Perano in Festa

A widespread summer in the village of Perano

Perano in Festa is the summer festival promoted by the Municipality of Perano, a small hillside village in the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo, overlooking the Sangro River valley. Every year, from June to September, the town transforms into an open-air stage: squares, alleys, and corners of the historic center host a packed calendar of events designed to showcase the local area and provide memorable evenings for residents and visitors alike.

A rich program for everyone

The festival is not a single event but a true container of initiatives that follow one another throughout the season. The program embraces different genres and audiences, with offerings ranging from culture to popular entertainment:

• Cinema under the stars — open-air screenings on summer evenings;
• Concerts and musical performances — live music of various genres;
• Theater and comedies — performances and plays, often in the Abruzzese dialect;
• La Notte Bianca del Borgo — the highlight evening with shops open, music, and entertainment in the alleys until late at night;
• Events for children and families — workshops, games, and shows dedicated to the little ones;
• Book presentations and cultural meetings;
• Walks through the history, nature, and traditions of the Perano area;
• Dance evenings and major popular events.

Perano, an authentic village in the Sangro Valley

Perano is recognized as one of the Authentic Villages of Italy: a settlement of just over 1,700 souls, situated on a hill at an altitude of 256 meters, with a characteristic crescent shape. From the historic center, the view embraces the Majella massif, the surrounding hills, and, on the clearest days, even the Adriatic Sea. It is a scenic setting that serves as a natural backdrop for a festival designed as a community celebration.

The village guards a long history linked to the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria and preserves churches, the 18th-century Town Hall with its brick loggia, and, not far away, the archaeological site of Monte Pallano with its imposing Italic megalithic walls. The local gastronomic tradition, which resurfaces during the festivals, offers simple and genuine dishes such as pizze e foije and cheese and bread pallotte.

A local initiative

Promoted directly by the municipal administration, Perano in Festa was born with the goal of enlivening the town's summer, supporting the life of the historic center, and offering an opportunity for gathering for the Perano community and for those arriving from the neighboring towns of the Sangro Valley and the Teatine hinterland.