Romantic Night of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

The Romantic Night in Scanno

The Romantic Night of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy is a national event that, for one summer night, transforms the villages belonging to the circuit into settings dedicated to love. In Scanno, nestled in the mountains of the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo, the event has become one of the most anticipated evenings of the year, drawing visitors and couples from all over Italy.

The most charming village in Abruzzo

With its narrow alleys, stone staircases, and houses huddled together, Scanno is often described as one of the most beautiful and photographed villages in Italy. During the Romantic Night, the historic center lights up and comes alive: live music, street performances, guided tours, children's workshops, and tasting stations turn the town's squares and open spaces into one large open-air stage.

Scanno traditions and identity

What makes the Romantic Night in Scanno special is its deep connection to local traditions. The evening is an opportunity to showcase goldsmithing, a centuries-old excellence of the village, and the famous traditional Scanno dress, worn by women as a symbol of identity. There are also demonstrations of the ancient art of tombolo (bobbin lace), passed down from generation to generation, and re-enactments of historic workshops.

The midnight kiss

The symbolic moment of the event, common to all villages in the circuit, is the midnight collective kiss: as the clock strikes 12, couples kiss while biodegradable balloons are released into the sky—a gesture of hope and respect for the environment. The festivities then continue with DJ sets and music until late at night.

Tastings and flavors of Abruzzo

Food and wine play a central role: along the event route, there are numerous tasting stations dedicated to the flavors of Scanno and Abruzzo cuisine, from artisanal cheeses to traditional desserts, as well as local cured meats and regional wines.

A national circuit event

The Romantic Night is promoted by the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy association and takes place simultaneously in dozens of villages across the peninsula. In Scanno, the organization is handled by the Pro Loco of Scanno, in collaboration with the Municipality, and each year it proposes a different theme that serves as the common thread for the evening.