Sant'Onofrio Pepper Festival

The pepper festival in the heart of Sant'Onofrio

Every early July, the small hamlet of Sant'Onofrio, in the municipality of Campli (Teramo, Abruzzo), transforms into the stage for one of the most beloved food festivals in the Teramo hinterland: the Pepper Festival. The heart of the event is Piazza Madonna delle Vittorie, the square in front of the parish church, where for five consecutive evenings, food stalls, music stages, and a festive atmosphere engage the entire village.

The festival was founded just a few years ago and has grown rapidly: from the 2024 edition (the third) to the 2026 edition (the fifth), the event has established itself as a key summer fixture in Campli, attracting visitors from across the Val Vibrata and the Teramo region.

The pepper as the star of the table

The true star is the pepper, featured in a menu that blends rural tradition with festive cuisine. Among the most characteristic offerings are fritters and calzones with peppers and anchovies, stuffed peppers, the famous "paparill pummadore, ove e saggicce" (peppers with tomato, eggs, and sausage), grandma's meatballs with peppers, and pork stewed with peppers. There is no shortage of sausage and pepper sandwiches, arrosticini (lamb skewers), grilled sausages, and fried cheese, all accompanied by local wines and draft beer. The stalls open every evening starting at 7:30 PM.

Music, community, and territory

Alongside the gastronomy, every evening features live music: dance orchestras, DJ sets, cover bands, and concerts spanning the Italian song repertoire for audiences of all ages. The event is organized by the APS Pro Loco Sant'Onofrio e dintorni, with the patronage of the Municipality of Campli, the Province of Teramo, and the GAL Gran Sasso Laga.

More than just a food festival, the Pepper Festival is a community moment: it promotes a typical local product, but above all, the culture, traditions, and village spirit of Sant'Onofrio, a hinterland hamlet just a few kilometers from Campli and Teramo. For those visiting Abruzzo in summer, it is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Val Vibrata amidst genuine flavors and hospitality.