San Lupo, Sounds and Flavors

Two evenings of rustic cuisine and music in the square

San Lupo, Sounds and Flavors is a festival where the San Lupo Pro Loco showcases the gastronomic and musical heritage of a small village in the Sannio region over two late-spring evenings. Held in the town of San Lupo, in the Province of Benevento, Campania, the event centers around Piazza Umberto I, which hosts food stalls, a concert stage, and exhibitor areas, opening daily at 7:30 PM.

The inaugural edition took place on Saturday, May 31st, and Sunday, June 1st, 2025, with a clear mission: to rediscover local traditions. Rather than focusing on a single product, the event offers a collective narrative of the Titerno peasant cuisine—a diet built on fava beans, eggs, cheese, and pork—served in the most authentic setting possible: the village square.

The menu: pasta e fave, "cas e ova" meatballs, and sospiri d'amore

The festival menu highlights traditional Sannio dishes prepared by Pro Loco volunteers:

• Pasta e fave and fave e pancetta, two iconic spring dishes
• "Cas e ova" meatballs, traditional meatless cheese and egg meatballs from the Campanian hinterland
• Zeppole with anchovies, fried to order
• Porchetta and grilled meats
• Sospiri d'amore, available in both sweet and savory versions

The stage: modern folk and rock

The musical program bridges the past and the present. During the debut edition, the first evening featured I Taranta 3, who perform modern interpretations of traditional Southern Italian tarantella, pizzica, and tammurriata music. The second evening showcased the band NADA de Bueno, known for their high-energy mix of rock and famous Italian and international hits. This blend perfectly reflects the festival's spirit: celebrating village memory while embracing contemporary fun.

Exploring the village: murals, vintage Volkswagens, and Campagna Amica

The event is complemented by a rich supporting program:

• Guided tours of the village and its street art, featuring murals that decorate the historic center's houses
• Vintage Volkswagen rally organized by the Fuori Fase association, showcasing classic vehicles
• Exhibitor area dedicated to local businesses
• Campagna Amica market by Coldiretti Benevento, offering zero-mile products from local farms

An event designed for inland areas

Sounds and Flavors is more than just a party. The first edition opened with a conference on promoting production in inland areas, featuring insights from UNPLI Benevento president Renzo Mazzeo and La Guardiense Winery president Domizio Pigna, with closing remarks by Gennarino Masiello, national vice-president of Coldiretti. This highlights the Pro Loco's commitment to the local agricultural sector.

San Lupo: a village of a few hundred at 500 meters

With just over 600 residents, San Lupo sits at an altitude of 500 meters in the hilly landscape connecting the Titerno and Alto Tammaro valleys, part of the Città dei Sanniti union. It is a quintessential small town in the Benevento hinterland, driven by agriculture and community spirit. The festival is part of a calendar that also includes the patronal feast of Saint Celestino Martyr, whose committee collaborates on the event. For visitors, it is a perfect opportunity to discover a corner of inland Campania far from the usual tourist trails.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the San Lupo Pro Loco in collaboration with the Municipality of San Lupo, the Lykos Association, the Saint Celestino Martyr Feast Committee, and Coldiretti Benevento. Updates are posted on the Pro Loco's social media channels.

When to go

The event typically takes place over a weekend between late May and early June. As of today, there is no official announcement for the 2026 edition; it is recommended to check the San Lupo Pro Loco social media pages and the Municipality's channels before planning your trip.