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Event Details
Welcome to the Sagra dello Zafferano 2027 in Navelli
Every August, the small medieval hill town of Navelli in Abruzzo hosts the Sagra dello Zafferano, officially known as the Sagra dei Ceci e dello Zafferano. For two days, Piazza San Pelino at the heart of the village celebrates the region's famous saffron alongside the tiny Navelli chickpea, which holds Slow Food Presidio status.
Highlights and Attractions at the Sagra dello Zafferano in Navelli
- Tastings of traditional dishes made with the protected Zafferano dell Aquila DOP and Navelli chickpeas
- Local cooks preparing regional specialties live on the piazza
- Arrosticini skewers, porchetta, regional cheeses, cured meats, wine and beer at numerous stalls
- Live music and dancing that runs into the night, followed by an open air disco
- The colorful Palio degli Asini, a donkey race contested between the town's districts
- A craft market showcasing regional products throughout the village
- Navelli itself is listed among Italy's most beautiful villages, making a stroll through town well worth it
Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Navelli in 2027
The sagra traditionally takes place on a weekend in August, with food stalls typically opening for both a lunch and an evening session. Beyond the tastings, the main highlight is the Palio degli Asini, a playful nod to Siena's famous Palio in which donkeys, not horses, race on behalf of Navelli's different districts. The exact 2027 dates and full program will be announced by the municipality and the local Pro Loco closer to the event.
Anyone curious about the saffron itself should note that the actual flowering and hand picking of the saffron threads traditionally happens in October, while the August sagra is dedicated purely to celebrating the local produce through food.
Tickets and Admission for the Sagra dello Zafferano
Access to Piazza San Pelino and the whole festival area is free, as is typical for Italian village sagre. Visitors pay directly at each stall for food and drink, so total costs depend entirely on personal tastings. There is likewise no admission charge for the Palio degli Asini or the live music program.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Navelli
- Navelli sits in the Abruzzo mountains, so arriving by car is usually the most practical option since public transport is limited
- Parking in the small historic center is limited, so arriving early is advisable
- Evenings can turn cool in the mountains even in August, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea
- Accommodation mainly consists of agriturismi and small guesthouses in the surrounding area, and booking ahead is recommended
- A visit to the saffron fields of the Navelli plain is worthwhile, even though the actual harvest only happens in October
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
