Arrosticino and Marino Wine Festival

A festival that unites two regions

The Arrosticino and Marino Wine Festival was born from a simple and inspired idea: to bring the iconic dish of Abruzzo—the sheep arrosticino—into the heart of the Castelli Romani and pair it with the white wine that made the town of Marino famous. The event takes place in the village of Frattocchie, along the Via Nettunense, in Piazza dei Trattati di Roma, which is transformed for a few days into a large open-air dining room. The initiative is promoted by the L'Abruzzo incontra Roma association, with the support of the Municipality of Marino and the patronage of the Lazio Regional Council.

The arrosticino, the absolute star

The true king of the festival is the skewer: cubes of sheep meat threaded onto wooden sticks and cooked on the rustellera, the characteristic charcoal channel that ensures quick and even cooking. The Abruzzese vendors present in the square work according to traditional methods, using selected, traceable meat, serving the arrosticini in bundles—hot and meant to be eaten strictly by hand, accompanied by bread drizzled with oil.

Beyond Abruzzo: local flavors

Alongside the Abruzzese stalls, the festival showcases the specialties of the Castelli Romani and Lazio street food. In past editions, visitors have found:

• Porchetta di Ariccia PGI, freshly sliced
• Typical cheeses and cured meats from the Abruzzo Apennines
• Fried snacks, sandwiches, and street food
• Traditional desserts and craft beer
• Wines from Marino producers, from Marino DOC to the reds of the Colli Albani

The focus on wine is no coincidence: Marino is a City of Wine and hosts the historic Grape Festival in autumn, one of the oldest in Italy. The Arrosticino Festival serves as its summer counterpart, offering a more informal and convivial vibe.

Live music every night

Each evening concludes with a concert on the stage set up in the square. The formula focuses on tribute bands and popular repertoires that get entire families singing: over the years, there have been tributes to Vasco Rossi and Ligabue, the Roman folk-rock of the Orchestraccia, Nineties revival nights with DJ sets, and, for the 2026 edition, a cover band entirely dedicated to Renato Zero. Admission is free, and the music typically starts around 9:00 PM, when the food stalls have already been in full swing for a few hours.

A staple of the Marino calendar

In just a few years, the event has become one of the most anticipated summer happenings in Marino, attracting visitors from the entire south-east quadrant of the Metropolitan City of Rome. The municipal administration considers it a landmark for the area and a testament to the city's welcoming spirit: many Abruzzese families settled in the Castelli Romani after the war, and this festival celebrates those roots without nostalgia, simply by bringing everyone together at the same table.

Who attends and why

It is a festival for everyone: you eat well for a modest price, children can move freely in the pedestrianized square, and no reservations are required. Those who arrive early find seating more easily; those who arrive late might end up eating standing up, which, in the case of arrosticini, is the most authentic way to enjoy them.