The 30th Sagra della Castagna del Partenio took place in Arpaise on 10–11 October 2026, drawing a strong turnout despite rainy weather.
The festival was held in Contrada Russi, Arpaise, in the province of Benevento. It was organised by Pro Loco Generoso Papa APS, with the support of the Municipality of Arpaise, Unpli and the Comitato promotore della Castagna del Partenio IGP.
Chestnuts, Street Food and Village Life
The programme put the chestnut at the centre, with meals, desserts and street food made with chestnuts, alongside music and the chance to visit the village and its surrounding landscapes.
Local reporting credited volunteers with the preparation, staging and organisation of the event, and described participation as significant despite the rain. No exact visitor number was published in the available sources.
A Leadership Handover
The 2026 edition coincided with a change at the top of the organising Pro Loco, from outgoing president Walter Mazzone to new president Dante Parente.
An Annual Tradition
This was not a one-off celebration. The festival is described as marking 30 years of tradition, food and music, and the Municipality of Arpaise documented its 29th edition on 11–12 October 2025.
That continuity matters for readers planning ahead: the event is an annual festival in Contrada Russi, listed by the Municipality at Via Russi, 82010 Arpaise BN, and presented as open to both residents and tourists.
Why It Matters
Two details give the weekend wider context. First, the involvement of the committee promoting the Castagna del Partenio IGP points to the agricultural and food heritage behind the sagra, not just a weekend of stands. Second, the setting itself is part of the offer: visitors were invited to see the village and landscape around Contrada Russi, making the festival a small autumn showcase for this part of the Sannio.
Detailed information on the 2026 programme, prices and accessibility was not established in the available sources. For future editions, the Municipality of Arpaise event listing is the natural reference for confirmed dates and location.
