Steak Festival of Fossa

One of the oldest festivals in the L'Aquila area

The Steak Festival in Fossa, a small town in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, is one of the longest-running food and wine events in the entire region. Founded in 1977 to celebrate the local tradition of pork processing, the festival has grown over the years to become a staple event that draws thousands of people to the village every summer. In terms of historical continuity, it is second only to the famous Lentil Festival of Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the area.

The culinary heart of the festival

The undisputed star is, of course, the steak, charcoal-grilled and served alongside traditional Fossa dishes. Over the years, the menu has expanded to include premium Angus beef alongside veal and pork, without forgetting the great classics of Abruzzo peasant cuisine.

• Charcoal-grilled local and Angus steaks
• Pappardelle alla fossolana and pasta e fagioli
• Traditional sausages and pork specialties
• Bruschetta and local products
• Local craft beer

Music, community, and culture

The festival is about more than just food: every evening, the town comes alive with live music, orchestras, and entertainment that keeps the party going late into the night. In recent years, the festival has partnered with the Fossa Summer Festival, featuring DJ sets and concerts that extend the evenings. The event is also a perfect opportunity to discover the village's heritage, with special openings of the necropolis and the evocative Church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas, Fossa's frescoed jewel.

An event that keeps the community alive

Organized by the Pro Loco "Lazzaro Cardarelli Giancarlo" of Fossa APS with the support of the Municipality, the Steak Festival has been held for years at the Villaggio MAP San Lorenzo, in Piazza Gemona. The event is a fundamental moment for the Fossa community, which was severely affected by the 2009 earthquake: through food, music, and hospitality, the festival helps promote the town and keep its identity alive while awaiting the full reconstruction of the historic village.

When it takes place

The Steak Festival is traditionally held in August over three days. The 2025 edition, the 46th, took place from August 8th to 10th. For the public, it is a fixed appointment in the Abruzzo summer, ideal for combining an outdoor dinner with the discovery of Fossa and its surroundings.