Shearing Festival

A deep dive into the world of shepherding

The Shearing Festival is an event dedicated to rediscovering the pastoral roots of the Marsica region. It takes place in Massa d'Albe, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo. Set within the grounds of the Azienda Agricola Blasetti Mario on Via Anini, the event transforms a traditional farming practice into a festive day open to all, where the ancient art of sheep shearing becomes an opportunity for connection, memory, and sharing.

Shearing and the stories of transhumance

The highlight of the day is the live shearing demonstration: visitors can watch the ritual of freeing sheep from their fleece, a task that has defined the lives of Apennine communities for centuries. Accompanying the shepherds' work are stories about transhumance and the tratturi—the ancient sheep tracks that once connected high-altitude pastures to the plains—a historical heritage that has shaped the identity of this territory.

From wool to thread

It is not just about observing, but also about hands-on experience. The RecuperArti association hosts the 'From Wool to Thread' workshop, where freshly shorn wool is processed and transformed into yarn ready for weaving. It is a sensory journey that reconnects both adults and children with a craft that risks being lost.

The flavors of pastoral Abruzzo

The festival is also a journey through taste. Authentic Abruzzese cuisine takes center stage with dishes linked to the pastoral culture: pasta alla pecorara, the essential arrosticini, and pecora 'ajo cotturo', slow-cooked according to an ancient shepherd's recipe. The day is accompanied by traditional music featuring the organetto and bagpipes.

An accessible and inclusive event

The Shearing Festival is part of the 'Marsica per tutti' project, promoted by the Percorsi Solidali A.P.S. association together with Enjoy Velino and funded by the Abruzzo Region. The initiative aims to make local sites, spaces, and experiences accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, involving the municipalities of Massa d'Albe, Collelongo, and Pereto in a journey that combines nature, inclusion, and the celebration of traditions.