Enjoyed all over the world, Confetti has been made in a little Italian town for over 500 years.
Museo Confetti Pelino
My girlfriend grew up in a predominantly Italian-American town in Rhode Island. She has tons of aunts and uncles and cousins (some of which aren’t even blood relations!). With this huge clan, there was always a baby shower, christening, or wedding to celebrate. And, in those days, that meant little sachets of candy coated almonds called Confetti.
So, when we walked into the museum at Confetti Pelino, a company that’s been making the treats for almost 250 years, and saw a lady filling little sachets with pastel colored almonds, she was immediately transported to Rhode Island and performing the same task for a cousin’s wedding or an aunt’s baby shower.
Confetti origin story
Sugar first arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago but wasn’t widely available until the 15th century. Even then, it was quite expensive.
In the town of Sulmona, in the region of Abruzzo, the nuns at the Monastery of Santa Clara made a treat called Confetti. Almonds were coated with sugar and tied together with silk thread to create “flowers”.
Confetti became so popular that dozens of Confetti manufacturers sprang up in Sulmona. The process of making Confetti, coating almonds with layers of sugar syrup in copper kettles, took days. Each layer of sugar had to be allowed to dry before adding a subsequent layer. A final coating using a special sugar would be applied to give the almond its characteristic color and sheen.
Confetti Pelino is one of two remaining manufacturers in Sulmona and the most famous Confetti maker in the world. Now run by 7th generation Pelinos, their facility is a fascinating museum with Confetti making equipment dating back hundreds of years. The walls are filled with photos of celebrities like Pavarotti and the Pope enjoying Confetti.
Best of all, there’s a candy shop! You can buy all the Confetti you want in literally dozens of flavors. Limoncello is my personal fave. The company has recently expanded their brand by adding chocolate filled Confetti almonds. What a treat!
Getting to Sulmona
Sulmona is in the region of Abruzzo, Italy. Taking the train or bus from Rome takes less than 2.5 hours. Driving takes a little over 90 minutes.
There’s an airport in Abruzzo just outside Pescara. From the city of Pescara there’s a train that will get you to Sulmona in about 75 minutes.
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides on Destination Eat Drink, including one to Scanno & Sulmona. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.