebration, good food, and open-air conviviality together.
Grilled lamb, the absolute star
The signature dish of the festival is grilled lamb, prepared according to ancient local pastoral traditions with selected cuts and slow-cooked over an open fire. The Pro Loco has always offered a fixed-price menu designed for families and the many visitors who head up to the plateau: a complete meal including a pasta course, grilled meat, and fruit. For those looking for alternatives, a food truck with different options is also available.
A day dedicated to nature and roots
The Lamb Festival is more than just a gastronomic event: it is the moment when the community of Collelongo rediscovers its local roots and the pastoral vocation that has defined the village's life for centuries. The setting of the Prati di Sant'Elia, with its woods and high-altitude pastures, offers an ideal backdrop for hikers, families, and food lovers, amidst the scent of woodsmoke, grilled meat, and the clear air of the Marsica mountains.
- Where: Prati di Sant'Elia, Collelongo (AQ), at 1,500 metres altitude
- When: Traditionally the first Sunday of August
- Organizer: Pro Loco of Collelongo, in collaboration with the Municipality
- Signature dish: Grilled lamb, fixed-price menu
How to experience the festival
The event takes place throughout the day, from early afternoon until evening, featuring folk music, food stalls, and the chance to enjoy the high-altitude landscape. Booking with the organizers is recommended. The ascent to the Prati di Sant'Elia from Collelongo also allows you to discover one of the most picturesque corners of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Marsica region.
Lamb Festival — edition 2026
The Lamb Festival in Collelongo is traditionally held on the first Sunday of August at the Prati di Sant'Elia, at an altitude of 1,500 metres in the Marsica region. At the moment, the dates and programme for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced by the organizers. Continuing the custom, the event will feature grilled lamb prepared according to ancient local traditions and the Pro Loco's fixed-price menu. For updated information, it is advisable to contact the Municipality of Collelongo (tel. +39 0863 948113) or the Pro Loco.
Practical information — Lamb Festival
How to get there
Collelongo can be reached by car from the A25 motorway (Avezzano or Cocullo exits), continuing along the internal roads of the Marsica. From the town centre, you head up to the Prati di Sant'Elia, at an altitude of about 1,500 metres, via the mountain road. The reference railway station is Avezzano, on the Rome-Pescara line.
Practical tips
As this is a high-altitude event, suitable clothing is recommended, even in case of sudden temperature changes. Booking for the Pro Loco menu is appreciated. For information: tel. +39 0863 948113 (Municipality of Collelongo).
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Where does it take place — Lamb Festival
Prati di Sant'Elia