Nocciolandia

Nocciolandia, the hazelnut festival in Aiello del Sabato

Nocciolandia is the event that, every autumn, transforms the historic center of Aiello del Sabato into a showcase of the flavors and traditions of Irpinia. The town, with just over two thousand inhabitants in the province of Avellino, is located in the Sabato Valley, just a few kilometers from the provincial capital: an agricultural village where hazelnut cultivation has been an economic resource and a defining feature of the landscape for generations. The festival was born from this very idea—to share a product that has a long history in Campania and finds some of its most recognizable expressions in Irpinia.

A festival built around a local product

The hazelnut is not just a folkloric pretext; it is the element around which the entire event revolves. During the festival, the town hosts hazelnut markets, where local producers present their harvest, artisanal crafts, and derivatives—from spreads to nougats, dry pastries, and jams. Alongside the hazelnuts, there is also space for walnuts and chestnuts, the other autumn fruits that make up the basket of typical Irpinian products and mark the agricultural calendar of this part of Campania.

What to eat

The gastronomic route is the most popular part of the event: the stalls set up along the village streets offer dishes where the hazelnut is used directly or as a counterpoint to local peasant cuisine. Among the offerings that have characterized recent editions:

• pasta with hazelnut pesto, the festival's signature dish;
• gourmet sandwiches and street food prepared on the spot;
• traditional Irpinian specialties such as turnip greens and potatoes, pork, tripe, and braciolette;
• artisanal desserts: crêpes, brioches, and hazelnut cream treats;
• local wines, in a province famous for Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi.

Music, markets, and village atmosphere

Nocciolandia is more than just a culinary stroll. The evenings are enlivened by live music, DJ sets, and shows that take place in the small squares of the center, with themed decorations and installations accompanying visitors along the route. In the 2024 edition, for example, Friday was dedicated to folk music with Triotaranta and Sfessania, while Saturday featured rotating DJ sets and the band Fuori Onda. It is a format designed for all ages, where local families mingle with visitors arriving from Avellino and neighboring towns.

When it takes place

The event takes place in the heart of the Irpinian autumn. The 2024 edition was held on November 8th and 9th, while the 2025 edition, initially announced for early October, was moved to the weekend of November 7, 8, and 9. The dates are not strictly fixed, so it is advisable to check the official channels of the Municipality and the Sistema Irpinia portal of the Province of Avellino before traveling.

Aiello del Sabato and the surrounding Irpinia

Those arriving for the festival can easily extend their visit to the rest of the territory. Aiello del Sabato is just minutes from Avellino and is conveniently located for reaching the Partenio area, the Goleto Abbey, the villages of the Sabato Valley, and the wineries of the Irpinian denominations. In autumn, the countryside around the town, with its hazelnut and chestnut groves, is an experience in itself: the harvest season is the time when the bond between the town and its product is most visible.

Tips for your visit

• The route winds through the historic center, with narrow and sloping streets: comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Autumn evenings in Irpinia are cool and often damp: a jacket is essential.
• The stalls get crowded especially after dinner; to eat in peace, it is better to arrive early.
• The town is small and parking is limited: it is advisable to leave your car in the designated areas and continue on foot.