Now, Christmas is just around the corner and all over Italy the most beautiful events dedicated to typically Christmas flavors are about to start. Have you ever heard, for example, of the nougat and croccantino feast?
I’m talking about an event which has now reached its XVI edition, and is held in San Marco dei Cavoti in the province of Benevento.
But it’s not all, the days from 7th to 10th and the 16th and 17th of December will be the perfect opportunity to taste delicious local nougat and croccantini and many other sweet delights such as:
- Cassatine•Almond paste
- Royal paste• Dry fruits
- Filled Chocolates
- Mustaccioli
- Panettoni
Uhm, can’t you already smell it in the air? Then don’t miss this event because there is another great surprise for all the visitors: the tasting of the mega croccantino. I’m sure that not only you, but many Italian families are curious to find out how long this Guinness breaking sweet will be! For the moment I can tell you that it will be laid on a flat surface that will cut the town square in two.
The Nougat and Croccantino Festival is also an unforgettable opportunity to visit San Marco dei Cavoti and its cultural and historical sights.
The origins of the Noughat and Croccantino festival
San Marco dei Cavoti is the land of the traditional torroncino, a sweet which dates back to 1800, when a certain Cav. Borrillo had a brilliant idea. By covering almonds and hazelnuts in a frosting of sugar and cocoa, this is how the first nougat Baci was made.
Since then, the skillful Sammarchese confectioners began to practice in the art of torroncino, making the sweet which is a symbol of the town, this time, however, enclosed in a dark chocolate shell.In honor of this delight in 2001, the Festival was born, with the intent to make it known beyond the borders of Benevento, which sees the presence of numerous confectionery specialty stands and not only. Apart from good food, there are also cultural events, theatrical performances, cultural encounters, guided tours and other activities aimed at discovering the ancient art of the nougat maker.
What to do and see during the Noughat and Torrone festival
Wrapped in the magical Christmas atmosphere, it is an unforgettable experience to walk along the alleys and squares of the medieval hamlet, tasting delicious traditional sweets and savory dishes typical of the area.Between one tasting and another, I suggest you also take a look at some of the most interesting monuments in the town. Start with the Clock Museum, where you can admire 52 examples of tower clocks that make it a unique gallery of its kind.You will love to know that it is a precious collection of mechanisms that dates back to the 1400s and once belonged to the watchmaker of the town Salvatore Ricci.
A stop at the Mother Church which sits above the medieval center is a must, as is the Belvedere Grazionella, the space in front of the building from where you can admire a beautiful panorama.And what about Piazza del Risorgimento? Apart from being the scene of preparation for the megacroccantino, it is interesting to know that it was built in the eighteenth century and is paved with local limestone.Are you ready to experience this Christmas event alone or with your loved ones? Then prepare to assist a beautiful event… the nougat and croccantino festival awaits you!Among the things to do in Italy, certainly San Marco dei Cavoti and its traditions deserve to be taken into consideration, don’t you think? Click here if you want to know about some cheap accommodation.
How to get there
The village is about 15 km from the capital town of Campania and it can be reached by car along the A16 motorway with exit at Benevento and then Benevento Ovest. Follow SS 212 until you reach San Marco dei Cavoti. By train, the nearest station is that of Benevento, from which you take the urban bus and then another extra-urban.If you would like more information about the Sammarchese event, read here.
