coffin accompanied by throngs of people, including costumed mourners in funeral attire, is carried through the streets. Funeral dirges are played and interspersed with irreverent passages of joy and happiness. The tradition of the 'Lu Stu, whose origination is unknown, takes place around the Christmas Holidays. During the celebration the townspeople gather together and are met by small groups of people carrying decks of 40 playing cards depicting historical figures. These encounters and card games are characterized by gestures, animated discussions, and salty witticisms in the local vernacular dialect. This custom is practiced in very few Italian communities and may well have ancient Irish roots from a pre-Christian era. Another important tradition recognizes a great battle known as the "Conspiracy of the Barons" that took place on the outskirts of Teramo on 7 May 1486. At this time 500 soldiers from the Teramo area, under the orders of Pope Innocent VIII and led by Captain Roberto Sanseverino, encountered the troops of Alfonso, Duke of Calabria and son of King Ferdinand of Aragon. From the roofs of the houses and the city walls, the townspeople of Montorio al Vomano were able witness this fierce military engagement. Actors in authentic dress play the parts of soldiers during the present day enactment of this historical event. Gastronomy One dish appreciated by many of the citizens of the area is grilled trout taken directly from the Vomano river. The gastronomy of Montorio is perhaps best characterized by homemade pastry products assembled in accordance with ancient local customs. A representative dish is the well known Bocconotti, made in the traditional manner of Abruzzo using fresh eggs, almonds, olive oil, lemons and grape preserves. In order to enhance its flavor, the delicacy is typically accompanied by a refreshing glass of the local red wine. Pizza Dolce is a cake with a velvety cream frosting and is commonly garnished with crushed sweet almonds, cinnamon, and bitter chocolate. It can often be found at wedding celebrations. Frazioni Altavilla, Colledonico, Collevecchio, Cusciano, Faiano, Leognano, Piane di Collevecchio, San Lorenzo, San Giorgio, San Giovanni, San Mauro, Schiaviano, Villa Brozzi, Villa Maggiore, Villa Vallucci Notable people Odorico D'Andrea (1916–1990), Catholic Italo-Nicaraguan priest Sister cities Amatrice, Italy Aprilia, Italy, since 2000 See also Abruzzo (wine) References External links Official website Official website of the village Altavilla Cities and towns in Abruzzo