Spring

One of the dishes admired at our #CookForUkraine family fundraising day was Graziella’s interpretation of the classic Ukrainian  Pork and Cabbage soup.  It was loved by adults and children alike, my little boy for once did not pick out the cabbage and wipe it on the side of the bowl, but wolfed it all down eagerly and asked why my soups cant be like that as we went home!

There are 66 Abruzzesi venues that will be opening their doors for free on 23rd March as part of FAI’s Spring Open Day that aims to preserve, promote and protect the region’s rich and beautiful cultural heritage

Easter in Abruzzo in a simple snapshot: exploring its ceremonies and processions over the revered holy weekend and recipes eaten locally to welcome spring and take on the first picnic of the year

Loreto Aprutino’s Festa di San Zopito got me interested in the stories behind the monumental white ox with his carefully trimmed & polished hooves, multi-coloured ribbons & bells

Cerqueto reveals its unexpectedly abundant technicolour orchid trail, with sublime views of Abruzzo’s “Sleeping Giant” the Corno Piccolo

Blue on Blue means a carpet of speedwell in the olive groves competing with the sky as to who can chase the real blues away in Abruzzo till it’s officially Spring

Abruzzo’s flower power is extraordinary; throughout May uncover Naked Man (Orchis Italica) go gaga over the ampled thigh Lady Orchids

Cocullo’s snake festival must win awards for being not just one of Italy’s strangest festivals, but also for being the most multi-cultural

Abruzzo’s coastal resorts are worth exploring in springtime; they’re less crowded and the weather is perfect for walking We asked Fossacesia resident, Pia De Simone to describe what to expect from the home of our favourite abbey at sunset San Giovanni in Venere.

Exploring the Abruzzo provinces of Teramo, Chieti, Pescara & l’Aquila in the Spring with a salty porchetta panino in hand