Paterno Cococciata Festival

The Paterno Cococciata Festival

The Cococciata Festival is one of the most beloved events in the village of Paterno, a hamlet in the municipality of Avezzano overlooking the northwestern edge of the Fucino Plain, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo). Every summer, usually in the second half of July, the town center comes alive to celebrate the 'cococciata', a culinary specialty that has been part of the local families' heritage for generations.

What is the cococciata?

The cococciata is a simple, unleavened flatbread prepared with flour and water, topped with thinly sliced zucchini, parsley, black pepper, and oil. It is the carefully sliced zucchini that gives this focaccia its crispy texture and unmistakable flavor. Legend has it that in Paterno, long ago, local women prepared this dish with humble, readily available ingredients, turning necessity into a small delight of Marsican cuisine.

An evening of flavor and tradition

The event takes place in Piazza Garibaldi and is organized by the Pro Loco Paterno APS. Alongside the star of the show, the cococciata, the food stalls offer fried zucchini, sandwiches, desserts, and local wines, accompanied by live music and group dances that enliven the evening. The atmosphere is that of a genuine Abruzzese village festival, where food becomes an opportunity for residents, families, and visitors from across the Marsica region to meet.

Paterno and the Marsica region

Paterno sits at an altitude of about 700 meters, a few kilometers east of the center of Avezzano, in an area historically tied to Fucino agriculture. The village is also known for another great gastronomic tradition, the Fava Bean Festival, a sign of a deep bond with the land's produce. The Cococciata Festival is thus a precious piece of the Abruzzese summer festival calendar, an invitation to discover the authentic flavors and hospitality of the Paterno community.