Pasta alla Pecorara Festival

The festival of Castelvecchio Subequo's signature dish

The Pasta alla Pecorara Festival is the summer event that brings together the community of Castelvecchio Subequo every year. This small village, rich in art and culture, is tucked away in the Subequana Valley at the foot of Mount Sirente, in the province of L'Aquila. At the heart of the celebration is a humble, ancient dish: anellini alla pecorara, which is cherished here as a true cultural heritage and prepared according to a recipe passed down through generations.

What are anellini alla pecorara?

Pecorara is a typical first course from the L'Aquila area: handmade pasta shaped like small rings, dressed with a tomato sauce enriched with seasonal vegetables and topped with sheep's milk ricotta. It is a dish deeply rooted in the world of shepherding and transhumance—simple, hearty, and familiar. Unlike other dishes reserved for special occasions, it was a staple of everyday cooking. In Castelvecchio Subequo, the tradition of anellini lives on, kept alive by those who still produce them by hand using ancient methods. The festival is the moment when this flavor is shared with residents and visitors alike.

A celebration of taste and community

During the festival, the village's historic center comes alive with food stalls serving anellini alla pecorara, accompanied by local specialties ranging from cured meats and cheeses to Abruzzo wines. The evening continues with folk music, folk groups, and traditional dancing in the squares, alongside artisan stalls and entertainment for children. It is a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Abruzzo, within the walls of a town that houses the Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi and its Museum of Sacred Art.

Castelvecchio Subequo, a village in the Subequana Valley

Castelvecchio Subequo is a town in the province of L'Aquila with ancient Roman and early Christian roots, now part of the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park. The festival is promoted by the local community and the Pro Loco, representing one of the most cherished events of the Castelvecchio summer, successfully blending the promotion of traditional cuisine with village conviviality.