We are in the Caudina Valley, at the foot of the Partenio massif, where chestnut woods cover the slopes above Cervinara. Here the Partenio Chestnut Festival reaches its 45th edition: a fixture for people living between Avellino and Benevento and one of the busiest autumn festivals in the province.
From 30 October to 1 November the Borgo Castello, the village's historic core, comes alive with stalls of roast chestnuts, sweet and savoury chestnut recipes and traditional Irpinian dishes, with folk music and street performers. There are also walks in the chestnut groves with expert guides and visits to local farms; entry is free.
Our tip: use the daylight for a walk among the chestnut trees, then head down to the village when the braziers are lit and the festival gets going.