Antridonati Polenta Festival

A celebration of peasant tradition in Cassino

The Polenta Festival takes place every year in the rural village of Antridonati, just a stone's throw from Sant'Angelo in Theodice, a district of the municipality of Cassino, in the province of Frosinone (Southern Lazio). Reaching its 45th edition in 2025, it is one of the most long-standing and cherished festivals in the area: it was born from the desire to preserve and pass down the memory of peasant cuisine, of which polenta has been a fundamental staple for centuries in the rural communities of Ciociaria.

Polenta takes center stage

The heart of the event is, naturally, the polenta, prepared according to traditional recipes and served in numerous variations. In past editions, tons of polenta have been served topped with sausage, porcini mushrooms, and meat sauce, alongside other local peasant dishes such as stew, tripe, and beans with pork rinds. To complete the experience, there are cornmeal cookies and other local specialties, offering a culinary journey that tells the story of the agricultural soul of this corner of Lazio.

Music, dancing, and community

The Polenta Festival is not just about gastronomy: the square of Antridonati comes alive for two days with musical performances, dancing, and entertainment, becoming a major meeting point for village residents and the many visitors arriving from neighboring towns. The event is organized by the Andres Donati Cultural Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Cassino and the collaboration of the Agriculture Department of the Province of Frosinone. In recent years, a group of new volunteers, the so-called "Youth of the Festival," has brought fresh energy to the experience of the historical organizers.

A village to rediscover

The festival is also an opportunity to rediscover the small rural villages of Ciociaria, often overlooked but rich in history and identity. Antridonati and Sant'Angelo in Theodice preserve the slow and genuine rhythm of the Cassino countryside, just a short distance from the famous Abbey of Montecassino. Participating in the Polenta Festival means immersing yourself in a convivial and family-friendly atmosphere, where good food becomes a tool to keep the local folk traditions alive.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally set for the second weekend of October, on Saturday and Sunday. In 2025, the festival was held on October 11th and 12th, drawing approximately 3,000 participants over the two evenings. The dates for the next edition are announced by the organizers on the official website and the event's Facebook page.