From October 16 through early November, the villages, valleys, and mountains of Abruzzo celebrate the season with chestnuts, local specialties, and traditions waiting to be rediscovered
At this time of year, the woods change color, the days grow shorter, and the scent of chestnuts and traditional cuisine fills the villages once again. From mid-October to early November, a variety of events offer the chance to rediscover this side of Abruzzo, traveling along the A24 and A25 highways and taking a few detours to explore the small towns of the inland region.
From Marsica to the Roveto Valley, from the L’Aquila area to the foothills of Gran Sasso, the chestnut thus serves as a common thread connecting different regions during the time of year when the landscape takes on some of its most evocative colors.
October 16–18: See you in Civitella Roveto
The journey begins, in a sense, with“Lungo le Antiche Rue,” scheduled for October 16–18 in Civitella Roveto, in the heart of the Roveto Valley. For three days, the historic center will host events dedicated to fall cuisine and local traditions, with the Roscetta chestnut from the Roveto Valley among the event’s signature products.
A chance to stroll through the village’s narrow streets and, once the tour is over, let your gaze wander toward the woods and mountains of the valley as they undergo their autumn transformation.
From the A25 highway, take the Avezzano exit and continue toward the Roveto Valley along State Route 690 toward Sora.
In Tufo di Carsoli, the festival is near the A24
At the same time, on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, chestnuts will take center stage in Tufo di Carsoli, in western Marsica, on the border with Lazio.
The 18th Chestnut Festival, organized by the Pro Loco under the patronage of the Municipality of Carsoli, will bring the village to life with traditional cuisine, local crafts, music, and cultural events. On Saturday, a culinary tour featuring local specialties is scheduled, while on Sunday at noon, a lunch in the town square is planned, featuring polenta, sausage, and the classic arrosticini. On both days, visitors will also be able to view the photography exhibition “Come eravamo” at Palazzo Colletti.
The exit to take is Carsoli/Oricola, on the A24 between Vicovaro/Mandela and Tagliacozzo.
On the Gran Sasso, the chestnuts of Intermesoli
That same weekend offers another opportunity, this time on the Teramo side of Gran Sasso. The 25th Intermesoli Chestnut Festival is scheduled for October 17 and 18 in Intermesoli, a mountain hamlet of Pietracamela.
It’s also an opportunity to discover a small village nestled in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, at the foot of some of the most majestic peaks in the Apennines.
From the A24highway, we recommend taking the San Gabriele/Colledara exit, continuing toward Montorio al Vomano, and then taking State Route 80 to the junction for Pietracamela-Prati di Tivo.
From October 23 to 25, the Roscetta returns to Canistro
The following weekend, the journey returns to the Roveto Valley. From October 23 to 25, Canistro Inferiore will host the 48th Roscetta Chestnut Festival, dedicated to one of the region’s most distinctive products. The festival, which began in 1978, is one of the valley’s most established fall events.
Canistro and the Roveto Valley offer a particularly picturesque setting at this time of year, when the colors of the woods add to the appeal of the traditional events.
From the A25, take the exit for Avezzano and continue on the SS690 Avezzano-Sora to the Canistro interchange.
Through November, chestnuts are also available in the L’Aquila area and in Sante Marie
Also on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, the regional event calendars list the 38th Chestnut Festival in San Felice d’Ocre.
The traditionalSante Marie Chestnut Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1. The event is dedicated to the town’s signature product.
San Felice d’Ocre can bereached from the A24 by taking the L’Aquila Ovest exit ( for those coming from Rome) orthe L’Aquila Est exit ( for those coming from Teramo). To reach Sante Marie, we recommend taking the Tagliacozzo exit ( from Rome on the A24) or the Magliano de’ Marsi exit ( from Pescara on the A25).
An Autumn to Discover, One Village at a Time
Chestnut festivals are not just culinary events. They are opportunities to explore historic town centers, meet local communities, and rediscover traditions that reflect the relationship between these regions, their forests, and the rhythms of the seasons.
From Tufo di Carsoli to Sante Marie, from the Roveto Valley to the Aquilano area and on to Intermesoli, the A24 and A25 highways serve as the route for a short journey through the Abruzzo countryside in the fall—one to be enjoyed weekend after weekend.
Before you leave, we always recommend checking for any updates to event schedules and traffic conditions along your chosen route.
