Terra e Grani

The 2026 Edition: July 4th and 5th in Matinella

The third edition of Terra e Grani was held on Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th, 2026, in Piazza Sant'Anna, in the Matinella district of Albanella, in the province of Salerno. This was a breakthrough year: after three years of research conducted with the University of Salerno (Difarma), the ancient grains recovered and replanted in the fields of Albanella were harvested and transformed into flour, which was presented to the public during the official conference.

Alongside the square's program—historical pageant, grain-related crafts, children's workshops, folk music, and traditional dances—the event hosted an institutional discussion on the future of local agriculture, with the participation of the Regional Councilor for Agriculture of Campania, Maria Carmela Serluca, the University of Salerno, the Italian Farmers Association, ASD Albanella, the Sofia Association, and various municipal administrations from neighboring towns. Topics addressed included the creation of an ancient grain seed bank, PAT recognition for the Raviolo Albanellese, and the reclamation of abandoned farmland. The stated goal is to make the Albanella ancient grain supply chain a model that can be replicated throughout the region.

A new addition this year was the Magna Graecia-inspired re-enactment, Rite of Demeter and the Offering Maiden, with participants in Hellenic-style costumes, integrated into an interregional project on the "Grain Route." The square also featured historical farming tools from the collection curated by Antonio Coviello of Roccadaspide, while young musicians from Milan contributed to the music with a Celtic repertoire. The event was organized by APS Mimì, led by Giancarlo Carrano.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

• Opening thematic conference, presenting the ancient grain project carried out with the University of Salerno (Difarma) and the flours obtained from the Albanella harvest.
• "Mani in Pasta" workshop for children aged 6 to 10, dedicated to traditional pasta making: free participation.
• Start of the event in the square with folk music by the Castigamatt.
• Historical pageant with participants and citizens in traditional dress, featuring the Magna Graecia-inspired re-enactment Rite of Demeter and the Offering Maiden.
• Craft exhibition dedicated to the grain supply chain and historical farming tool display curated by Antonio Coviello.
• Local gastronomy "Tutta farina del nostro sacco".
• Folk music and traditional dances.
• Evening "Comuni del Grano" (Grain Towns) Awards.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

• Grain supply chain craft exhibitions and food area with local products.
• Free creative workshop "The Color of Grain, Kids and Nature".
• Folk music with guest folkloric groups.
• Mimì Award for "Best Agricultural Business" for local companies.
• Closing with the Terra e Grani lottery draw.

Edition Awards

• Terra e Grani 2026 Award to Donato Scaglione, National Vice President of the Italian Farmers Association and Provincial President of AIC Salerno, during the conference "From the Ear to the Territory — Rediscovering the values of the land".

• Presentation of flours obtained from ancient grains replanted in Albanella, the result of three years of research with the University of Salerno.
• Historical pageant and Magna Graecia re-enactment of the Rite of Demeter and the Offering Maiden, with Hellenic-style costumes.
• Folk music by the Castigamatt and traditional dances over both evenings.
• Free children's workshops: "Mani in Pasta" and "The Color of Grain, Kids and Nature".
• Exhibition of historical farming tools and grain supply chain crafts.
• "Comuni del Grano" Awards and Mimì Award for the best agricultural business.
• "Tutta farina del nostro sacco" gastronomy featuring traditional Piana del Sele rural dishes.

Getting There

By Car — Matinella is located on the plains, along the roads connecting Albanella to Capaccio Paestum and Serre. From the A2 Mediterranean Motorway, take the Battipaglia or Eboli exit and continue toward the Piana del Sele; from Salerno, take the SS 18 south. The event takes place in Piazza Sant'Anna, in the center of the district: on festival nights, it is advisable to arrive early and park in the surrounding streets.

By Train and Plane — The main train station for Albanella is Capaccio-Roccadaspide, on the Battipaglia-Reggio Calabria line; an alternative with more connections is Battipaglia, a hub for Salerno and Naples. The nearest airport is Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi in Pontecagnano, followed by Naples-Capodichino. From the stations, public bus connections to Matinella are available but infrequent in the evening: it is best to have a car.

Admission and Prices

Admission to the festival is free, as are the children's workshops. Only food and drinks at the stalls and tickets for the Terra e Grani lottery (sold during the two days) are for purchase.

Practical Tips

• Activities take place outdoors in the square: while early July evenings are pleasant, a light sweater is recommended.
• Children's workshops have limited spots: it is best to inquire in advance by contacting the association.
• The visit pairs well with a day at the Paestum archaeological site, about twenty kilometers away.
• For accommodation, the best options are the farmhouses (agriturismi) of the Piana del Sele or the hotels along the Cilento coast.

Contacts

APS Mimì — email [email protected]. Program, posters, and updates are available on the association's Facebook page and the local blog Matinella.it.