'Ndrocchie Festival

The 'Ndrocchie Festival in Cupello

The 'Ndrocchie Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Cupello, a small hillside town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, just a few kilometers from the Trabocchi Coast and the Trigno River. Every year on the evening of August 17th, the town's historic center comes alive with food stalls, enticing aromas, and music to pay homage to the iconic dish of the local culinary tradition.

What are 'ndrocchie?

'Ndrocchie are a type of fresh egg pasta, meticulously handmade by volunteers and members of the Pro Loco. The dough is rolled around a thin ferretto (iron rod), similar to fusilli, giving the pasta its unmistakable shape. It is an ancient skill, passed down from generation to generation by the local women, which is showcased to the public during the festival through live preparation demonstrations.

The traditional menu

The star of the show is, of course, the 'ndrocchie served with a hearty ragù, with a tomato sauce alternative available for vegetarians. The pasta is accompanied by local ventricina sausage, pecorino cheese, tomato salad, bread, water, and regional wine. To finish the meal, traditional desserts and scrippelle are available for purchase separately.

A community celebration

The event is organized by Pro Loco Cupello APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Cupello and takes place between Piazza Garibaldi and Largo del Campanile. The festival is part of the extensive "Cupello d'Estate" calendar, which also features the patronal feast of San Rocco on August 16th. The food stands open in the early evening, and the festivities continue late into the night with live music, joy, and the genuine flavors of Abruzzese cuisine.

How to experience the festival

The 'Ndrocchie Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the Vasto hinterland, far from the typical tourist circuits, and to savor a specialty rarely found elsewhere. It is an event designed to bring together residents and visitors of all ages in a spirit of tradition, conviviality, and good food.