San Martino Festival "Music, Zeppole and Wine"

The San Martino Festival in San Marco di Castellabate

Every year, during the weekend surrounding St. Martin's Day, the seaside district of San Marco, in the municipality of Castellabate (Province of Salerno, Campania), transforms into a grand open-air lounge. The San Martino Festival — Music, Zeppole and Wine has become one of the best ways to experience the Cilento region off-season: no beach umbrellas or crowded shores, just illuminated alleys, the scent of fried treats and new wine, and live music late into the night. In 2025, the event celebrated its sixth edition.

Rione Rocchetta, the heart of the festival

The event takes place in Rione Rocchetta, the oldest part of San Marco, stretching from via Cuono to via Vicinanza and all the connecting alleys. Its iconic image is the suspended colorful umbrellas above the narrow streets: an aerial decoration that has become the most photographed postcard of the village over the years. Between the alleys, you will find food stalls, musical corners, and re-enactments of ancient crafts and activities, revived in memory of old family traditions.

Zeppole, new wine, and Cilento flavors

The festival's name says it all. The absolute stars are the zeppole, fried on the spot and served hot alongside the new wine, following the tradition that dictates all must becomes wine by St. Martin's Day. Alongside them, Cilento cuisine is showcased through its most recognizable dishes, in a journey to be savored slowly, stall by stall.

• Freshly fried zeppole prepared in the district's alleys
• New wine and labels from local producers
• Typical Cilento specialties and products
• Tasting stations set up along the entire route

Live music

Every edition brings a program to the alleys that alternates between nationally renowned artists and local bands, with sets that follow one another along the streets and continue until late. In 2025, for instance, the lineup included Carro Bestiame, Assummasound, Iovine, Andrea Tartaglia, Nicola Caso, Domenico Monaco, and Cecco Cipo, alongside DJ sets by Ipork. The formula remains that of a widespread festival: you walk, stop in front of an improvised stage, and move on with a glass in hand.

The San Martino Race

The gastronomic and musical program is joined by the San Martino Race, the sporting event organized by Atletica Castellabate that brings runners and enthusiasts along the streets of the district: a different way to traverse San Marco and its waterfront on an autumn morning.

Organized by: the Vivi San Marco association

The festival is conceived and produced by the Vivi San Marco association, a very active group in the district's animation, which also hosts the Palio Vivi San Marco in spring and the Beer Fest dedicated to craft breweries in summer. The San Martino Festival is the autumn stop in this calendar and one of the few major events in Castellabate that attracts visitors well beyond the summer season.

Castellabate, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

The setting makes all the difference. Castellabate is part of the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit and is located within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The upper village, with the Abbot's castle, dominates the coast from above; San Marco, lower down, preserves the port and the town's seafaring soul. Visiting the festival means combining an authentic village celebration with a walk through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Campania coast, when the autumn light makes everything feel more intimate.

When to go

The event traditionally falls on a weekend in November, opening on Friday and Saturday in the late afternoon, with Sunday also dedicated to lunch. Visitors from out of town can easily combine the visit with the historic village of Castellabate, the Santa Maria waterfront, and the Cilento beaches, which are much quieter than in the summer months.