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Prezza Artichoke Festival

30 May @ 06:30 - 31 May @ 18:00 CEST

Prezza Artichoke Festival

If there’s one village in Abruzzo that knows how to treat an artichoke like royalty, it’s Prezza. Perched between Sulmona and the Sirente-Velino mountain range, this charming medieval village’s beloved annual celebration is its Artichoke Festival. It’s a delicious love letter to the tender, local carciofi that Prezza grows in abundance each spring on just one side of the small town and a must-visit for food lovers seeking true Abruzzese authenticity.

Prezza’s Artichoke Magic

What sets Prezza’s artichokes apart? Grown in the mineral-rich soil around the village, these artichokes are sweet, delicate, and nearly thornless, making them a favourite for stuffing, frying, layering into lasagna, or simply grilling with olive oil. For locals, these aren’t just vegetables — they’re a way of life, and at hungry points in time, this was the vegetable that sustained them.

At the festival, you’ll find the Nonne in charge of the food, sizzling feather-light artichoke fritters, and the artichoke lasagna here is divine, which turns even the most dedicated meat-lovers into vegetarians (at least for a plate or two).

 

Artichoke Fritters Prezza

A Village That Captivates

Beyond the food, Prezza is a delight to explore. Known as the “Balcony of Abruzzo”, the village offers panoramic views stretching across the Peligna Valley. Its steep, winding lanes are dotted with stone archways, artisan doorways, the town’s many beautiful murals link the past to the present. It’s peaceful, welcoming, and yet wonderfully alive during the artichoke festival, with music echoing through the streets and a sense of celebration in the air.

And if you’re staying longer? Don’t miss the chance to rent a beautifully restored home or apartment in the village — ideal for those wanting to cook with fresh carciofi from the market or relax with a glass of local Montepulciano d’Abruzzo after the festivities.

Why You Should Go

The Prezza Artichoke Festival isn’t just about food — it’s about community, tradition, and a love of the land, music and great wine. You’ll leave with a full stomach and heart, and having taken in the most beautiful sunset across the valley and down to the Gran Sasso!

Prezza Sunset

 

Read More

Discover the history of the event and try Mimina the Butcher’s Wife wonderful recipe for stuffed artichokes!|

Read more about Prezza and where to rent

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We will do our best to keep this calendar up to date, however in the case of last-minute cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, Covid outbreaks and so forth this may not always be possible.  In these cases, you should contact the event organiser for a refund as we are not responsible for the events on the calendar, only compiling them into an easy list.  As soon as we have news from an organiser when any event will be rescheduled we will update the calendar accordingly.

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