Panuozzo Festival of Luzzano

A festival entirely dedicated to the panuozzo

The Panuozzo Festival takes place in the Luzzano district of the Municipality of Moiano, in the Province of Benevento, in the heart of the Valle Caudina in Campania. Originally a local village feast organized by the Circolo Sportivo Ricreativo Luzzano in collaboration with the Pro Loco Moiano, it has grown in just over ten editions to become one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the summer in the Caudina Valley: a small village of about 1,200 inhabitants that, for one or two nights, fills with people arriving from neighboring towns, the Sannio, and the Nola area.

The heart of the event is Piazza San Nicola, named after the patron saint of Luzzano, where food stands, the stage, and wood-fired ovens are set up. The formula remains unchanged: eat outdoors, listen to folk music, laugh with cabaret, and wait for the final fireworks display.

What is a panuozzo?

The panuozzo is a specialty born from the mastery of Gragnano pizza makers and is included in the list of traditional products of Campania. It is a family-sized bread, at least 25-30 centimeters long, prepared with pizza dough and strictly baked in a wood-fired oven. It is then sliced in half, filled, and returned briefly to the oven so the cheese melts and the crust remains crispy.

In Luzzano, the panuozzo is the star in many savory variations: pancetta and provola, porchetta, sausage and provola, hamburger and provola, as well as versions with vegetables and mushrooms. There is also a sweet version with Nutella to round off the meal. Alongside the panuozzo, the other specialty that gives the festival its full name is the local potatoes baked in the oven, while local Aglianico and Falanghina wines flow in the glasses.

A typical evening program

Stands generally open around 8:00 PM and remain active until 11:00 PM or midnight. Three wood-fired ovens work simultaneously to handle the queues, which begin to form even before the official opening. Folk music groups, dance orchestras, and cabaret artists take turns on stage; the evening concludes with fireworks over the square.

• Food stands with filled panuozzi and local potatoes
• Local wines from Taburno and the Valle Caudina
• Live music performances and folk dances
• Cabaret and family entertainment
• Final fireworks display

Luzzano and the Valle Caudina

Luzzano was an independent municipality until 1869 and retains a strong identity: its name is derived from the Latin ludus iani, meaning a place of games, and the local dialect is so distinct from that of neighboring towns that residents are immediately recognized by their way of speaking. The village is located at an altitude of 283 meters, in a territory of vineyards and olive groves that is part of the Taburno district.

The Luzzano festival calendar revolves around two main events: the feast in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua in June and, between July and August, this Panuozzo Festival. For those visiting the area, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic side of the Province of Benevento, far from the major tourist circuits but very close to Naples and Avellino.

Recent editions

The festival has changed its dates in the summer calendar several times: the eleventh edition took place on August 26 and 27, 2023, the twelfth on August 30 and 31, 2024, while the thirteenth was moved forward to Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, 2025. The 2026 edition was held on a single evening, Saturday, July 11. Those planning a visit should check the dates on the organizers' social media channels, as they may vary from year to year.

Tips for your visit

It is best to arrive early, by 7:30-7:45 PM, because the queues at the ovens grow quickly. The festival area is entirely outdoors and pedestrianized: cars can be left on nearby streets, particularly on Via delle Vigne. Entry is free, and you only pay for what you consume, with typical village festival prices.