Festival of Ancient Flavours

The Festival of Ancient Flavours returns every year from 18 to 20 August in the village of Mandia, in the heart of Cilento, celebrating the culinary and cultural traditions of a region rich in history and authenticity.

Running since 1993 and organised by the Comitato Pro Mandia, the festival is dedicated to rediscovering the flavours of yesteryear, with the Tabbaccuogno bean taking centre stage – recognised by the Campania Region as a Traditional Agri-Food Product. Alongside this signature ingredient, the festival features chestnuts, bread and numerous dishes from the Asceota cuisine, prepared according to recipes handed down from generation to generation.

The event also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability: it promotes respect for the environment, reinvests proceeds back into the local area and actively involves the local community in its organisation, creating an authentic and shared experience.

In addition to gastronomy, the programme offers a rich cultural calendar: vintage photography exhibitions, displays dedicated to rural life and folk music performances that enliven the evenings in the historic centre. There are also free guided excursions available upon booking, allowing visitors to discover the landscapes and natural beauty of the Cilento.

The Festival of Ancient Flavours is much more than a food festival: it is a journey into the memory and identity of the region, blending taste, tradition and community.

Photo by Alessandro Rovezzi