Trebbiando

Trebbiando, the grain that tells the story of Piana di Monte Verna

In Piana di Monte Verna, a small town in the Province of Caserta nestled in the Volturno Valley, Campania, July has a distinct scent: that of freshly threshed grain. It is the time for Trebbiando, an event that brings the customs of peasant civilization back to the village and introduces them to those who have never seen them, starting with children. This is not just a simple summer festival; it is a true historical re-enactment built around the stages of the grain harvest, which for generations defined the lives of local families.

The festival was founded in 2023 by the Agricoltori Pianesi association, chaired by Stefano Mastroianni, and in just a few editions, it has become one of the most anticipated events of the local summer, featuring five consecutive days of activities.

Harvesting, threshing, and beating: the re-enactment

The heart of the event is the live demonstration of the grain cycle as it was practiced before mechanization: harvesting, threshing, and beating, using vintage tools and machines recovered by local families. Curious onlookers of all ages gather around the reconstructed threshing floor, while the elders tell the younger ones how work was done under the July sun.

• Practical demonstrations of harvesting and threshing in the late afternoon
• Exhibition of vintage tractors and agricultural tools, with a parade through the town streets
• Educational moments designed for children, the true recipients of this memory
• Folklore stories and songs related to field work

The evenings: music, stalls, and conviviality

When the sun sets, the square changes its face. Food stalls open early in the evening, offering traditional peasant dishes from the Volturno Valley prepared by local volunteers, while different shows take place on stage every night: live music groups, tribute bands, dance evenings, games, and entertainment for families. The formula is that of an authentic village festival, where the audience consists mainly of residents, emigrants returning for the summer, and visitors from neighboring towns.

Why grain?

The choice of theme is no coincidence. The area of Piana di Monte Verna, between the Volturno River and the hills facing the Matese, is historically a land of cereals and small-scale family farming. The organizers emphasize a simple idea: grain was the wealth of yesterday and can be so again today if supported by short supply chains, local products, and collaboration between neighboring towns. Trebbiando is therefore also a showcase for local producers and an opportunity for tourism promotion in a corner of Campania that is still off the beaten path.

An event within «Vivi la Piazza»

Since 2026, Trebbiando has been included in the municipal summer program «Vivi la Piazza – Estate '26», which transforms the center of Piana di Monte Verna into an "open-air living room" from June 13 to September 19, featuring books, music, sports, outdoor cinema, food and wine, and popular traditions. 2026 is a special year for the community, which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the town's designation: the general coordination of the program is entrusted to Mayor Stefano Lombardi, while individual initiatives remain in the hands of local associations.

How to experience the festival

Trebbiando takes place in the public park on Via Laurelli and the area of the former sports field, just a few steps from the center. Access to the area is free; you only pay for what you consume at the stalls. It is a festival to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, arriving in the late afternoon to watch the threshing, staying for an outdoor dinner, and ending the evening with music. Those traveling with children will find one of the most suitable events of the Caserta summer, with wide spaces, relaxed rhythms, and activities designed for them.