Piliero Festival

The Piliero Festival in Casali d'Aschi

In the small village of Casali d'Aschi, a hamlet of the municipality of Gioia dei Marsi in the province of L'Aquila, one of the most iconic festivals of the Marsica region returns every summer: the Piliero Festival. With over thirty years of history, the event is organized by the Pro Loco of Casali d'Aschi, a non-profit association founded to preserve and pass down the use of this beloved herb in local cuisine.

What is piliero?

Piliero is a wild aromatic herb, identified as pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), from the Lamiaceae family, also known as wild mint. It grows abundantly in the wetlands around the ancient Lake Aschi and is harvested by volunteers during its summer flowering, when its fragrance is at its most intense. In the kitchen, piliero is a versatile seasoning: it is best known for its role in the classic panzanella, but it also enhances meat and vegetable dishes, following family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Taste and tradition

The heart of the festival lies in the food stalls managed by local volunteers, where you can savor authentic dishes prepared exclusively with local products and seasoned with freshly harvested piliero. Alongside savory dishes, there is no shortage of traditional desserts from the Aschi area, an expression of humble yet flavor-rich cuisine.

• Panzanella and typical Marsican dishes with piliero
• Zero-kilometer products from the Abruzzo mountains
• Handmade local traditional desserts

Folklore, music, and community

The Piliero Festival is not just a celebration of taste: the evening comes alive with live music, folk dances, and ancient storytelling, in a convivial atmosphere that brings together residents, returning emigrants, and visitors. It is a heartfelt event that reflects the rural and pastoral soul of this corner of Abruzzo, nestled between the mountains of Marsica and the Fucino plain.

A highlight of the Marsican summer

Traditionally held in mid-August, the festival is part of the rich summer calendar of events promoted by the Municipality of Gioia dei Marsi together with local associations. It represents one of the most anticipated moments to rediscover the villages of Marsica and their authentic flavors, in a charming natural setting in the heart of Abruzzo.