Triidd' in Festa

The 'triidd'' festival: Carife's handmade pasta

In the heart of the Irpinian Baronia, at an altitude of 740 meters overlooking the Ufita Valley, the town of Carife (Avellino province, Campania) dedicates two mid-summer days to the dish that best represents its culinary heritage: triidd'. This humble fresh pasta—made simply from water, semolina, and a pinch of salt—is hand-rolled and tossed in a traditional meat ragù. 'Triidd' in Festa' was created to showcase this pasta, a close relative of the 'triilli' found in the Trevico and Vallesaccarda areas, and to introduce it to visitors from further afield.

Two days of stalls, workshops, and live music

The festival is more than just an evening of food; it spans the entire day. In recent editions, the program has kicked off in the morning with a free fresh pasta workshop, where participants can watch and try their hand at making triidd'. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the local area with guided tours of the town's archaeological heritage, while the evening features food stalls, live music, and local wine tastings in the cellars.

• Morning — Fresh pasta workshop (free, reservation required)
• Afternoon — Guided tour of the Archaeological Museum and the Samnite necropolis
• Evening — Wine tasting, food stalls open, and live music

What to eat

The star of the show is, of course, triidd' with Carife-style ragù, served in its most classic form. Alongside it, you will find other local peasant dishes such as stuffed peppers and pork rind rolls. The local pantry does the rest, featuring Irpinia Colline dell'Ufita PDO extra virgin olive oil, Aglio dell'Ufita (garlic), Pomodorino dell'Ufita (cherry tomatoes), and Caciocavallo Silano PDO cheese. Portions are purchased directly at the stalls, following the simple and direct style of traditional village festivals.

Beyond the table: the Archaeological Museum and the Samnite necropolis

The most unique aspect of the event is the pairing of gastronomy and archaeology. Carife is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Irpinia, featuring a Samnite-era necropolis. Since 2019, it has also hosted the Archaeological Museum, a local museum displaying Samnite artifacts from the 5th-4th century BC as well as Roman-era finds. During the festival, the museum and archaeological site can be visited with a guide upon reservation. Those with extra time can complete their walk through the historic center by visiting the Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista, rebuilt in 1756 in the Vanvitellian style, the church and convent of San Francesco, and the Palazzo Marchesale.

Who organizes it

The event is organized by the 'Gli Amici r' lu Callar' Cultural Association with the support of the Municipality of Carife. It is part of a broader summer calendar that the association puts together every year for the village, including animated readings for children, theatrical storytelling, games, and social events for all ages. It is a volunteer effort that unites a community of just over 1,300 residents, which grows significantly in August thanks to the return of those who have emigrated.

When to go

In recent editions, 'Triidd' in Festa' has taken place around August 13th and 14th, on the eve of Ferragosto, when the Baronia is in the height of its festival season and the villages of upper Irpinia are bustling with visitors. Dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially released; it is best to follow the channels of the organizing association and the Municipality of Carife in the weeks leading up to August.