Every summer from mid-July to mid-August, the picturesque town of Campagna, Salerno, hosts the A Chiena Water Festival. During this fun-filled event on weekends, the River Tenza, which flows through this charming mountain town, is temporarily redirected to flood the streets. Locals and tourists wade ankle-deep in water rushing through the cobbled streets, carrying colorful buckets to splash each other, enjoying a welcome respite from the summer heat.
This centuries-old tradition originated as a way to keep the town’s streets clean during the hot summer months and now attracts thousands of visitors. So, whether you’re visiting Campania or touring Southern Italy, this unique Italian summer festival is one not to be missed.
Watch the lively atmosphere that A Chiena Campagna brings to Southern Italy each year.
What is A Chiena di Campagna?
“A Chiena” literally translates to “flood.” This annual event begins at the top of town, with the opening of a manhole in the street, diverting the river’s natural flow to flood the streets below. The water winds its way down and cascades into the pretty cobbled streets, while crowds fill up brightly colored buckets and enjoy a refreshing soak. A Chiena is said to have originated in the mid-17th century as a sanitary method for cleaning streets during the long, hot, and dusty summers.
What to Expect at the A Chiena Campagna Water Festival
A highly anticipated annual event, A Chiena is a fabulous place to cool off, channel your inner child, and enjoy this refreshingly simple event whilst experiencing the authenticity of this idyllic Southern Italian town. First and foremost, dress appropriately, as you will get wet! The water is ankle-deep in most streets, and each year the crowds grow. You can either join in the fun or take refuge on a balcony over the main square or enjoy the atmosphere at one of Campagna’s many excellent restaurants, away from the main, water-drenched streets.
During the event, you may find some of Campagna’s museums open; all tell the story of the town’s significance during World War II and are worth visiting. Campagna is a year-round destination where you can enjoy delicious, authentic cuisine and explore unspoilt local countryside, perfect for walking and other outdoor activities. You can read about the Campagna area in our Campagna area guide.
The A Chiena Water Festival Program
Beginning each Saturday and Sunday from mid-July until mid-August, the A Chiena Water Festival delights locals and visitors alike, culminating in a grand finale called the Midnight Chiena, which takes place at midnight on the last night.
A Chiena attracts visitors, including tourists from far and wide, and features three events each weekend.
La Passeggiata – The Walk
This event begins around midday, with residents and visitors strolling along the main street, Corso Umberto. The water flows gently, so you can join the walk or watch the colorful crowd and take in the vibrant atmosphere from the street-side bars and restaurants.
A Secchiata – The Bucket Event
Around 3:30 pm, the tempo of A Chiena ramps up, and the fun continues. Those ready for a water fight line the streets equipped with buckets and water-filled balloons in preparation for the lively battle of the buckets. The atmosphere is electric, with DJs and music filling the air.
A Chiena di Mezzanotte – Midnight Event
Watch the Campagna illuminated at midnight, as the clock strikes twelve and the streets flood against a backdrop of dance and music for a majestic finale.
Holi
Each year, the program celebrates its War of Colors, inspired by the Indian Holi Festival. A rainbow of eco-friendly, non-toxic powders is thrown into the air, creating a vibrant canvas of colors that contrasts beautifully with brightly dressed participants and red and blue buckets. Be sure to have your camera ready (in a waterproof case, of course)!
A Chiena Campagna Tickets and Tips
While you can access Campagna freely, during the A Chiena Festival, weekend festivities require prebooking, including the Walk and Bucket Throw events. Ticket prices are under €10, with discounts for families and children, and children under 10 are free.
The beauty of Campagna lies in its narrow cobbled streets and ancient stone, but this also means non-slip footwear is required during the water festival. Do come prepared with appropriate, comfortable clothing for wet conditions. Also, pack a change of clothes and a towel in a small rucksack, which can be safely stored before the event begins.
How to Get to Campagna and A Chiena
Campagna, in Campania, Southern Italy, is served by two airports. The closest is Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, which opened in 2024 and is a 30-minute drive away. Naples International Airport is just under an hour by car. From either location, you can rent a car and explore the delights of Southern Italy, or jump on a fast train to Salerno and change there for a direct train to Eboli, followed by a short taxi ride to Campagna.
As the town center is closed during the festivals, you will need to park at the multistory car park, a short walk away, or take the shuttle to the event from the bus stop.
Sustainability
During A Chiena, the River Tenza is partially diverted through the town’s streets and is then returned via its upstream canal, where it is fed back into the river, so no water is wasted during the event.
Where to Stay in Campagna
If you’re planning to stay in Campagna during the A Chiena Festival, it is worth booking early. There is a limited selection of B&Bs and boutique hotels, which fill up quickly.
If you want to stay in the heart of the historic center, Palazzo Maratea is a popular choice. Set within a 500-year-old, beautifully restored Italian Palazzo, three elegant apartments combine the area’s rustic character with modern upgrades. Palazzo Maratea offers its owners the best of both worlds, along with easy access to the main piazza and an opportunity to experience local life in an authentic Southern Italian town.
Whichever way you choose to experience A Chiena, whether you visit for a day or stay for a few nights, you will be guaranteed a fun and memorable experience. You’ll not only get vibrant photos but also experience firsthand the genuine local hospitality.
A Chiena Campagna FAQs
Ticket prices start at €7 per adult and include access to restrooms, cloakrooms, parking, and shuttle buses. Prices may vary by event part and book up quickly, so check online for the latest ticket prices each year.
Specific buckets are used during the event. For safety reasons, they don’t have handles and can be purchased in Campagna shops for a few euros each.
The main center in Campagna will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. There is a nearby multi-story car park where you can park, and you can walk or take the shuttle bus to the center.
Yes, cloakrooms are included in the ticket price and provide a safe place to store a small rucksack.
There are various events on Saturdays and Sundays during A Chiena, but typically the Passegiatta (Walk) starts at midday, so it’s best to arrive around 11 am to be in position for the first street flooding of the day. The Bucket Throw events tend to take place around 3:30 pm.
