Largely part of the Abruzzo National Park, in the province of L'Aquila is the village of Scanno. It is considered among the most romantic villages in Italy due to the heart-shaped lake on which the village is reflected. Scanno is located at 1000 meters above sea level and is a tourist destination in summer and winter. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club.
The small village is rich in traditions, starting with the women's dress, still worn today by the oldest women in the country. The tradition is handed down by the locals also through the kitchen. The main dairy products are pecorino, ricotta, sheep's milk caciotta, while sausages, lard, loin and flavored salami stand out among the cured meats. Among the typical dishes of the tradition are sagne with beans or ricotta, cazzellitti with leaves, Abruzzo lasagna and mutton from Scanno.
The best time to visit Scanno and immerse yourself in the local folklore is around 14 August, the day when the popular Ju Catenacce festival takes place, a wedding procession in which traditional costumes are worn. After the ceremonies, you can watch the quadrille dance, tasting the typical sweets of Scanno such as mostaccioli, amaretti and pan dell’orso.
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