Piccantissima – Festival del Peperoncino
The chilli pepper festival of Pila, a hamlet of Perugia
About Piccantissima
The chilli pepper takes centre stage in Pila
Piccantissima – Festival del Peperoncino takes place in Pila, a hamlet of Perugia, in the Parco dell'Arringatore of Villa Umbra. The event is organised by the association Sporting Pila with the involvement of the Perugia delegation of the Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino (Italian Academy of Chilli Peppers), and it is a delicious gathering entirely dedicated to the spiciest fruit in Italian cuisine.
Spicy flavours and Umbrian cuisine
The festival is described as a journey into the world of chilli peppers and beyond, with Umbrian cuisine taking centre stage. The food stands offer spicy dishes that also draw on the traditions of Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania, in a flavourful comparison that makes Pila a crossroads of spiciness for a few summer evenings.
Music, dances, and art
Alongside the gastronomy, the event offers entertainment, dance evenings with big orchestras, and side events such as impromptu painting sessions on the theme "Umbria and chilli pepper". A popular and convivial event that attracts enthusiasts and the curious from Perugia and the entire region.
Piccantissima — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Piccantissima – Festival del Peperoncino, the ninth, enlivens the hamlet of Pila di Perugia from July 17th to 26th, at the Parco dell'Arringatore of Villa Umbra. The event, organised by Sporting Pila with the Perugia delegation of the Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino, offers a journey into the world of spiciness.
The food stands offer spicy dishes ranging from Umbrian cuisine to the traditions of Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania. The evenings are accompanied by entertainment, dancing with big orchestras, and side events with a chilli pepper theme.
Programme Piccantissima 2026
From July 17th to 26th, 2026 — Pila (Perugia), Parco dell'Arringatore of Villa Umbra
- Food stands with spicy dishes from Umbrian cuisine and Central-Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania)
- Dance evenings with big orchestras
- Initiatives by the Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino (Perugia delegation)
- Side events on the theme "Umbria and chilli pepper"
The detailed evening program will be released by the organisers closer to the event.
Highlights Piccantissima 2026
Prices Piccantissima 2026
Practical information — Piccantissima
How to get there
Pila is a hamlet of Perugia south of the provincial capital, near Umbria International Airport. By car: from the Perugia-Bettolle ring road, take the Pila / Sant'Andrea delle Fratte exit. The Parco dell'Arringatore is located at Villa Umbra.
Information
The event is organised by Sporting Pila with the Perugia delegation of the Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino. Entry to the food stands requires a purchase.
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Where does it take place — Piccantissima
Parco dell'Arringatore di Villa Umbra, Pila
Parco dell'Arringatore di Villa Umbra, 06059 Perugia