Spring Festival

The Spring Festival in Pretoro

The Spring Festival is the event that transforms the village of Pretoro, in the province of Chieti, into a vibrant hub of celebration every year during the April 25th weekend. Organized by the Pro Loco Pretoro APS, this two-day event fills the squares and narrow streets of the historic center with markets, tastings, workshops, live music, and traditional festivities. The event was born as a natural evolution of the historic "Borgo in Festa" exhibition and has expanded its program over the years while maintaining the authentic spirit of a village fair.

A Maiella village between history and craftsmanship

Perched on the slopes of the Maiella in Abruzzo, Pretoro is one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Its origins date back to prehistoric times, while the current medieval core developed around the castle ruins and the churches of San Nicola and Sant'Andrea. A land of "fusari" (spindle makers) and master woodworkers, the town still preserves its artisanal vocation, which comes to life in the festival's markets among turners, stonemasons, and carvers.

Flavors, workshops, and motors

The program alternates between culinary delights and activities. In Piazza Dietro Corte, the Aperi-chic nel Borgo takes center stage—a gourmet aperitif featuring a box of local specialties (fava beans, pecorino cheese, pallotte cace e ove, and savory pastries) paired with a glass of wine. There is no shortage of workshops: Mani in Pasta, dedicated to traditional pasta alla chitarra, and Mani in Terra, focused on creative gardening. The offerings also include wine tastings, nature excursions tracking wolves with guides from the Grande Faggio, and on Sunday, the Porsche Club Abruzzo e Molise rally, with cars parading through the village's ancient alleys.

The Madonna della Mazza

The most intense and identity-defining moment of the festival is rooted in popular devotion. On Sunday afternoon, the statue of the Madonna della Mazza is accompanied into town and welcomed into the Church of Sant'Andrea with Holy Mass. The cult is linked to the 14th-century hermitage on the Maiella and a 15th-century wooden statue depicting the Madonna and Child: a centuries-old tradition that intertwines secular celebration with the spirituality of the Pretoro community.

• Free entry to the village (activities and tastings require payment)
• Craft markets and traditional Abruzzese products
• Live music in the historic center squares
• Vintage Porsche car rally
• Madonna della Mazza ritual