Pizza Scima Festival

The Pizza Scima Festival in Casoli

In the Pianibbie-Ripitella district of Casoli, a charming village in the Sangro-Aventino area of the Chieti province, the Abruzzese summer kicks off with one of the region's most beloved events: the Pizza Scima Festival. For three consecutive evenings, usually towards the end of June, the Casoli countryside comes alive with lights, music, and aromas, drawing visitors from across Abruzzo to rediscover a humble, ancient dish that has become a symbol of local gastronomic identity.

What is pizza scima?

Pizza scima (from the local dialect "açime," meaning unleavened) is a thin, crispy unleavened focaccia made with just four ingredients: flour, white wine, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when local housewives baked it on the hearth covered with a "coppo" (a terracotta lid). Easily recognizable by its golden diamond-patterned surface, it is a specialty of the Terre dei Trabocchi area, between Casoli, Lanciano, and San Vito Chietino, and is served at the festival in slices paired with cured meats, cheeses, and other local delicacies.

Flavors and specialties

Beyond the star of the show, pizza scima, the food stalls offer traditional Abruzzese dishes prepared by local volunteers:

• Arrosticini (sheep skewers) cooked over charcoal, the quintessential regional classic
• The typical tòtera casolana and other local products
• Local cured meats and cheeses
• Abruzzese wines, particularly Trebbiano and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Music, dancing, and charity

Each evening features live music and dancing, creating the convivial atmosphere typical of village festivals. The event is organized by the Ripianibbi Association, which has been managing the festival for over twenty years with the dedication of local residents. A hallmark of the event is its fundraiser for AIRC, the Italian Association for Cancer Research: fun and community spirit combine to support a vital cause.

A staple in the Sangro-Aventino area

Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Pizza Scima Festival is a well-established fixture in the summer calendar of the Municipality of Casoli and the entire inland area of the Chieti province. Set in the lush countryside, with ample parking and views of the surrounding hills, it offers residents and tourists the perfect opportunity to savor authentic Abruzzese cuisine in a warm, family-friendly environment.