Sheep Festival of Villavallelonga

The Sheep Festival of Villavallelonga

In the small town of Villavallelonga, located in the province of L'Aquila and nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the Sheep Festival has been the most anticipated summer event for decades. It is traditionally held on the second Sunday of August and is organized by the Pro Loco of Villavallelonga, an association historically dedicated to promoting the pastoral traditions of the Vallelonga valley.

Pecora alla callara, the heart of the festival

The signature dish is pecora alla callara: the meat is slow-cooked for hours inside callare, large copper cauldrons, along with mountain herbs such as bay leaf, rosemary, onion, carrots, and celery. This long cooking process, a direct legacy of shepherd cuisine, transforms a naturally tough cut of meat into a tender and flavorful dish, served in generous portions at the festival stalls.

Flavors and atmosphere

Alongside the pecora alla callara, visitors can enjoy typical Abruzzo specialties:

• Sheep arrosticini grilled over charcoal
• Cheeses and cured meats from the Vallelonga valley
• Locally sourced products and traditional desserts
• Abruzzo wine and products from the National Park area

Throughout the day, there is live folk music, traditional dancing, craft and farmers' markets, as well as areas dedicated to families and children with entertainment and games.

An event tied to the land

The festival has historically taken place at Prati d'Angro, a mountain meadow within the protected area. This evocative location has sparked lively debates over the years between the local administration, the Pro Loco, and environmental associations regarding the event's compatibility with the National Park. Beyond the controversy, the Sheep Festival remains a symbol of Villavallelonga's pastoral identity and the culinary culture of the Marsica region, attracting thousands of people to the Abruzzo mountains every summer.