New Oil Festival

The new-season olive oil festival in Frisa

The New Oil Festival is the most anticipated autumn event in Frisa, a small village in the Frentano hills of the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo. Organized by the Pro Loco Frisa APS, the event celebrates the intense aroma of extra virgin olive oil fresh from local mills every November. For three days, the historic center comes alive with food stalls, markets, and music, drawing visitors from across the Costa dei Trabocchi and the Chieti hinterland.

The heart of the event: extra virgin olive oil

The absolute star is the tasting of new-season oil, served on classic Abruzzese bread bruschetta. Frisa is located in a region with a strong olive-growing tradition, and the festival is the perfect occasion to explore this culture: meet local producers, learn about the history of olive cultivation, and take guided tours of the mills to see the pressing process firsthand.

Gastronomy and Frisa tradition

The stalls offer authentic Abruzzese cuisine: bruschetta with new oil, maccheroni alla chitarra, the famous fiadoni (pastries filled with local cheeses like rigatino and pecorino, enriched with eggs and spices), and traditional desserts, including the bocconotto frisano, rediscovered through an ancient recipe passed down by the local women.

Art, culture, and music

The cultural heart of the festival is Palazzo Caccianini, which houses the "Michele Ursini" municipal art gallery, photography exhibitions, and displays dedicated to olive oil, including an immersive room that allows visitors to experience the stages of oil production. Evenings are filled with live music and folk performances that animate the village squares.

Frisa and the Costa dei Trabocchi

Situated between the sea of the Costa dei Trabocchi and the mountains of the Majella National Park, Frisa is an ideal stop for those wanting to discover the authentic side of Abruzzo. The village preserves historic churches, noble palaces, and scenic views over the Frentano hills, just a few kilometers from Lanciano. The New Oil Festival thus combines flavors, history, and landscape into a unique experience.