Attozzata Festival

The ancient pastoral rite comes to life in Barbarano Romano

For over thirty years, on the first Sunday of May, the small village of Barbarano Romano (province of Viterbo, Lazio) has celebrated the Attozzata Festival, one of the most genuine rural fairs in the entire Tuscia region. The festival takes its name from the "attozzata," an ancient peasant dish of shepherds: warm sheep's milk ricotta, freshly made and poured steaming hot over tozzi (chunks) of homemade bread, served in small terracotta bowls. A simple gesture that encapsulates centuries of rural culture and transhumance.

Where: Marturanum Park and the San Giuliano Necropolis

The event takes place in the Caiolo area, along the trails of the Marturanum Regional Park, just a stone's throw from the monumental San Giuliano Etruscan Necropolis. It is one of the most fascinating settings in the Viterbo province: rock-cut tombs, woods, gorges, and pastures where sheep farming is still practiced today. Walking along the park's paths, with the scent of wood fires and fresh milk in the air, is an experience in itself.

How warm ricotta is made

From the early morning, local shepherds demonstrate milk processing using strictly traditional techniques: fresh sheep's milk, copper cauldrons (the "callare"), and wood fires. The public can watch the creation of ricotta and cheeses step-by-step, and naturally, purchase and taste them on-site. It is the most beloved part of the day, transforming the festival into a living lesson in the art of cheesemaking.

A program for the whole family

Alongside the gastronomy, the festival offers a rich array of activities:

• Guided tours of the San Giuliano Etruscan Necropolis (by reservation);
• Farm-to-table food stands with local ricotta, cheeses, meats, and wines;
• Creative workshops and games for children;
• Horseback riding and the characteristic "saddle baptism" hosted by the butteri (cowboys) of Barbarano Romano;
• Live music and entertainment throughout the day.

Flavors and traditions of Tuscia

The Attozzata Festival is much more than a food fair: it is a way to rediscover the rural identity of the Viterbo Tuscia, where pastoralism, peasant cuisine, and Etruscan heritage have coexisted for millennia. A perfect event for those seeking an authentic experience, far from mass tourism circuits, immersed in the nature of Lazio and its truest flavors.