Calabrian chilli peppers: a tradition still alive in Sangineto

Walk through the narrow streets of Sangineto's historic centre in summer and you may come across scenes that tell more about Calabria than any conventional tourist attraction: neighbours sitting outside their homes, talking while preparing local produce for the months ahead.

A simple scene of everyday Calabria

These photographs were taken in Sangineto, a small hilltop village on Calabria's Riviera dei Cedri. Two local women are preparing long Calabrian chilli peppers by hand, threading them together to create the traditional bunches that will later be left to dry.

It is an ordinary activity, yet it captures something essential about life in the old villages of southern Italy: food, seasons, family and community remain closely connected.

Why chilli peppers are so important in Calabria

Chilli pepper — peperoncino in Italian — has become one of the most recognisable ingredients of Calabrian cuisine. It appears in sauces, preserves, pasta dishes and many traditional recipes, adding both heat and character.

But its importance goes beyond flavour. Drying and preserving food was historically essential for families living in rural communities. Preparing peppers during the warmer months meant having an ingredient available throughout the year.

From fresh peppers to traditional bunches

The process is remarkably simple. Fresh peppers are selected and then threaded one after another using a needle and strong thread. The finished bunch can then be hung in a dry, ventilated place.

As the peppers slowly lose moisture, their colour deepens and they can be stored for much longer. Similar bunches can still be seen hanging from balconies, kitchens and walls across Calabria.

Sangineto beyond the beach

The Riviera dei Cedri is known primarily for its coastline, but a short journey inland reveals another side of the area. Sangineto's historic centre sits above the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by mountains and old stone houses.

Spending time here means experiencing two different landscapes during the same trip: the beaches and sunsets of the coast, and the slower rhythm of Calabria's historic villages.

This contrast is one of the reasons we encourage Lumira Vista guests to explore beyond the most obvious coastal destinations. A walk through a village, a conversation with a resident or an unexpected scene like this can become one of the strongest memories of a journey.

When to experience this tradition

Late summer and the beginning of autumn are particularly interesting periods for discovering Calabria's food traditions. Agricultural produce is harvested and preserved, villages host local events, and the intense summer crowds gradually become smaller.

September is also closely associated with chilli culture on the Riviera dei Cedri thanks to events and celebrations in the surrounding area, making it an excellent time to combine the coast with local food, villages and traditions.