Pastoralism in Festival: the pastoral roots of the Comino Valley

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The “Pastorizia in Festival” stands as a national celebration, focusing on the exceptional pecorino DOP of Picinisco, accompanied by other local delicacies and food specialties from different regions of Italy. This extraordinary event takes place in the thousand-year-old village of Picinisco, a jewel steeped in history, surrounded by unspoiled nature and a healthy environment. Here, a thousand-year-old agro-pastoral tradition is handed down that characterizes the food and wine identity of the area, unique for its genuineness and biodiversity.

The festival transports visitors to a world rich in traditions, where shepherds and their products are the undisputed protagonists. The streets of the village come alive with the “walk with the shepherd”, an engaging experience that allows participants to immerse themselves in the daily life of those who lead the flock through the picturesque transhumance paths in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

During the event, the children are the center of attention, placed in the heart of the village to create cheeses that they then take home, thus creating a direct link with pastoral traditions. Local restaurants and businesses distribute their products directly in the squares, offering a tasty overview of the local cuisine. Music resonates through the streets of the village thanks to historical instruments such as bagpipes, flutes and the songs of authentic singers.

The three-day program is enriched by unique and unforgettable events. These include:

• Shepherd’s Breakfast:

  • Wholemeal bread

  • Ricotta

  • Pizzutella jam

• In the Shepherd’s Footsteps:

  • Suggestive walk with the shepherd and his flock

  • Route through the paths of transhumance in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise

• Visit to the stazzo of Selva Piana:

  • Outdoor space where cattle gather at night

  • Tasting of fresh ricotta cheese

  • Departure in the retinue of the shepherd with the flock

• Acoustic concert and cheese tasting:

  • Packed lunch by the participants

• Festival:

  • Show Cooking

  • Opening of the national and international cheese market and handicraft market

• The Tratturo del Gusto:

  • Gastronomic tour with tasting of typical agro-pastoral dishes

• The Little Shepherds at Work:

  • Children’s dairy workshop

• Dairy Competitions:

  • Competitions and competitions related to dairy production

• Conferences and Round Tables:

  • Meetings and discussions on agro-pastoral issues

In this unique context, “Pastorizia in Festival” presents itself as an extraordinary opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the rich agro-pastoral tradition of the Comino Valley, living an unforgettable experience in a combination of flavors, sounds and traditions.