The festival of Canestrato di Moliterno IGP with tastings, show cooking, and music in the castle
There are products that become the identity of an entire town, and in Moliterno, this product is Canestrato di Moliterno IGP. A Pecorino cheese with a strong character, made from sheep and goat milk and aged in the renowned fondaci, the cool and airy cellars of the village, it is the absolute star of Le Notti del Canestrato, the festival that transforms the historic center into a grand tasting journey every summer.
For two evenings, the streets and squares of Moliterno are filled with stands, tables, and aromas: the Canestrato is tasted on its own, but also paired with honey, jams, cured meats, and rustic bread, in a sensory itinerary designed to reveal every nuance of this Lucanian excellence. The village's ancient cellars open their doors to the public, restoring the most authentic sense of a community that has lived by sheep farming and cheese aging for generations.
The celebration is not just about tasting. On stage, there are show cooking events by chefs from the Slow Food Alliance, folk concerts, and entertainment along the route, while the grand finale takes place within the walls of the medieval castle, where a DJ set accompanies the final hours of the night. It's a moment where peasant tradition and contemporary celebration merge in a unique atmosphere.
Promoted by the Municipality of Moliterno with the support of the Province of Potenza and the Basilicata Region, the event is one of the highlights of the Lucanian summer, enhancing a territory nestled within the Lucanian Apennine Val d'Agri Lagonegrese National Park. An opportunity to discover Moliterno, its flavors, and its hospitality.
For 2026, Le Notti del Canestrato are expected in Moliterno on the evenings of August 9 and 10, continuing the tradition of holding the festival on the second weekend of August. The program will again feature the food and wine route through the historic center, with ancient cellars open, pairings of Canestrato di Moliterno IGP, show cooking, folk music along the streets, and the concluding DJ set within the castle walls. Tourist sources indicate the dates are still to be officially confirmed: for the definitive schedule, please refer to the official channels of the Municipality of Moliterno.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced in the coming weeks. Based on the established structure of the event, the two evenings will include:
Times, guests, and the route map will be published on the official channels of the Municipality of Moliterno.
How to get there: From Potenza, Moliterno can be reached by taking the Val d'Agri road for about an hour and a half; from the A2 motorway, take the Atena Lucana exit.
Tastings: Access to the route is free; tastings are available with gastronomic tickets that can be purchased on-site.
Accommodation: B&Bs, farm stays, and facilities in the towns of Val d'Agri; booking is recommended during the festival days.
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Centro storico e Castello medievale