Tacchinando — Tacchino alla Canzanese Festival

Tacchinando, the gourmet heart of Canzano

In the small town of Canzano, perched among the hills of Teramo, Tacchinando — Tacchino alla Canzanese Festival returns every summer as one of the most iconic food and wine events in Abruzzo. For several evenings in July, the historic center transforms into a vibrant village of taste, featuring stalls, music, and food stands buzzing until late in the night under the established "Tacchinando by Night" format.

Tacchino alla Canzanese, a 150-year-old tradition

The undisputed star is Tacchino alla Canzanese, a recipe passed down through generations for over a century and a half. Female turkeys are cleaned, deboned, and slow-boiled with herbs and spices; once cooked, the meat cools in its own broth, which is then skimmed, filtered, and left to set into a jelly. The dish is served cold, sliced, and accompanied by its characteristic jelly. The preparation is so renowned that, according to local lore, a freeze-dried version was once studied as potential food for space missions.

Storione and the flavors of Teramo

Alongside the turkey, the festival celebrates another Canzano treasure: the storione. In Canzano, this is not a fish, but a refined festive pastry shaped like one, made with almond paste and cream, the recipe for which is a closely guarded secret among local families. The menu also features Teramo specialties like mazzarelle, gnocchi, timballi, and homemade desserts, all paired with local wines.

Beyond gastronomy: culture and tradition

Tacchinando is also a chance to discover the village's heritage. During the evenings, visitors can admire the Embroidery and Lace Exhibition curated by local artisans, while guided walks through the historic center reveal Canzano's landmarks, including the Church of Madonna dell'Alno, the Church of San Salvatore, the ancient ice house, and the Church of San Biagio overlooking the main square.

An iconic Abruzzo event

Organized by the Municipality of Canzano in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the Tacchino alla Canzanese Consortium, the event blends culinary delight with the rediscovery of an authentic village's traditions. Today, Tacchinando is a staple of the Abruzzo summer, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond, all drawn by the fame of a dish that has become an ambassador for Teramo cuisine worldwide.