Autumn Festival

The festival that welcomes autumn to Amatrice

As the first mists rise from the valleys of the Monti della Laga and the woods turn shades of copper, Amatrice, in the Upper Rieti area, celebrates its Autumn Festival. It is one of the most cherished events in the calendar for this village in the province of Rieti, located in the north-eastern Lazio region near the borders of Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria. For two days in early November, the town comes together to honour its flavours, crafts, and rural traditions.

The 'Pane dei Santi', the heart of tradition

The most iconic moment of the festival is the blessing and distribution of the 'Pane dei Santi' (Bread of the Saints), the traditional rolls prepared and offered according to ancient local custom in the days following All Saints' Day. It is a simple, collective ritual that connects the community to the memory of their loved ones and the rhythm of the seasons, symbolically opening the festival in the Piazzale ex ANPAS.

A journey through mountain flavours

The true star, however, is the traditional food. The gastronomic stalls offer dishes that define the mountain cuisine of the Amatrice area: polenta with pork ribs and sausages, hearty country soup, 'picone', and the essential chestnuts and mulled wine to warm your hands. Alongside the stoves, the market of local produce and crafts features cheeses, cured meats, honey, preserves, and creations by local artisans, winding through the area between the Il Corso Shopping Centre and the Piazzale ex ANPAS.

Music, folklore, and workshops

The festival is also filled with music and joy: folk groups, marching bands, and brass ensembles roam the streets, while children can enjoy games, creative workshops, and dedicated activities. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the area, with guided tours of archaeological sites in the surrounding hamlets and the opening of the town's museums.

Much more than just a food festival

For Amatrice, which was severely struck by the 2016 earthquake, the Autumn Festival is a gesture of community and rebirth: a way to gather, welcome visitors, and show that the identity of this mountain village—which gave its name to Italy's most famous pasta dish—is alive and continues to renew itself every year.