2026 Pork Chop Festival in Montecorvino Rovella: dates, program, and information

From 13 to 18 August 2026 the historic center of Montecorvino Rovella, in the province of Salerno, hosts the historic Chop Festival, one of the longest-running and most beloved food and wine events in the province of Salerno. Six evenings of delicious food, featuring the traditional wire-wrapped braciola, served in a sandwich or with zito spezzato.

La Montecorvino chop It's a beef roll stuffed with garlic, parsley, grated cheese, pine nuts, and raisins, tied with wire, and slowly cooked in tomato sauce. A humble dish from Salerno's peasant tradition, it has become a symbol of local food and wine, so much so that it has its own festival, celebrated for decades.

2026 Festival Program

For six consecutive evenings, the festival stands will liven up the historic center of Montecorvino Rovella, offering a rich traditional menu:

Chop in a sandwich – The most popular version, with the roll served inside homemade bread along with the cooking sauce.
Chop with broken zito – The roulade accompanied by broken zita pasta, seasoned with the braciola sauce, for a unique and rich dish.
Side specialties – French fries, grilled vegetables, local cheeses, and traditional Salerno desserts.
Wine from the Salerno Hills – To accompany each dish, a glass of DOC red wine from the Colli di Salerno.

Each evening features live music by local bands, folk performances, and children's entertainment. The grand finale on August 18th will be a grand concert and fireworks display.

Montecorvino Rovella and the Picentini

Montecorvino Rovella is located in the hills of the Picentini Mountains, about 15 km from Salerno. Its historic center, with its typical stone houses and narrow streets, offers the ideal setting for the festival. The town is also a starting point for excursions in the Picentini Mountains Regional Park.

How to Get There

Montecorvino Rovella is easily reached by car from Salerno (20 minutes) via the SS18 or SP29. For those arriving from Naples, take the A2 Naples-Reggio Calabria motorway (Pontecagnano or Battipaglia exits). By train, the nearest station is Montecorvino on the Tyrrhenian line.

FAQ

What is the Montecorvino braciola?
It's a beef roll stuffed with garlic, parsley, cheese, pine nuts, and raisins, tied with wire, and cooked in tomato sauce. A traditional Salerno dish.

Can we also eat it for lunch?
The festival is only open in the evening, starting at 19:00 PM.

Is there parking?
Parking is available in the areas surrounding the historic center, with shuttle service on busy days.

Is the event also held on August 15th?
Yes, the festival continues regularly on August 15th, with a special Ferragosto menu.