Teramo hosts a mix of international sporting events, literary gatherings, and traditional religious celebrations that reflect its dual identity as a provincial capital and gateway to the Gran Sasso. The calendar peaks in September with the Interamnia Handball Cup and again around the Christmas season with the Festa di San Berardo. Most events center on the Piazza Martiri della Liberta and the historic center’s network of medieval streets.
Teramo Events and Festivals: Spring (March to May)
Easter Processions (Settimana Santa)
Holy Week, typically March or April depending on the liturgical calendar, brings solemn processions through the medieval streets. The Good Friday procession departs from the cathedral at roughly 9:00 PM, with participants carrying religious statues through candlelit streets. The following Sunday sees the Procession of the Risen Christ in the morning, followed by family gatherings at local restaurants serving traditional lamb and cheese dishes. Book restaurants in advance for Easter Sunday lunch. See our Teramo weather by month for more details.
Festa di Primavera (Spring Festival)
Held on the third weekend of May in the Villa Comunale park. Features open-air markets selling local crafts, food stalls from area producers, and live music performances. The surrounding hills are at their greenest, and temperatures average a comfortable 22°C (72°F). Free entry, runs Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. See our best time to visit Teramo for more details.
Teramo Events and Festivals: Summer (June to August)
Teramo Summer Festival
A series of outdoor concerts, theater performances, and film screenings running from late June through mid-August. Events take place in the Roman Theatre, Piazza Martiri della Liberta, and the courtyard of the Museo Archeologico. The lineup typically includes jazz ensembles, classical chamber music, and contemporary Italian artists. Most events are free, with ticketed headline concerts costing 10-20 EUR. Check the program at the tourist office or on the Comune di Teramo website from early June. See our things to do in Teramo for more details.
Sagre (Local Food Festivals)
Throughout July and August, surrounding hill towns host sagre dedicated to a single local product. Notable nearby events include the Sagra degli Arrosticini in Castilenti (late July), the Sagra del Pecorino in Farindola (early August), and the Sagra della Porchetta in Campli (mid-August). Expect communal tables, live folk music, and plates of the featured food for roughly 8-12 EUR. These are authentic local gatherings, not tourist shows, and offer the best introduction to Abruzzese food culture. See our Teramo neighborhoods guide for more details.
Teramo Events and Festivals: Autumn (September to November)
Interamnia Handball Cup
One of Europe’s largest youth handball tournaments, held annually in early September (typically the first full week). Named after the Roman name for Teramo (Interamnia), the event draws over 100 teams from 15+ countries and turns the city into a festival of sport. Matches take place across multiple venues including the PalaScapriano sports hall. The opening ceremony fills Piazza Martiri della Liberta with parades and live music. Accommodation books out months in advance during the tournament week, so plan accordingly if visiting for the event. See our where to stay in Teramo for more details.
Teramo Literary Prize (Premio Teramo)
Established in 1960, this national literary award takes place in late October at the Sala Polifunzionale della Provincia. The prize recognizes fiction and non-fiction works with a connection to Abruzzo or central Italian themes. Author readings, panel discussions, and book signings run across three days. Events are in Italian but open to the public and free to attend. See our Teramo travel tips for more details.
Fiera di San Martino
The November 11 fair fills the city streets with market stalls selling seasonal produce, chestnuts, wine, and local crafts. The tradition dates from medieval times when the fair marked the end of the agricultural year. Expect roasted chestnuts (caldarroste), new wine (vino novello), and enthusiastic crowds from mid-morning through evening. A quintessential Italian autumn market experience.
Teramo Events and Festivals: Winter (December to February)
Festa di San Berardo
December 19 marks the feast of Teramo’s patron saint with a morning mass at the cathedral, followed by a procession carrying the saint’s relics through the historic center. Food stalls in Piazza Martiri sell torrone (nougat) and other traditional sweets. The celebration has a distinctly local character, with families attending together and restaurants offering special San Berardo menus featuring baccala (salt cod) and grilled lamb.
Christmas Markets (Mercatini di Natale)
Running from early December through January 6 (Epiphany), wooden stalls fill Piazza Martiri della Liberta and Corso San Giorgio selling artisanal gifts, decorations, and seasonal foods. The Abruzzese tradition of living nativity scenes (presepi viventi) appears in several nearby villages, most notably in Campli (15km north) where the medieval town becomes a backdrop for costumed reenactments on December 26 and January 6. Temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F) daytime and 4°C (39°F) at night, so dress warmly.
