Italian Food Festivals Celebrate Ascoli Piceno Olives and Gragnano Pasta

The 13th Ascoliva Festival will take place in Ascoli Piceno from August 8‑19, showcasing the DOP olive ascolana, a stuffed olive specialty recognized by UNESCO. Events include cultural and gastronomic meetings, guided tastings, workshops, an "Oliva Day" with olive‑based challenges, and a competition for home‑made stuffed olives on August 16. The festival’s new venue is the cloister of San Francesco, where a "Village of the Olive" will display local producers and traditional dishes.

From September 11‑13, Gragnano will host its Festa della Pasta, featuring 14 chefs and expecting around 40,000 visitors. Organized by the Consorzio di Tutela della Pasta di Gragnano IGP together with the municipality and the Campania region, the event’s theme is "MONDOPASTA!". Chefs will reinterpret traditional recipes and highlight the global journey of Gragnano pasta, emphasizing both local heritage and international influences.