There is a time of year when the streets of Pacentro become the stage for a story that continues to unfold, firmly rooted in tradition. It is the weekend of the Corsa degli Zingari, the annual event that draws visitors, enthusiasts, and the simply curious from all over Italy to the heart of the Maiella, transforming the town into one big celebration.
The 2026 edition officially opened with the play*”Na Na Na Na”* by Camilla Tagliaferri and Nicolas Zappa, staged in the evocative setting of Caldora Castle, which overlooks the picturesque village, recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy. This event marked the start of four days of cultural, musical, sporting, and traditional activities, leading the village toward its most anticipated moment: Sunday afternoon’s race.
The centerpiece of the event remains, in fact, the centuries-old ritual that takes place on the first Sunday in September. The participants, who must run barefoot, tackle a breathtaking descent from Colle degli Ardinghi, then cross the Vella Creek and climb back up through the streets of the historic center to the Church of the Madonna di Loreto. A test of courage and endurance that is deeply rooted in the town’s history and continues to represent one of the most authentic traditions of Abruzzese identity.
An increasingly diverse program of events has developed around the race: from the new Trail degli Zingari to evening shows, from markets to family-friendly activities, and even appearances by guests from the worlds of sports, television, and entertainment—all of which help put Pacentro in the national spotlight.
“strada dei parchi” is sponsoring the event, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the traditions, culture, and local excellence of Abruzzo. This support is part of a broader effort to promote the villages and communities that make the cultural heritage along the A24 and A25 highways so unique.
How to get to Pacentro from the A25
For those who wish to attend the weekend events, Pacentro is easily accessible from the A25 highway. The most convenient exit is Pratola Peligna/Sulmona; the village is about 10 kilometers from there and can be reached in just a few minutes by following the signs for Sulmona and Pacentro.
A short journey that takes you to the heart of one of Abruzzo’s most captivating landscapes, between the silhouette of Mount Morrone, the forests of Maiella, and the towers of Caldora Castle, which overlook the “village of wonders.” For those who choose to set out on a trip this weekend, the Corsa degli Zingari offers the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—an authentic Abruzzo where tradition, community, and the land continue to run hand in hand.
