Rustell' — Abruzzo Arrosticino Festival

Rustell', the arrosticino festival in Teramo

In the green heart of the city, along the banks of the Tordino and Vezzola rivers, the Davide De Carolis River Park in Teramo hosts Rustell' — Abruzzo Arrosticino Festival, an event entirely dedicated to the region's iconic culinary product: the arrosticino. These small skewers of mutton, cooked over the coals of a traditional furnacella, are much more than just food: they are a convivial ritual that unites generations of people from Abruzzo. Rustell'—a name derived from the local dialect—celebrates this tradition with four days of popular festivities open to everyone.

A competition to crown the best arrosticino in Abruzzo

The beating heart of the festival is the competition to crown the best arrosticino in Abruzzo. Eight excellent producers, two from each of the four Abruzzo provinces (L'Aquila, Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo), bring their arrosticini to the competition. The challenge is rigorous and transparent: products are sampled from regular production lines, anonymized, and blind-tasted by a dual jury—popular and expert— presided over by Michelin-starred chef Cristiano Tomei. Winners are awarded works of art created by students from the "Montauti" Art High School in Teramo and the Art Institute of Castelli, both local centers of excellence.

Music, shows, and flavors under the stars

Beyond the competition, Rustell' is a hub of conviviality. Every evening, the park comes alive with folk music, live bands, DJ sets, comedy shows, and entertainment for children. Food stands offer arrosticini and local specialties, while workshops and meetings explore themes such as product quality, short supply chains, and the future of regional cuisine, in collaboration with the Hotel Management School and the Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise.

A project born from the territory

The event is organized by the PArADiso Cultural Association APS, an all-female organization founded in Teramo to promote Abruzzo's excellence and conviviality. The festival, supported by the Municipality of Teramo and local sponsors, aims to become a staple of the Teramo summer, successfully blending territorial promotion, popular culture, and fine dining. It is an opportunity to discover authentic Abruzzo through its most beloved dish.