Arrosticino Festival

A town festival born around the grill

Some festivals are born from a local product, while others are born from a gesture of conviviality. The Arrosticino Festival in Manziana, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital in Lazio, belongs to the latter category: the absolute star is not a local dish, but the Abruzzese arrosticino—cubed sheep meat skewers cooked on the canala, the long, narrow grill that has become its symbol. A successful gastronomic adoption that draws families, groups of friends, and visitors from neighboring towns to Piazza Tommaso Tittoni every July.

Where and when

The heart of the event is Piazza Tommaso Tittoni, the central square of Manziana, which fills with tables, food stands, and stalls for three consecutive nights. The format is that of a classic town festival: arrive in the late afternoon, dine outdoors, and stay until late at night for the music. Admission is free, and you only pay for what you consume, with the affordable prices typical of festivals organized by local neighborhood associations.

What to eat

The arrosticini are prepared and turned over the embers by expert cooks according to the traditional recipe and served in bundles, still steaming. A wider selection revolves around them, designed for those who might not eat sheep meat:

• Grilled sheep arrosticini, served hot directly from the grill
• Sandwiches, mixed grills, and other specialties from the food stalls
• Open-air beer garden and pubs set up in the square to accompany the evening
• Typical products and desserts at the refreshment points managed by volunteers

Music, dancing, and entertainment

Every evening, the festival offers live musical performances on the stage set up in the square: local bands and groups ranging from folk music to dance repertoires, with folk dancing evenings that are very popular with local audiences. Around the concert area, you will find craft markets, the classic prize raffle, and games for children, making the event suitable for the whole family.

Who organizes it

The festival is promoted by the Associazione Culturale Rione Piazza Manziana, which handles the setup, the kitchen, and the evening program with the work of neighborhood volunteers. The event is part of the official summer calendar of the Municipality of Manziana, which highlights it every year among the July events alongside the historic Sagra de li Lombrichi, dedicated to the town's typical handmade pasta.

Manziana and the surrounding area

Manziana is located inland north of Rome, a short distance from Lake Bracciano and on the edge of Macchia Grande, the large turkey oak forest that is one of the most evocative natural areas in the province. Those arriving for the festival can combine the gastronomic evening with a day of forest hiking, a visit to the village, and a stop on the lake shores. It is this combination of nature, tranquility, and popular cuisine that explains the growing success of the event, which has become one of the landmarks of the Manziana summer in just a few editions.

Tips for your visit

Weekend nights are the busiest: it is best to arrive early to find a seat at the tables and park without difficulty in the streets around the center. The summer climate of the Lazio July makes staying outdoors until late pleasant, but a light sweater might be useful after midnight. As it is an outdoor event in the square, the spaces are easily accessible even with strollers.