Toll'e fave / Feast of Saint Paschal

Toll'e fave and the feast of Saint Paschal in Tollo

In the heart of the municipality of Tollo, in the province of Chieti, an event takes place every year in mid-May that weaves together two distinct but inseparable souls: the feast of the patron saint, Saint Paschal Baylon, and the "Toll'e fave" food and wine festival. It is the moment when the town, known throughout Abruzzo as "the Land of Grapes and Wine," celebrates its peasant roots and religious devotion in one great popular festival.

Devotion to Saint Paschal Baylon

Saint Paschal Baylon, a Franciscan lay brother who lived in the 16th century, is venerated as the protector of the Eucharist, the humble, and cooks. His feast day falls on May 17th and is honored in Tollo with a solemn Holy Mass in the parish church and the traditional procession of the saint's statue through the streets of the town center. Moments of reflection and community prayer mark the festive days, where the spiritual dimension coexists with the convivial one, according to a balance typical of Abruzzo's patronal feasts.

The traditional dish: fava beans and garlic

The name of the festival, "Toll'e fave," evokes in dialect the deep bond between the town and one of its iconic products. During the festival evenings, starting at dusk, the historic center comes alive with stalls serving the ancient peasant dish of fava beans and garlic—simple and genuine, an expression of the local "cucina povera." It is perfectly accompanied by local wines—white, red, and rosé—the result of the winemaking vocation that has made Tollo famous far beyond regional borders.

A community celebration

Beyond the gastronomy, the event offers live music, evening entertainment in the square, markets featuring typical products and local crafts, as well as activities designed for families and children. "Toll'e fave" effectively kicks off the Tollo summer calendar "Sorsi d'Estate", promoted by the Municipality of Tollo together with the Pro Loco Tolle Me and local associations, which accompanies the town from May until autumn with events that combine tradition, culture, entertainment, sports, and food and wine.

Why visit

Participating in "Toll'e fave" means experiencing the authentic hospitality of a village in the Chieti hinterland, savoring a cuisine that tells centuries of peasant history, and discovering the great wines of Abruzzo directly in the land that produces them. It is an ideal occasion for those who want to get to know the truest soul of this corner of Abruzzo, amidst popular faith, genuine flavors, and the warmth of the local people.