Nduja Festival in Spilinga, Calabria

The 'Nduja Festival takes place in the small village of Spilinga (VV) every year in August. It is one of the most popular culinary, folkloric, and cultural events of the Calabrian summer and, for half a century, has attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over Italy and the world. An event not to be missed—not only for locals and fans of this iconic product, but also for the many tourists who spend their vacations at this time of year on the nearby, picturesque Costa degli Dei, between Tropea and Capo Vaticano. The various booths located along Corso Garibaldi offer visitors the chance to sample the best varieties of 'nduja. In addition to the classic bruschetta made with warm bread, this famous cured meat is served as a topping for traditional first and second courses: from the classic spaghetti with beans and onions to meatballs, vegetables, sandwiches, panzerotti, and delicious pizzas—all paired with a full-bodied local red wine. In addition to the food, there is a strong focus on entertainment, with a packed program as part of the Spilinga 'Nduja Festival. The event will feature cooking demonstrations by exceptional chefs, concerts, and numerous folklore-themed attractions. There is no shortage of parades featuring the traditional papier-mâché “Giants” and old-fashioned folk games, such as “i pignati” and the sack race. Starting in the early evening, tastings begin in the town center. The night then comes alive with musical performances and DJ sets taking place in the main squares (including Piazza San Michele and Piazza XI Settembre). As is tradition, the event concludes with the historic “u Camejuzzu i focu” show, an evocative fireworks display that reenacts the ancient battles fought by the local people against invasions by Saracen pirates. The bamboo camel, carried on a person’s shoulders, dances to the fast-paced rhythm of the Calabrian tarantella, bursting into flames amid the fireworks until it is completely destroyed, creating a magical and distinctive finale. 💡 Fun Fact • A historic first: The first edition of the 'Nduja Festival took place in 1975. It was the very first major gastronomic and cultural event ever held in Calabria. • The Queen of Calabria: Spilinga 'nduja is a soft, spreadable, and particularly spicy salami, typical of the Monte Poro area. It is handmade using only select cuts of pork, salt, and a generous amount of Calabrian chili peppers, all stuffed into natural casings. • The origin of the name: There are various philological hypotheses, but the most widely accepted theory traces the origin of the name to the French term “andouille” (a French sausage made from offal). The concept was introduced in Calabria during the Napoleonic period, in the first half of the 1800s, and was later completely adapted and transformed by local peasant traditions. • A global success: Thanks to its unique characteristics, 'nduja has crossed national borders, transforming the small town of Spilinga into an internationally renowned culinary brand appreciated around the world.