Struffoli and Zeppole Festival

A village festival dedicated to fried sweets

The Struffoli and Zeppole Festival is the gastronomic highlight that brings Luogosano to life every May 1st. Located in the heart of Irpinia, in the province of Avellino, Campania, this village of just over a thousand residents celebrates two iconic fried desserts that are deeply rooted in the collective memory of the region. For one day, visitors and locals alike can sample these treats alongside other local culinary specialties.

This is an intimate, community-focused festival. Rather than aiming for mass crowds, it celebrates conviviality with food stalls, long communal tables, music, and local chatter. Falling on a date that traditionally marks the start of spring outings in Italy, Luogosano becomes uncharacteristically vibrant, with the historic center bustling as people wander from one tasting to the next.

Struffoli and zeppole: what to taste

Struffoli are one of the most iconic desserts in Campania: small balls of fried dough, coated in warm honey and decorated with diavolilli—the tiny, colorful sprinkles that make them instantly recognizable. While traditionally associated with Christmas, here they are served out of season as a symbol of home-style Irpinian baking.

Zeppole complete the duo: fried dough, served in sweet variations that differ from family to family and village to village. Together, they tell the story of a humble cuisine made from simple ingredients—flour, eggs, honey, sugar, and hot oil—and techniques passed down through generations in the home kitchen rather than learned in a lab.

• Struffoli with honey and colorful sprinkles
• Zeppole fried according to local tradition
• Typical products and dishes from the Valle del Calore

Luogosano, an Irpinian village among the vineyards

Luogosano sits at an altitude of about 390 meters, roughly 30 kilometers from Avellino in the Valle del Calore, near towns like Taurasi, Paternopoli, Fontanarosa, Lapio, San Mango sul Calore, and Sant'Angelo all'Esca. This is a land with a strong winemaking tradition: it is home to Aglianico, the grape variety behind Taurasi, one of the most celebrated red wines in Southern Italy. The setting helps explain why a festival dedicated to two simple desserts is so popular: it is the same peasant culture that made these hills famous.

The historic center retains a medieval layout with low houses, stone portals, and artistic wrought-iron balconies. There are 18th-century churches and traces of Roman history throughout the municipality. The patron saint is San Marcellino, celebrated on June 2nd, and the local calendar is filled with other religious festivals and food fairs throughout the year.

How the day unfolds

The format is the classic Irpinian festival style: food stalls set up in the village, affordable tastings, live music, and a festive spirit driven by local associations and volunteers. There is no entry fee; you simply purchase portions at the individual stalls, following the most common practice for festivals in Southern Italy.

The detailed program—including opening hours and any scheduled performances or bands—is usually released shortly before the date through the municipality's and local associations' channels. For this reason, it is best to check for updates a few days before your trip.

Tips for your visit

• Arrive early: in small villages, parking near the center fills up quickly.
• Plan a stop in nearby towns: Taurasi and its wine region are just a few minutes away by car.
• Bring cash: festival stalls do not always accept electronic payments.
• Check the weather: most activities take place outdoors.

2026 Edition: information not yet available

As of the update date of this page, no official confirmation or press coverage regarding the 2026 edition of the Struffoli and Zeppole Festival has been found. The last documented edition was on May 1st, 2025, as reported by the regional press. The date indicated for 2026 is therefore to be considered indicative, based on the customary May 1st recurrence, and should be confirmed with the Municipality of Luogosano before planning your visit.