Sapori d'Autunno

Sapori d'Autunno in Canistro Superiore

Sapori d'Autunno is the food and wine festival that transforms the small village of Canistro Superiore, in the municipality of Canistro (L'Aquila province), into a vibrant crossroads of aromas, colors, and music every October. At the heart of the event is the Roscetta chestnut of Valle Roveto, a symbolic local product and the absolute star of two days of festivities animating Piazza Risorgimento and Piazza della Chiesa Vecchia.

The Roscetta Chestnut, Queen of Valle Roveto

The Roscetta owes its name to the reddish color of its skin; it is a particularly flavorful and sought-after chestnut grown on the slopes of the upper Valle Roveto, in the Abruzzo mountains near the border with Lazio. The presence of chestnut groves in the valley has been documented since the mid-17th century: the very name of Canistro refers to canistri, the willow-branch baskets used by local women to carry the fruits of the earth to the markets of Rome. The entire festival revolves around this agricultural and artisanal heritage.

A Village Festival of Taste and Entertainment

The core of Sapori d'Autunno is the food and wine stalls, which open at noon with tastings of typical products and local specialties: roasted chestnuts, chestnut-based desserts, and traditional Abruzzo country dishes. Alongside the tastings, there is musical entertainment throughout the village streets, roving street art performances, and evening concerts and DJ sets. With its simple and convivial atmosphere, the event is a perfect opportunity to discover the historic center of Canistro Superiore, a village with a unique layout overlooking the valley.

Tradition and Community

Sapori d'Autunno is organized by the Donne 2000 Socio-Cultural Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Canistro. Now in its twenty-fifth year, the festival represents a significant milestone for the local community, demonstrating how collaboration, tradition, and passion can keep the village's cultural identity alive. It is one of the most cherished autumn events in western Marsica and the entire Abruzzo region, attracting visitors from across the province of L'Aquila and beyond.

When It Takes Place

The festival is traditionally held in October, usually on a weekend in the middle of the month, coinciding with the chestnut harvest season. Not to be confused with the Roscetta Chestnut Festival held in Canistro Inferiore: Sapori d'Autunno is the specific event for the village of Canistro Superiore.