Navelli Chickpea and Saffron Festival and Donkey Palio

The festival celebrating the treasures of Navelli

In the heart of the Navelli plateau, one of the most charming villages in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo, the Chickpea and Saffron Festival and Donkey Palio returns every summer as one of the most anticipated and iconic events in the regional culinary scene. Organized by the local Pro Loco, the festival holds a quality seal and draws thousands of visitors each year to the streets and squares of the small town.

Navelli Chickpeas and L'Aquila Saffron PDO

The absolute stars of the festival are the two products that define the territory. The Navelli Chickpea is a small, smooth legume, protected as a Slow Food Presidium, grown on the plateau and a staple in traditional soups and rustic dishes. L'Aquila Saffron PDO is one of the rarest and most precious spices in the world: the flowers are harvested at dawn in the fields of Navelli during autumn and processed entirely by hand, following knowledge passed down through generations. During the festival, these products become the common thread of a rich tasting journey.

What to eat

The food stalls in Piazza San Pelino offer the best of Abruzzo's culinary specialties:

• soups and dishes featuring Navelli chickpeas;
• pasta and risottos scented with L'Aquila saffron;
• arrosticini, porchetta, local cheeses, and cured meats;
• regional wines and beers.

The Donkey Palio

The most anticipated moment is the Donkey Palio, held on the afternoon of the second day. It begins with a historical pageant in medieval and traditional costumes, featuring the red and white colors of Navelli, musicians, and flag-wavers parading through the town center. Then, the districts compete: each donkey, accompanied by a handler and a squire, must navigate a two-hundred-meter track. The animals often change direction or refuse to move, much to the audience's amusement, and the race is often repeated several times before a winner is crowned. It is a lighthearted, affectionate parody of the much more famous Palio di Siena, deeply cherished by the villagers.

Atmosphere and evenings

Beyond the gastronomy and the Palio, the festival enlivens the evenings with live orchestras, dancing under the stars, craft markets, and the "Craftsmanship and Creativity" exhibition. Strolling through the medieval alleys of Navelli, among stone arches and clustered houses, is an experience in itself, made even more vibrant by the festive atmosphere of these days.