Li Ruell di lu Paese
A food and wine journey through the alleys of Scerni's historic center
About Li Ruell di lu Paese
The alleys of Scerni come to life
"Li Ruell di lu Paese"—also written as "Le Ruelle di lù Paese" or "Tra le ruelle di lu paes"—is the most iconic event of the summer in Scerni, a town in the inland Vasto area of the Chieti province, in the heart of the Frentano Abruzzo region. The name comes from the local dialect: the ruelle are the narrow, cobblestone lanes of the historic center, which light up for two nights in August with scents, music, and a captivating, wandering food and wine trail.
A journey through flavors and traditions
As visitors wander through the alleys, courtyards, and small squares of the village, they encounter tables and stalls set up by local families and associations, offering a taste of traditional Abruzzese peasant cuisine. Highlights of the local territory include the famous Vastese ventricina, rabbit and lamb stews, handmade pasta, and traditional desserts like 'ndurciullune, all paired with local wines and the essential vino cotto (cooked wine).
Folk music and rural culture
The gastronomic trail is intertwined with the cultural soul of the festival: Abruzzese folk bands enliven the squares with accordions and traditional songs, while re-enactments of rural life, photo exhibitions, and local crafts showcase the most authentic side of Scerni. The event celebrates both the village's architectural heritage and the memory of the Frentano culture and transhumance that have defined this part of Abruzzo for centuries.
The heart of the Scerni Summer
"Li Ruell di lu Paese" is the centerpiece of the Scerni Summer program, promoted by the Municipality of Scerni in collaboration with local associations and Pro Loco groups. The event is part of a broader summer calendar filled with festivals, patronal feasts, and concerts, contributing to the promotion of slow tourism and the discovery of the small villages in the hinterland of the Costa dei Trabocchi.
Why attend
- A unique food and wine trail through historic alleys, one of a kind in Abruzzo
- Specialties of the Vastese rural cuisine, from ventricina to cooked wine
- Folk music, re-enactments, and popular culture with free admission
- The authentic atmosphere of a village in the Frentano hinterland in August
Li Ruell di lu Paese — edition 2026
The dates for the 2026 edition of Li Ruell di lu Paese are confirmed for August 11 and 12, 2026, in Scerni, in the province of Chieti. The event maintains its position in the second week of August as a central appointment of the Scerni Summer 2026, the summer program that enlivens the village between June and August with festivals, patronal feasts, and concerts.
For 2026, the historic center will once again host the wandering food and wine trail through the alleys, featuring traditional Vastese dishes, cooked wine, Abruzzese folk music, and re-enactments of rural life. The complete program of times, food stalls, and musical appointments will be released by the organizers closer to the event.
Prices Li Ruell di lu Paese 2026
Practical information — Li Ruell di lu Paese
How to get there
Scerni is located in the hinterland of the Chieti province, just a few kilometers from Vasto and the Adriatic coast. By car: take the Vasto Sud/Vasto Nord exit on the A14 motorway, then follow provincial roads inland. The nearest train station is Vasto-San Salvo on the Adriatic line, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission and tastings
Access to the trail through the alleys is generally free; tastings at the various stalls are paid for with tickets or directly at the food points. Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking on the historic center's cobblestones.
Tips
This is a very popular evening event: it is advisable to arrive early to find parking near the center and enjoy the village at a leisurely pace. For updated information on dates and programs, please refer to the channels of the Municipality of Scerni and local Pro Loco groups.
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Where does it take place — Li Ruell di lu Paese
Centro storico di Scerni