Strettule - Postiglione Taste Trails (Summer Edition)

A taste trail through the 'strettule' of the village

Strettule - Postiglione Taste Trails takes its name from the narrow alleys (strettule) that weave through the ancient core of Postiglione, in the heart of the Alburni mountains, in the province of Salerno. This is not a festival confined to a single square: it is a widespread itinerary that winds through the entire historic center, where every stop is a tasting, an encounter, and a story told by those who have been preparing these dishes for generations. For three consecutive evenings in July, the village remains illuminated late into the night, inviting visitors to wander, pause, and explore.

Homes turned into inns

The formula that has made this event so recognizable is both simple and surprising: the houses, cellars, and small squares of the old town open their doors to the public, transforming into temporary inns. Inside, you can sit down, order, and chat with the hosts. It is the most direct way to experience authentic Postiglione cuisine, far from standardized menus, while breathing new life into spaces that remain closed for the rest of the year.

The flavors of the Alburni

The common thread is authentic local home cooking, built on regional products and short supply chains. Among the featured delicacies, a leading role is played by the extra virgin olive oil produced in the Alburni mountains, celebrated by the organizers as a symbol of local agricultural identity. Alongside the oil, local producers are on hand to personally present their cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, fresh pasta, and preserves.

• Food stalls distributed along the entire historic center route
• Culinary workshops dedicated to local products and traditional techniques
• Artisan markets and local producer stalls
• Music, dancing, and roving performances accompanying visitors from stop to stop

The Pistilius, the currency of taste

One of the most original features of Strettule is the payment system for tastings: instead of cash, the Pistilius is used—a traditional local currency revived by the organizers as the official event token. This detail is more than just folklore; it makes the trail more fluid, standardizes the value of the tastings, and turns every purchase into a small act of collective memory.

An event built by the community

Strettule was born from the collaboration between the Municipality of Postiglione and the Pro Loco, with the involvement of the parish, local businesses, and residents who open their homes. Mayor Carmine Cennamo has frequently highlighted the event as part of a broader strategy to grow the entire Alburni region as a single tourist destination, capable of retaining residents and attracting visitors beyond the usual circuits.

Postiglione, the Balcony of the Alburni

Perched on the southern slope of the massif, the village overlooks the Sele Plain: on clear days, the view stretches all the way to the coast. This position earned it the nickname 'Balcony of the Alburni,' and it is what makes an evening stroll through the 'strettule' an experience unlike any other festival in inland Campania. The village preserves its medieval layout, with the Norman castle dominating the houses and a network of stairs and arches that, when illuminated at night, becomes the natural stage for the event.

Two events a year

Strettule now follows a dual calendar: the summer edition in July, which takes advantage of the mild evenings and the Alburni tourist flow, and a winter edition near Christmas, featuring markets, a Santa Claus village, and family entertainment. Two different formats that share the same underlying idea: telling the story of Postiglione through its food.