The Nights of Canestrato
Edition 2026 Jazz Folk Gastronomy

The Nights of Canestrato

The festival of Canestrato di Moliterno IGP with tastings, show cooking, and music in the castle

Moliterno — Potenza (076)
Dates 09 Aug โ€” 10 Aug 2026
Location Moliterno (076)
Prices โ€”
Status โ€”

About Nights of Canestrato

In Moliterno, in the heart of the upper Val d'Agri, Le Notti del Canestrato celebrate the famous Canestrato di Moliterno IGP, a sheep and goat cheese aged in characteristic cellars. A gastronomic journey through the historic center with tastings, ancient cellars open to the public, author show cooking, folk concerts, and DJ sets within the walls of the medieval castle.

The cheese that gives its name to a night of celebration

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.

A gastronomic journey through the village

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.

Show cooking, music, and the charm of the castle

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.

Moliterno and the Lucanian Apennine National Park

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.

Nights of Canestrato โ€” edition 2026

Le Notti del Canestrato returns to Moliterno on August 9 and 10, 2026, with the usual gastronomic route through the historic center dedicated to Canestrato di Moliterno IGP: tastings, ancient cellars open to the public, show cooking by Alliance chefs, concerts, and the final DJ set in the medieval castle. The dates are indicated by sources as to be officially confirmed.

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.

Programme Nights of Canestrato 2026

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:

  • Gastronomic route through the historic center with tastings of Canestrato di Moliterno IGP served pure and in pairings (honey, jams, cured meats, rustic bread)
  • Ancient cellars (fondaci) open to the public
  • Show cooking by chefs from the Slow Food Alliance
  • Folk concerts and entertainment along the route
  • Grand finale with DJ set within the walls of the medieval castle

Times, guests, and the route map will be published on the official channels of the Municipality of Moliterno.

Highlights Nights of Canestrato 2026

Tastings of Canestrato di Moliterno IGP in the ancient cellars of the village, author show cooking, and the final DJ set in the medieval castle.

Prices Nights of Canestrato 2026

Access to the route is free; tastings with gastronomic tickets available for purchase on-site.

Practical information — Nights of Canestrato

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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Where does it take place โ€” Nights of Canestrato

Centro storico e Castello medievale

Nights of Canestrato in brief

Jazz Folk Gastronomy Cheese Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Night Potenza

History of Nights of Canestrato