Polenta Festival

The Pereto Polenta Festival

The Polenta Festival is one of the most cherished winter events in Pereto, a village of just over seven hundred inhabitants perched on a ridge at the foot of Monte Fontecellese, in the heart of the Marsica region, in the province of L'Aquila. Every January, the community gathers in the square to share a simple, authentic dish that tells the story of the village's identity and rural roots. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Pereto "Manolo Iacuitti", the association that brings the municipality's event calendar to life.

A feast linked to Saint Anthony the Abbot

The festival is rooted in the peasant tradition of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals, celebrated on January 17th. In many towns across Abruzzo, this occasion is marked by the blessing of animals, bonfires, and large communal tables. In Pereto, the highlight is the polentata (polenta feast), which brings together families, visitors, and fans of folk traditions. The festival also features other social moments, such as parades and live music that punctuate the day.

Polenta, a traditional dish

The absolute star is polenta, prepared according to local recipes and served steaming hot directly from the stalls set up in the square. It is the expression of a humble yet deeply meaningful cuisine, rooted in the agricultural history of the upper Turano valley and the Piana del Cavaliere, the vast plateau overlooking the village on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio.

The village of Pereto

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most charming villages on the western side of Abruzzo. The historic center is dominated by an imposing 13th-century Norman castle, the symbol of the town, and retains the intimate atmosphere of small mountain villages. Pereto is part of the "Borghi Autentici d'Italia" (Authentic Villages of Italy) network and serves as a gateway to Abruzzo along the ancient road connecting the Turano valley to the Marsica.

An event for the whole community

More than just a tasting, the Polenta Festival is a moment of social connection and village promotion: an opportunity to renew community bonds in the heart of winter and to introduce visitors to the hospitality, culture, and gastronomic traditions of this corner of the province of L'Aquila.