Tufo di Carsoli Chestnut Festival

The Tufo di Carsoli Chestnut Festival

In the heart of the Marsica region, nestled among the Abruzzo mountains, the small village of Tufo — a hamlet of Carsoli in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo) — dedicates every autumn to the product that shaped its history: the chestnut. With only a few hundred residents, Tufo transforms for an entire October weekend into a lively meeting point where the scent of roasted chestnuts, authentic flavors, and folk music delight residents and visitors alike.

A deeply rooted tradition

For generations, the chestnut was the primary source of income for many local families, and the festival celebrates its cultural and economic value. Organized by the Pro Loco Tufo di Carsoli APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Carsoli, the event has surpassed its seventeenth edition and remains one of the most cherished autumn appointments in the area. It is an authentic village festival that brings the whole community together around long tables, food stalls, and ancient customs.

Flavors of Abruzzese peasant cuisine

The heart of the festival lies in the tastings set up in the village squares. Among the dishes offered by the Pro Loco volunteers are traditional specialties:

• Unmissable roasted chestnuts prepared in Piazza San Giuseppe;
• A trio of rustic soups and spelt-based dishes;
• Pallotte cacio e ova (cheese and egg balls), beans with sausages, and arrosticini;
• Polenta with sausage served during the Sunday lunch;
• Chestnut-based desserts and local red wines.

Music, crafts, and the Ballo della Pupazza

Beyond gastronomy, the festival offers a rich artisan market, live and roving music, and excursions through the surrounding chestnut groves. The symbol of the festival is the traditional Ballo della Pupazza, a moment of great collective joy that closes the evenings with fireworks and choreography, showcasing the folklore of the Marsica region. The soundtrack is provided by roving groups and street bands that enliven the streets of the historic center.

A village to discover in autumn

Visiting the Chestnut Festival means immersing yourself in the life of a small Abruzzese town, among stone alleys, chestnut woods, and the hospitality of the Marsica people. It is an ideal occasion to combine food and wine, nature, and tradition just a short distance from the border between Abruzzo and Lazio.