Sant'Agnello - Degustazioni - Eventi free - Sagre
Discover the San Rocco Festival in Sant’Agnello, one of the most authentic summer events on the Sorrento Peninsula. The celebration is dedicated to the famous San Rocco Meatball, a traditional recipe made with 21 ingredients and a unique sweet-and-sour flavor that has been handed down for generations.
Event Details
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 8:00 pm
Where: Largo Recanzo, Rione Maiano, Sant’Agnello (Sorrento Peninsula)
The festival combines culture, devotion, gastronomy, and music, attracting locals and visitors every year. The “polpetta di San Rocco” is not just a dish, but a symbol of identity and tradition for the community of Sant’Agnello, celebrated around the religious feast of San Rocco on August 16 and extended in 2025 with this special event.
San Rocco Festival in Sant’Agnello: Program of the event
The evening will be divided into two main moments:
Cultural talk
The Mayor Antonino Coppola, Tourism Councillor Marcello Aversa, and Agriculture Councillor Ester De Maio will open the event. A round table, moderated by journalist Antonino Siniscalchi, will focus on the cultural and economic value of the San Rocco Meatball. Special guests include food consultant Nadia Taglialatela, Chamber of Commerce member Margherita Aiello, and Michelin-starred chef Peppe Aversa.
During the event, the town administration will also present the process of recognizing the meatball as a De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale di Origine), a municipal certification that protects and promotes traditional local products.
Tasting & music
After the talk, participants will enjoy the authentic San Rocco Meatball, prepared according to the original recipe. The evening will continue with the live show “J so’ napulitano e si nun canto moro” by the Cantori Popolari Flegrei, a historical folk group founded in the 1970s, now directed by actor Ernesto Mignano. Their repertoire ranges from Neapolitan classics to modern interpretations, bringing to life the spirit of Naples’ folk traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the San Rocco Meatball?
It is a traditional sweet-and-sour meatball from the Maiano district of Sant’Agnello, made with 21 ingredients. It is a symbolic dish of the feast dedicated to San Rocco, celebrated every August.
When is the San Rocco Festival held?
The religious feast takes place on August 16, but in 2025 the main cultural and gastronomic event is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 pm.
What does De.Co. mean?
De.Co. stands for Denominazione Comunale di Origine (Municipal Denomination of Origin), a recognition that protects traditional local products, similar to labels such as DOP or IGP, but managed by municipalities.
Who are the Cantori Popolari Flegrei?
They are a Neapolitan folk group founded in the 1970s, inspired by the revival of southern Italian popular music. They perform both traditional and modern pieces, keeping alive the emotional and cultural heritage of Naples’ music.