On 5 and 6 October 2026, Pozzuoli will play host to the Monteruscello Fest one of the best-known gastronomic festivals in the Campi Flegrei. Following the magnitude 4.7 earthquake, which struck the Pozzuoli area on 31 July 2026, the organisers moved the event from its originally planned September dates to October and dedicated the entire proceeds to two beneficiaries: families and residents who lost their homes as a result of the earthquake, and the Fondazione Telethon, which supports research into rare genetic diseases at the TIGEM centre in Pozzuoli. Below is an overview of the festival's new direction, the background to the changes, and practical information for visitors.
The earthquake of 31 July and its consequences
The earthquake of 31 July 2026 dealt a severe blow to the Campi Flegrei. For the organisers of the Monteruscello Fest, the ongoing bradyseismic crisis phase and the continuing number of families still displaced from their homes were the primary reasons for the postponement to October.
Organisers Daniele Testa and Giovanni Tammaro explained in a public statementthat holding an event just a few weeks after the earthquake, while numerous families remained away from their homes, would not have felt appropriate. The district of Monteruscello forms part of Pozzuoli and was built in its current form following the bradyseismic crisis of the 1980s, to house families evacuated from the old town. The district's historical connection to that bradyseismic experience gave the organisers a further reason to make their sense of responsibility towards the city visible.
Two evenings, two beneficiaries
Unlike previous editions, in which all proceeds went to the Fondazione Telethon, the solidarity mission for 2026 has been split between two causes. As the local news portal Pozzuoli News 24 documents in its detailed coverage, the proceeds from the first evening on Monday, 5 October, will go entirely towards direct assistance for the families and residents of Pozzuoli affected by bradyseism, with the precise arrangements to be agreed with local authorities in the coming weeks. On the second evening, Tuesday, 6 October, all proceeds will be transferred to the Fondazione Telethon, with which the festival has maintained a firm partnership since its founding.
The Fondazione Telethon funds, among other things, the research of the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), based in Pozzuoli and internationally recognised as one of the leading centres for the study of rare genetic diseases. As the specialist portal Foodmakers documents, the organisers raised 108,000 euros in the previous year, all of which went to Telethon. The aim for 2026 is to reach an even higher total through the new two-evening structure, building sustainably on contributions both to immediate emergency relief and to long-term research.
The concept of the Monteruscello Fest
The festival was founded by the brothers Daniele and Simone Testa, owners of the Ristorante Punto Nave in Monteruscello, which was named the best fish restaurant in Italy in the Guide 50 Top Italy 2024, together with Giovanni Tammaro, President of Confagricoltura Napoli and owner of the Azienda Cumadoro, which is driving the revival of the Pomodoro Cannellino Flegreo. The aim was to combine the culinary traditions of the Campi Flegrei with a clear commitment to solidarity. Those taking part include acclaimed chefs, pizzaioli, pastry chefs and local producers, all of whom contribute their time without charge. The previous edition involved around two hundred culinary professionals, with an offer ranging from Neapolitan pizza and seafood dishes to regional desserts and wines from the volcanic areas.
The concept is deliberately accessible in its approach: high-quality food at a symbolic entry price, with all proceeds going to the designated solidarity causes. This sets the festival apart from the region's commercial gastronomic events and places it firmly in the realm of community gatherings, where the relationship between participants and the local audience plays a central role. For travellers in the area during the first days of October, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic cuisine of the Campi Flegrei with a clear connection to a wider social purpose, whilst also contributing to a good cause.
Practical information for visitors
The festival takes place on both evenings at the Piazza Agro City, Piazza De Curtis in the Monteruscello district, the traditional venue for the event. The easiest way to arrive is by car, or from Naples via the Circumflegrea line from Napoli Montesanto to the Grotta del Sole station. From there it is only a few minutes' walk to the festival site. Current connections can be found via the official EAV journey planner ; select "Grotta del Sole" as the destination station.
For anyone who has already purchased tickets for the original September dates, an automatic rebookingapplies. As the organisers have announced, tickets already purchased remain valid, retaining the same day of the week: a ticket for the original Monday, 7 September, is valid for the new Monday, 5 October, and a ticket for the original Tuesday, 8 September, for the new Tuesday, 6 October. Up-to-date information on the programme and culinary contributions will be published on the event's social media channels in the coming weeks.
A personal note
The team at vivereinitalien.de is moving to Via Libero Bovio on 21 September 2026, less than 300 metres from the festival venue, meaning both evenings are easily within walking distance. The Ristorante Punto Nave is right next door to our new home. As new Puteolani , we no longer view this from the outside, but as new residents of the place. We will be attending the Monteruscello Fest and will report back in detail afterwards. Should further details about the festival be announced in advance, we will of course publish them here.
