The porchetta festival of Lentella, in the Alto Vastese region
The Lentella Porchetta Festival is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the Abruzzo summer. It takes place in Lentella, a tiny village of about 650 inhabitants perched in the Alto Vastese, in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo. Born in the late eighties, the festival has spanned decades while keeping its genuine spirit intact: a village celebration that revolves around a symbolic local product.
The true star is the Lentella porchetta, which differs from the more well-known porchetta of Central Italy. Here, it is small and compact, seasoned with wild fennel and black pepper, and slow-cooked to achieve a golden, crispy crust that encloses tender, flavorful meat. The family recipe is passed down by brothers Giuseppe and Piero Roberti, true guardians of an artisanal craft that dates back generations.
As evening falls, the center of Lentella comes to life. Along the Corso and in Piazza Garibaldi, food stalls are set up where the porchetta is served in warm sandwiches or on a plate, accompanied by garden-fresh sides, potatoes, local wines, and traditional village sweets like celli ripieni.
The festival is also an opportunity to explore Lentella and the charming Alto Vastese territory, with its cultivated hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Lentella APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Lentella, and is part of the rich summer calendar of the village, which offers concerts, parties, and events for residents and visitors every year. An unmissable appointment for lovers of good food and authentic Abruzzo traditions.
The Lentella Porchetta Festival returns for its 38th edition on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Lentella (province of Chieti, Abruzzo), respecting the tradition that places the festival on the first Saturday after Ferragosto. The detailed program of the evening, including musical performances and new gastronomic offerings, will be announced by the Pro Loco Lentella APS in the weeks leading up to the event. The classic formula is confirmed: tasting of Lentella porchetta in a sandwich or on a plate, typical products of the Vastese region, and entertainment in the square.
Lentella is located in the inland Vastese area, in the province of Chieti. By car, take the A14 motorway, exit at Vasto Sud/San Salvo, and continue inland along the SS650 Fondo Valle Trigno road. The nearest train station is Vasto-San Salvo, on the Adriatic line.
Stands generally open in the evening, starting from 7:00 PM.
Free entry; you only pay for what you consume at the stalls. In recent editions, the complete festival plate (porchetta, bread, sides, and water) was priced at approximately 15 euros, with a dedicated children's menu available.
The village is small: it is advisable to arrive a little early to find parking. Information and date confirmations can be found on the Pro Loco Lentella Facebook page.
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Corso e Piazza Garibaldi