San Gregorio Fair

A tradition reborn in Casacanditella

The San Gregorio Fair marks the return of one of the most historic events in Casacanditella, a village of a few hundred inhabitants perched among the hills of the Province of Chieti, in the heart of the Abruzzo Marrucina region. For generations, from the post-war period until the 1970s, the fair was a vital hub for the entire inland area: around the feast of Saint Gregory, farmers, breeders, artisans, and merchants would gather from nearby towns for one of the most important social and commercial exchanges in the local calendar. Over the decades, the event gradually declined until it disappeared entirely.

A revival led by the Municipality

In 2023, the young municipal administration, led by Mayor Alessandro Monaco and Deputy Mayor Claudio Carretta, decided to bring the fair back to life in a renewed format, designed to be more engaging for families, young people, and children. It is not merely a re-enactment, but a reimagining: while the bond with the village's rural roots remains, the day is crafted to be welcoming and inclusive, showcasing the identity of Abruzzo's inland areas as they seek new vitality. The initiative has also received support from the Regional Council of Abruzzo.

What to expect at the fair

The San Gregorio Fair typically takes place on a September afternoon, transforming the historic center of Casacanditella into a vibrant path of stalls and activities. Highlights include:

• Local food stalls and gastronomic specialties from the Marrucina territory;
• Artisans and booths showcasing the ancient trades of the rural fair;
• Inflatables and entertainment dedicated to children and families;
• Street performers bringing the village alleys and squares to life;
• An evening concert to conclude the day's festivities.

Music and guests in the heart of the village

Since its revival, the fair has successfully blended tradition with live entertainment. The second edition in 2024 featured the Abruzzo-dialect singer-songwriter Setak, while the 2025 edition brought the Tequila & Montepulciano Band to the square, alongside the musical comedy show by Sonounfregnoabruzzese. It is a way to celebrate Abruzzo's folk culture and keep the village lively until late at night.

An event distinct from the religious feast

The San Gregorio Fair should be distinguished from the religious patronal feast dedicated to the saint, which is traditionally celebrated in Casacanditella in early September with Holy Mass and a procession. The fair, by contrast, is the civil and commercial event that recaptures the community spirit and popular vocation of the past, re-proposing the ancient market and meeting point within a contemporary setting.