Sagra de li Pizzond Festival

The Sagra de li Pizzond in Santo Stefano di Torricella Sicura

In the heart of the Abruzzo summer, the village of Santo Stefano, in the municipality of Torricella Sicura (province of Teramo), comes alive with one of the most beloved gastronomic festivals in the Teramo area: the Sagra de li Pizzond. This event celebrates pizzond (or pizzonde), a traditional Abruzzo peasant dish rooted in a culture of simplicity and resourcefulness.

What are pizzond?

Pizzond are fritters made from leavened dough prepared with water, flour, milk, oil, yeast, and salt. Historically, they were born from leftover bread or pizza dough: the excess mass was hand-kneaded, stretched, and plunged into boiling oil, creating a delicious fried pizza. The name itself is thought to derive from pizza unta (greasy pizza), referring to the dough balls once fried in lard, now cooked in vegetable oil. In Santo Stefano di Torricella Sicura, you can enjoy them stuffed with a variety of fillings: prosciutto, cheeses, peppers, seasonal vegetables, cured meats, and other local products.

A symbol of Abruzzo identity

More than just a food festival, the event has become a powerful expression of community identity over the years. The entire village mobilizes to welcome visitors, offering genuine food, warm hospitality, and conviviality. Today, the Sagra de li Pizzond is a symbol of pride for this small hamlet nestled in the hills rising toward the Monti della Laga.

Evenings of taste and music

The program spans four evenings, featuring food stalls where you can taste these stuffed fritters paired with local dishes and wines. Each night, alongside the great food, there is live musical entertainment, folk dancing, and the joy that has always characterized this village festival. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Santo Stefano APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Torricella Sicura and the support of the BIM Consortium.

Torricella Sicura and the villages of Abruzzo

Torricella Sicura is a scattered municipality in the province of Teramo, set in a landscape that rises from 286 meters to the 1572-meter peaks of the Apennines. Visiting the Sagra de li Pizzond is a chance to discover the authentic Abruzzo of small villages, where humble gastronomy becomes a collective celebration and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.