Struppolo Festival

A festival that tells the story of the town

The Struppolo Festival is the annual event that, on the first weekend of September, transforms the historic center of San Salvatore Telesino—nestled in the heart of the Valle Telesina in the province of Benevento—into a vibrant hub of conviviality. Organized by the Pro Loco San Salvatore Telesino APS, the festival has grown over the years to become one of the most popular food and wine events in the Sannio region. In 2025, it celebrated its twenty-third edition, drawing thousands of visitors to Piazza Salvatore Pacelli and the surrounding streets.

The struppolo, the undisputed star

At the heart of the event is the struppolo, a local peasant tradition made from a simple dough of eggs, flour, oil, and salt. Its simplicity is deceptive: the hand-kneading and baking techniques are the result of know-how passed down through generations. In fact, since 2013, the struppolo has been officially listed as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of the Campania Region. During the festival, you can taste it in its classic version and learn about its history through demonstrations by local producers and families.

Vanti and Peperone Quarantino

In recent years, the festival has expanded its focus to include two other local products that have also earned the Campania PAT designation: vanti and the Peperone Quarantino. Alongside these, the stalls offer a rich assortment of typical Sannio street food—select meats, artisanal cheeses, local cured meats, and traditional desserts—paired with wines from the Valle Telesina, one of Campania's most renowned wine-growing areas, and craft beers.

Music, markets, and atmosphere

Every evening has its own soundtrack: live concerts, folk music groups, serenades, and DJ sets that keep the piazza buzzing until late. A crowd favorite is the Fiera del Bagagliaio, a creative market where car trunks are transformed into mobile showcases for handmade crafts, vintage finds, and curiosities. The experience is rounded out by photo exhibitions, conferences on promoting local products, and activities for local schools.

The UNPLI 'Quality Festival' seal

In December 2025, the Struppolo Festival was awarded the national 'Sagra di Qualità' (Quality Festival) seal by UNPLI, the National Union of Pro Loco of Italy. This recognition, granted after rigorous inspection, became effective starting with the 2026 edition. The official certification ceremony took place on June 28, 2026, at the Benedictine Abbey of Santo Salvatore, in the presence of the volunteers, associations, and businesses that bring the festival to life each year. Pro Loco President Egidio Cappella described the seal not as a finish line, but as recognition of a journey built together.

An eco-conscious festival

Sustainability is a hallmark of the event: enhanced recycling programs, an ecological island set up within the festival area, and water stations distributed among the stalls ensure hygiene while minimizing waste. These efforts were key factors in the UNPLI inspectors' assessment, alongside a program that engages local producers throughout the year.

Why you should visit

Visitors to San Salvatore Telesino will find an authentic festival run by volunteers in a town of just over four thousand residents, featuring free admission and affordable prices. It is also a perfect opportunity to discover the Benedictine Abbey of Santo Salvatore, the archaeological remains of ancient Telesia, and the wines of the Valle Telesina: a weekend that blends gastronomy, history, and village life in one of the most fascinating valleys of inland Campania.