'Ndernappe and Pallotte Casce e Ove Festival

The 'Ndernappe and Pallotte Casce e Ove Festival in Monteodorisio

Every summer, the historic center of Monteodorisio, a small village in the Alto Vastese area of Chieti province, comes alive with the 'Ndernappe and Pallotte Casce e Ove Festival, one of the most deeply rooted culinary events in the region. The event takes place in Piazza Umberto I, in the heart of the town, attracting numerous visitors every year from neighboring municipalities and across the Vasto area.

The two star dishes

The festival takes its name from the two specialties at its core, both authentic expressions of Abruzzo's humble, peasant cuisine:

• 'Ndernappe: a handmade dark-colored pasta made from flour and bran, dressed according to traditional local recipes. A dish that tells the story of the region's rural food heritage.
• Pallotte casce e ove: delicious dumplings prepared with pecorino cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. A symbol of Abruzzo's special-occasion cuisine, capable of transforming simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal.

A community celebration

Organized by the Pro Loco Contea di Monteodorisio, the festival is much more than a food event: it represents a moment of gathering and identity for the entire community. Stalls generally open from 8:30 PM, and the tasting of traditional dishes is accompanied by live music, with bands and groups enlivening the evenings in the square with dancing, joy, and a spirit of sharing.

Monteodorisio and its surroundings

The municipality of Monteodorisio stands on a hill overlooking the Sinello valley, in a panoramic position in the Abruzzo hinterland of Vasto. The village, dominated by its medieval castle, retains an authentic atmosphere that serves as the ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to rediscovering the flavors and traditions of the past. The festival is part of a rich summer calendar that the town offers every year between July and August.

An unmissable appointment

For those visiting Abruzzo in the summer, the 'Ndernappe and Pallotte Casce e Ove Festival is the perfect opportunity to savor two specialties that are hard to find elsewhere, immersed in the genuine hospitality of an inland Abruzzo village.