Porcini Mushroom Festival

The Porcini Mushroom Festival in Castelvecchio di Sante Marie

Deep in the woods of the Aquila Apennines, the Porcini Mushroom Festival is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the summer in the hamlet of Castelvecchio di Sante Marie, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo). Every year in mid-August, the small mountain village comes alive with scents and colors, transforming into a large open-air restaurant where residents and visitors gather to enjoy dishes that highlight the intense and refined flavor of the porcini mushroom.

A treasure of the Marsica woods

The porcini is the true star of the event: foraged in the dense forests surrounding the village, it becomes the main ingredient in mountain-style recipes prepared by local cooks. The festival celebrates a deep bond between the community of Castelvecchio and its territory, rooted in rural tradition, culinary expertise, and hospitality.

Traditional dishes

Food stalls are set up along the village streets, offering porcini-based specialties and typical Abruzzo dishes. Among the most popular items:

• Fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, the festival's signature dish;
• Bruschetta with porcini sauce;
• Chickpeas and porcini, a savory mountain soup;
• Battered zucchini flowers and french fries;
• Sheep arrosticini, a must-have in Abruzzo;
• Sausage sandwiches from the grill;
• Homemade desserts and Abruzzo wines to complete the meal.

Music, fireworks, and conviviality

The Porcini Mushroom Festival is about more than just great food: the evenings are filled with live music, fireworks displays, and small surprises designed to entertain families and visitors of all ages. It is an important moment of gathering for the entire local community, perfect for sharing smiles, savoring local delicacies, and spending a special evening together under the starry Apennine sky.

Organization

The event is organized by the Associazione Culturale San Martino di Castelvecchio, which manages the village setup and food preparation every year. The festival takes place along Via Pordenone, in the area once known as Piazza E. Galvaligi, with dinners generally starting at 7:30 PM and lasting until late at night.