The 2026 Priest's Chestnut Festival in Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo: program and typical dishes

Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, three days of celebration for the tenth edition

At the foot of Mount Partenio , in the green heart of Irpinia, the village of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo (AV) closes the 10th Partenio and Priest Chestnut Festival in grand style . The event, organized by the Pro Loco La Fenice with the patronage of local institutions, will liven up the streets of the historic center from Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, 2026 : three days dedicated to one of the area's most iconic products, the priest's chestnut.

It's not just a simple festival, but a community celebration that this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, transforming squares and alleyways into a vast stage of flavors, folk music, and rural traditions. An event worth the trip for those seeking the authentic Campania autumn, far from the chaos of the city.

• Place: historic center of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo (AV), at the foot of Montevergine
• Order date: from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026
• Working time: Stands open from 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11am on Sunday
• Entrance: Free, no ticket required; drinks are paid directly at the stands
• Booking: Not required; for updated information, please visit the official Facebook page of Pro Loco La Fenice.

What is the priest's chestnut?

The priest's chestnut is a historic variety grown on the slopes of Partenio and processed according to an ancient method. It is slowly dried in traditional racks , then toasted and finally rehydrated: a process that gives it a more intense flavor and a soft texture, very different from that of common roasted chestnuts.

This slow process, passed down from generation to generation, is the heart of the Ospedaletto festival, which every year brings the work of the chestnut growers and the town's rural memory back to the square.

The program for the 2026 Priest's Chestnut Festival

The tenth anniversary celebrations will take place from Friday to Sunday evenings, with folk music, traveling shows, and street theater in the village.

Friday 14th October

At 18:00 PM, the stands will open, offering traditional dishes, roasted chestnuts, and chestnut-based desserts. From 20:30 PM , the celebrations really kick into high gear: the Boomerang Street Band will perform a traveling show through the town's streets , Taranta 3 will perform in Piazza Garibaldi , and in Piazza Umberto I, Conta Cunti will be the storytelling center.

Saturday October 3

The stands will reopen at 18:00 pm , and from 20:30 pm , there will be folk music with the Tammurriarè in Piazza Garibaldi, a concert by I Marimba in Piazza Umberto I, and a performance by I Monaghan Duo in the historic center.

Sunday October 4

The final day is open continuously: from 11:00 a.m. , stands offer Irpinia specialties, roasted chestnuts, and desserts for lunch and dinner. In the afternoon, at 16:00 p.m. , the Clan H Theatre Company performs "Verso la felicità" in the Town Hall , while the I Monaghan Band performs in the historic center.

What to eat: typical dishes of the festival

The real star of the show is the food. In addition to roasted chestnuts and chestnut desserts, the stands offer traditional Irpinia dishes: bean soup , chestnuts and porcini mushrooms , caciocavallo impiccato with truffles , breaded and fried porcini mushrooms, new potato schiacciatine with porcini mushrooms, and breaded mozzarella balls with truffles.

All accompanied by local wine and a unique chestnut beer , perfect for those who want to take home a different taste of the country's iconic product. Special areas for children complete the offering, making the festival family-friendly.

How to get there and what to visit in the surrounding area

Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo is easily reached by car from Avellino, climbing towards the Montevergine mountain. While making the most of your trip, it's worth combining the festival with a visit to the Sanctuary of Montevergine , one of the most evocative places of worship in Irpinia, and discover the province's other attractions with our guide to 10 things to do in Avellino and its province.

Those who love autumn festivals can also plan other local events, such as the 2026 Vitulanese Chestnut and Pecorino Cheese Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Priest's Chestnut Festival

When is the 2026 Priest's Chestnut Festival?

The festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026 in the historic centre of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, in the province of Avellino.

Where is Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo located?

It is a small village in the province of Avellino, at the foot of Mount Partenio, not far from the Sanctuary of Montevergine.

Do you need a ticket or reservation to attend?

No, admission to the festival is free and no reservations are required. You only pay for drinks at the food and wine stands.

What are the party times?

On Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, the stands open at 18:00 PM and the shows begin at 20:30 PM; on Sunday, October 4th, the stands open at 11:00 AM, with afternoon shows starting at 16:00 PM.

What can you eat at the party?

The menu ranges from roasted chestnuts to chestnut desserts, including bean, chestnut, and porcini mushroom soup, caciocavallo impiccato with truffles, and other Irpinian specialties, accompanied by local wine and chestnut beer.