Le Notti del Canestrato

The cheese that gives its name to a night of celebration

Some products become the identity of an entire town, and in Moliterno, this product is Canestrato di Moliterno IGP. A pecorino cheese with a strong character, made from sheep and goat milk and aged in the famous fondaci, the cool, airy cellars of the village, it is the absolute star of Le Notti del Canestrato, the sagra (traditional festival) that transforms the historic centre into a grand culinary journey every summer.

A gastronomic journey through the village

For two evenings, the streets and squares of Moliterno fill with stalls, tables, and aromas: the Canestrato can be tasted on its own, or paired with honey, jams, cured meats, and rustic bread, in a sensory itinerary designed to showcase every nuance of this Lucanian excellence. The village's ancient cellars open their doors to the public, bringing back the most authentic sense of a community that has lived by sheep farming and cheese aging for generations.

Show cooking, music, and the charm of the castle

The festival is not just about tasting. The stage hosts show cooking sessions by chefs from the Slow Food Alliance, folk concerts, and entertainment along the route, while the grand finale takes place within the walls of the medieval castle, where a DJ set accompanies the final hours of the night. It's a moment where peasant tradition and contemporary celebration merge in a unique atmosphere.

Moliterno and the Lucanian Apennine National Park

Promoted by the Municipality of Moliterno with the support of the Province of Potenza and the Basilicata Region, the event is one of the highlights of the Lucanian summer, celebrating a territory nestled within the Lucanian Apennine National Park of Val d'Agri Lagonegrese. An opportunity to discover Moliterno, its flavours, and its hospitality.