Marrocca Festival

The Marrocca Festival in Casalincontrada

In the heart of the Chieti province, in Abruzzo, the village of Casalincontrada hosts the Marrocca Festival every July, one of the most deeply rooted food and wine events in the Pescara Valley. Reaching its 32nd edition in 2026, the festival is a traveling event that winds through the picturesque streets of the town's historic center, transforming alleys and squares into a journey of taste, music, and tradition.

The marrocca, the absolute star

The festival takes its name from the marrocca, the corn on the cob that gives the event its identity in the local dialect. Served boiled or roasted according to Abruzzo farming customs, the marrocca is the signature dish of the event, a nostalgic reminder of old country summers when corn marked the rhythm of village life. A menu rich in Abruzzo flavors is built around this specialty.

Traditional flavors

In addition to the marrocca, the Pro Loco food stalls offer local specialties:

• Gnocchi and homemade pasta
• Polenta and pallotte cacio e ova (cheese and egg balls)
• Pecora alla callara, a traditional transhumance dish
• Arrosticini (sheep skewers), an icon of Abruzzo gastronomy
• Tripe and freshly baked pizzas

The flavors are paired with local wines and beer, in a convivial atmosphere that engages both adults and children.

Music, shows, and the night-time MTB ride

During the festival evenings, the streets and squares of the historic center come alive with live bands, shows, and street performers, including flag-wavers, musicians, and historical groups that create an engaging atmosphere. One of the most distinctive events is the night-time mountain bike excursion, which leads enthusiasts to ride at sunset through the lanes, gullies, and cornfields surrounding the town.

A village in the Chieti hinterland

Casalincontrada is a small municipality in the hilly hinterland of the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo, also known for its traditions linked to the land and raw earth architecture. The Marrocca Festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Casalincontrada APS and has become a staple of the Abruzzo summer over the years, attracting visitors from across the Pescara Valley and neighboring towns.