Autumn Festival

A village festival dedicated to the Sabina autumn

The Autumn Festival in Poggio Nativo is one of those events that captures the identity of the Rieti Sabina region better than any guidebook. Every year, towards the end of October, the Pro Loco Poggio Nativo transforms Piazza Roma into a large open-air dining table where freshly harvested seasonal products become the perfect excuse to gather. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Poggio Nativo, in the province of Rieti, in the Lazio region.

This is not a monumental event or a large-scale festival; it is a community celebration built by volunteers, thriving on the slow pace of the village and the generosity of its countryside. For this reason, it has become a cherished stop for those seeking an authentic Italian experience just a short distance from Rome.

The star flavors

The heart of the day is the tasting of autumn flavors, a gastronomic journey that follows the agricultural calendar of the Sabina region. Highlights from recent editions include:

• Bruschetta with new-season olive oil — the symbol of Sabina, land of the DOP extra virgin olive oil, served freshly pressed on toasted bread;
• Cauliflower fritters — a homemade specialty typical of the Lazio hinterland, fried on the spot;
• Roasted chestnuts — chestnuts cooked over an open fire, providing the scent that accompanies the entire afternoon;
• other seasonal tastings and local products offered by regional producers.

Sabina olive oil, a heritage

It is no coincidence that the festival falls during the weeks of the olive harvest. Sabina is one of the historic cradles of Italian olive growing: the olive groves that shape the hills between Poggio Nativo, Frasso Sabino, and Casaprota produce an extra virgin oil with an elegant profile, recognized by the Sabina DOP designation, the first olive oil DOP recognized in Italy. Tasting the new-season oil on a bruschetta in the square is the most direct way to understand why this territory is so proud of it.

The village of Poggio Nativo

Poggio Nativo is a small town in the province of Rieti, overlooking the hills that slope down toward the Tiber Valley. The historic center preserves its medieval layout, with narrow alleys, scenic viewpoints, and the main square that serves as the community's living room. The hamlet of Casali di Poggio Nativo hosts other popular events throughout the year, a testament to a particularly vibrant local community.

Those visiting the village for the festival can easily extend their trip to nearby Sabina villages, visit oil mills open to the public, or explore the Abbey of Farfa, one of the most important monastic complexes in Lazio, just a few kilometers away.

Atmosphere and audience

Admission is free and the atmosphere is that of the best local village festivals: families, children running in the square, elderly residents sharing stories of past harvests, and stalls managed by Pro Loco volunteers. The afternoon flows with tastings, music, and conversation, ending as the early darkness of late October sets in.

This event is recommended for those seeking a genuine experience rather than a spectacular one: no queues, no tickets, just the pleasure of sharing the harvest with those who produced it.

When it takes place

The Autumn Festival is traditionally held on a Sunday afternoon in late October, starting in the early afternoon. The 2025 edition took place on Sunday, October 26th, starting at 3:00 PM. The dates for the following edition are announced by the Pro Loco Poggio Nativo through their social media channels in the weeks leading up to the event.