San Martino a lu puje

A festival born from the land

"San Martino a lu puje" is one of the most cherished popular festivals in Poggio delle Rose, a small hamlet in the municipality of Cermignano, nestled in the hills of the Teramo province in Abruzzo. The event takes place every year around the feast of Saint Martin on November 11th, when, according to rural tradition, the must turns into wine and the end of the grape harvest is celebrated.

The name itself, in the local Teramo dialect, highlights the deep bond between the community, the vineyards, and the cycle of the seasons. Saint Martin is the patron saint of winemakers, and throughout the area, his feast coincides with the tasting of the new wine, following the ancient saying: "on Saint Martin's Day, every must becomes wine."

The village comes alive

For the occasion, the streets and squares of Poggio delle Rose transform into a journey of flavors and traditions. Visitors can explore food stalls serving traditional dishes prepared by local families, while the La Livatt Cultural Association, the historic promoter of community life in the village, sets up stands in the main square.

• New wine and vino cotto (cooked wine), the absolute stars of the evening
• Traditional sweets, including the characteristic "Bastoni di San Martino"
• Typical products of the Teramo hills: cheeses, prosciutto, cured meats, and the famous ventricina
• Authentic Abruzzo peasant cuisine prepared according to time-honored recipes

Folk music, dance, and rural heritage

Beyond the gastronomy, the festival is brought to life by folk songs and dances that keep the atmosphere vibrant until late. Traditional Abruzzo music accompanies the collective toast to the new wine in a spirit of sharing and joy typical of village celebrations. It is a perfect opportunity to rediscover the rural identity of this corner of Abruzzo, which is tied to native grape varieties like Montonico, grown between Cermignano and the nearby town of Bisenti.

An autumn tradition

"San Martino a lu puje" is one of the most authentic autumn events in the Teramo area: a small-scale festival rich in human warmth, where the community of Poggio delle Rose welcomes visitors to share the fruits of the earth. It is a genuine experience for those wishing to discover the traditional side of Abruzzo, far from tourist circuits and close to the true rural soul of the region.