Pecora alla Callara Festival

A festival celebrating pastoral tradition

The Pecora alla Callara Festival is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the summer in Celenza sul Trigno, a small village in the hinterland of the Chieti province, located in the Alto Vastese area on the border between Abruzzo and Molise. Organized by the Pro Loco Coelentia, the event brings the quintessential pastoral dish of Abruzzo cuisine to the town square, rediscovering an ancient recipe and the slow, deliberate cooking methods of the past.

What is 'pecora alla callara'?

The callara is the traditional copper cauldron that, in Abruzzo's rural culture, was hung from a fireplace chain, allowing dishes to cook directly over the flames. Pecora alla callara originated from transhumance: along the sheep tracks that led from Abruzzo down to the Tavoliere delle Puglie, shepherds would cook mutton in these large pots with plenty of water, onions, bay leaves, rosemary, and mountain herbs. The result is a fragrant, flavorful stew, slow-cooked for hours, that tells the centuries-old story of Abruzzo's shepherding heritage.

What to eat in the square

During the evening, the food stalls set up in Piazza Mazzini, in the town's historic center, offer the star of the show alongside traditional sides:

• Pecora alla callara, cooked in large copper cauldrons;
• Fresh tomato salad from the garden;
• Turtarelle, typical local fried dough;
• Watermelon to refresh the palate;
• Local wines, water, and desserts.

A village in celebration under the stars

The festival comes to life on August evenings, with stalls opening from 8:00 PM and the streets of the historic center filled with music, karaoke, and cheer until late at night. It is an authentic opportunity to experience the hospitality of an inland Abruzzo village, far from mass tourism routes, where the community and the Pro Loco work together to keep the traditions of the Trigno Valley alive.

Why attend

Those seeking true Abruzzo pastoral cuisine will find one of its most iconic dishes here, served in the genuine setting of a village fair. The Pecora alla Callara Festival in Celenza sul Trigno is the perfect blend of ancient flavors, warm hospitality, and the pleasure of a convivial evening in the heart of Abruzzo.