Wild Boar Pappardelle Festival

A festival in the heart of the Marsica region

The Wild Boar Pappardelle Festival takes place in Cesoli, a small hamlet in the municipality of Ortona dei Marsi, in the province of L'Aquila, within the upper Giovenco Valley. The village is nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, surrounded by woods and mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for one of the most cherished gastronomic festivals of the Marsican summer. The event is traditionally held on August 13th, amidst the Ferragosto celebrations that involve the entire municipal area.

The star dish

At the heart of the festival is a staple of the Abruzzese peasant tradition: pappardelle with wild boar. This dish features fresh, hand-rolled pasta topped with a savory wild boar ragù, slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, wine, and spices. It is a rustic, hearty meal that reflects the deep bond between these mountain villages and wild boar hunting, an animal that symbolizes the forests of the Marsica region.

The festival program

The festival offers an evening dedicated to flavor and conviviality:

• Food stalls serving freshly prepared wild boar pappardelle;
• Arrosticini, sandwiches, and other Abruzzese culinary specialties;
• Wine tastings and local artisanal products;
• Live music and dancing for all ages;
• A bar area and watermelon to cool off during the warm August evenings.

Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of a classic village fair, where the Cesoli community welcomes visitors, vacationers, and former residents returning for the summer.

The Pro Loco Monte Faito

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Monte Faito APS, a social promotion association founded in 1983 by the citizens of Cesoli to enhance and protect the territory and the historical-cultural heritage of the village. The festival is part of a rich calendar of summer events that, across Cesoli, Carrito, Aschi Alto, and the main town of Ortona, enliven the entire community of the upper Giovenco Valley and help combat the depopulation of these inland areas of Abruzzo.

Why attend

The Wild Boar Pappardelle Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Marsica region and the Abruzzo mountains, enjoying genuine dishes in a setting of great natural beauty. Those visiting Cesoli on August 13th will find not only great food but also the warmth of a community that keeps its traditions alive.