Lu Sand'Andonje

A tradition that warms the Abruzzo winter

Lu Sand'Andonje is the most famous and cherished festival in Cermignano, a small town in the province of Teramo, nestled in the hills of the Teramo Abruzzo region. Every year in mid-January, the town gathers to honor Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of farmers and domestic animals, in one of the most deeply rooted winter traditions in the region. This is more than just a food festival: it is a moment when the entire community comes together to pass down its rituals and open the village gates to visitors.

Three days of folklore in the village streets

For three days, Cermignano's historic center transforms into an open-air stage. Traveling folk groups, musicians, and actors roam the streets, re-enacting the Hermit's temptations and the eternal struggle between good and evil through songs, dances, and performances—the symbolic heart of the devotion to Saint Anthony. The atmosphere is that of ancient rural festivals: bonfires, joy, and a sense of conviviality that lasts late into the night.

• Exhibition of painted carts featuring the effigy of Saint Anthony the Abbot, a true visual symbol of the festival;
• Photography exhibition in the Town Hall, dedicated to the faces, memories, and history of Cermignano;
• Dialect theater performance about the saint's life, acted by local children, one of the most moving and applauded moments;
• processions, sounds, and songs of the Abruzzo folk tradition.

The taste of tradition: 'li cillitte' and mulled wine

The festival is also a journey into the flavors of rural cuisine. The signature treat is 'li cillitte', bird-shaped cookies handmade according to recipes passed down through generations, best enjoyed with vino cotto (mulled wine) and local wines. Food stalls serving traditional peasant dishes remain open until late at night, serving as the beating heart of the evenings.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Lu Sand'Andonje Cultural Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Cermignano and the BIM Consortium, and the collaboration of the 'Il Punto Interrogativo' cultural association. It is a collective effort that keeps one of the Teramo area's oldest traditions alive, drawing visitors from across the province and beyond.