The 2024 Chestnut Festival in Scala

Perched on the heights of the Amalfi Coast, about 15 kilometres from our boutique hotel, the town of Scala is renowned for the production of the so-called ‘Marroni di Scala’ chestnuts. Actually, although they are called ‘marroni’, they are more properly chestnuts, since, unlike marrons, they are not very large and are flattened on one side. And it is precisely on the occasion of the October harvest that a festival is organised in the village to celebrate this delicious product. The event, now in its 47th edition, will be held this year on 12, 13, 19 and 20 October.

The festival, organised by the Municipality of Scala in collaboration with the Pro Loco Association and other local associations, has achieved widespread popularity and has become a fixed autumn event on the Amalfi Coast. During the event, it will be possible to taste numerous chestnut delicacies, as well as cured meats and other local specialities. The festival is not limited, however, only to the tasting of typical products.

One of the highlights is the Palio delle Contrade, a tournament in which the youngsters of Scala’s six contrade (Campidoglio, Minuta, San Pietro, Santa Caterina, Pontone and Scala Centro) compete in the ancient popular games of Scala (such as the circle, the strummolo, the sack race, the trocchiello and the tug-of-war). But the most eagerly awaited moment is undoubtedly the donkey race, which, mounted by ‘jockeys’ without saddles, challenge each other in an exciting and adrenalin-fuelled race in the heart of the town that keeps everyone in suspense until the last metre. Finally, there will be evenings of traditional music and dance from the Campania region.