Trout Festival

The Capestrano Trout Festival

The Trout Festival is the most renowned culinary event in Capestrano, a village in the province of L'Aquila nestled in the stunning Tirino Valley, within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Established in 1982 by the Pro Loco Capestrano, the festival has grown over the years into one of the most anticipated summer events in inland Abruzzo, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.

A product of excellence: the Tirino trout

The absolute star is the trout from the Tirino River, one of the clearest waterways in Italy, fed by pure springs. The festival tells the story of this river and its people, reviving the charm of a once-humble food tradition that has now become a true gastronomic excellence. The trout is served in many ways: grilled, baked in fillets, or as a sauce for pasta.

The menu and conviviality

Alongside the trout, visitors can enjoy a rich menu of Abruzzese traditions: porchetta, mixed mountain cheeses, aged prosciutto, fried pizzas, tomatoes, fruit, wine, and beer. There is no shortage of local sweets, such as nocelle and Capestrano almond pastries. The entire village participates in the organization, with roles assigned in the kitchen, at the cash registers, in service, and in setting up the tables: a true community team effort.

Music and dancing under the Convent

The festival takes place in the equipped area in front of the Convent of San Giovanni da Capestrano, the discreet guardian of this culinary tradition. After dinner, a band livens up the evenings with live music and group dances, including tangos, mazurkas, and liscio, continuing late into the night. The combination of the scenic convent setting, genuine flavors, and festive atmosphere makes the Trout Festival an unmissable summer appointment in the heart of Abruzzo.