Avella gave the hazelnut its name: the Latin avellana comes from here, and Pliny already wrote about the hazel groves of this valley. That is why the Chestnut and Avellana Hazelnut Festival, now in its 13th edition, feels special: it celebrates the two emblematic autumn fruits of the Baiano area in the very place that made one of them famous.
Over two weekends, 16-18 and 23-25 October, the old town along Corso Vittorio Emanuele fills with stalls serving roast chestnuts, hazelnut sweets and typical dishes of lower Irpinia, with folk music and craft stands. It is organised by the I Rami del Melo association and the Pro Loco Città di Avella.
Our tip: arrive in the afternoon and walk up to the Lombard castle, or stop at the Roman amphitheatre, before sitting down to eat.