Preturo Artichoke Festival

A festival born from a vegetable

The Preturo Artichoke Festival takes place in Preturo, a small village in the municipality of Montoro, in the province of Avellino. Located in the heart of Irpinia, near the border with the province of Salerno, the event began in 1994 and celebrated its 26th edition in 2026. Over three decades, it has evolved from a neighborhood gathering into one of the most popular spring events in this corner of Campania.

The star of the show is the Preturo artichoke, a variety traditionally grown in the irrigated lands surrounding the village. This is not a commercial trade fair; it is a community celebration where locals share their agricultural heritage, home-cooked recipes, and welcome visitors into their streets.

The Preturo artichoke, an Irpinian icon

The Preturo artichoke is renowned for its distinct flavor and texture, shaped by the local terroir. It is cultivated with minimal pesticide use and benefits from frequent irrigation thanks to the nearby Laura and Labso springs, which provide abundant water throughout the season. A traditional farming practice involves protecting the plants with a pignatiello, a terracotta cup used by local farmers.

The result is a tender vegetable with a bold, savory profile, perfectly suited for the simplest and most beloved local cooking method: roasting over an open fire.

What to eat

During the festival, the air in Preturo is filled with the unmistakable aroma of artichokes roasted over dry wood branches, seasoned simply with oil, salt, garlic, and parsley. Alongside the embers, the food stalls offer a menu entirely dedicated to the artichoke:

• Golden artichoke fritters, strictly handmade;
• Traditional rustic pasta dishes featuring artichokes;
• Appetizers and local Montoro specialties;
• Roasted artichokes, the signature dish that gives the festival its name.

The service follows the classic village festival style: order at the stalls, pay for what you consume, and enjoy your meal at the outdoor tables.

Music, dancing, and village vibes

The culinary experience is accompanied every evening by live music and folk dancing, capturing the lively spirit of a traditional Campanian village festival. Families, groups of friends, and visitors from neighboring towns gather late into the night. The festival stretches along Viale Giovanni Palatucci and the central streets of the village, filled with stalls, communal tables, and music stages.

When it happens

The event traditionally falls at the end of April, coinciding with the April 25th holiday period, when the Preturo artichoke harvest is at its peak. It is a time when inland Campania comes alive with spring festivals, and Preturo stands out as one of the most authentic stops for those looking to discover Irpinian rustic cuisine away from the beaten tourist path.

Who organizes the festival

The event is organized by the ASD Circolo Socio Culturale Preturo, a local association involving volunteers, producers, and village families, with the patronage of the Municipality of Montoro. Admission to the festival area is free. For updated information on dates and the program, please refer to the official event website and the association's social media pages.