Braciola Festival

The oldest festival in Lazio

The Braciola Festival in Cittareale, in the province of Rieti, is considered the oldest folklore event in the Lazio region. Founded in 1960 and passionately organized by the Cittareale Pro Loco Tourist Association, the festival has reached its 65th edition without losing the genuine spirit of its origins: celebrating the mountains and the pastoral traditions of this corner of the Upper Sabina, where Lazio meets the borders of Abruzzo, Umbria, and the Marche.

The braciola and traditional pastoral dishes

The signature dish is the charcoal-grilled mutton chop, cooked over glowing embers until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, carrying the scent of woodsmoke that evokes family Sunday lunches. Alongside the braciola, the festival menu features the great classics of the Rieti mountain tradition:

• Pecora «allo cotturu», mutton pieces slow-cooked in a cauldron according to an ancient pastoral recipe
• Pasta and rigatoni with mutton ragù
• Gnocchi with black truffles from Cittareale
• Grilled sausages, cheeses, ricotta, and homemade desserts
• Local wine to complete the menu

Selvarotonda, a mountain celebration

The event takes place in the picturesque mountain setting of Selvarotonda, at an altitude of nearly 1,800 meters, amidst the pastures and peaks of the Upper Velino Valley. This backdrop makes the festival an authentic experience: dining in the open air, surrounded by mountains, while rediscovering the deep bond between the Cittareale community and the shepherding activities that have shaped this territory for centuries.

Folklore, crafts, and local products

The Braciola Festival is about more than just gastronomy. Throughout the day, there are traditional craft demonstrations of cheese and ricotta making, with milking and curdling processes shown to the public. Meanwhile, stalls offer typical local products for display and sale, including cheeses, ricotta, summer truffles, honey, and spelt. The soundtrack is provided by folk groups, rustic carts, the sound of accordions, and traditional dances, creating a festive atmosphere that delights visitors of all ages.

The 2026 edition

The 65th edition is scheduled for August 10, 2026. True to tradition, the day combines the aromas of the grill, folk music, and the hospitality of mountain people, confirming the festival as one of the most iconic and long-standing summer events in all of Lazio.

Cittareale, a village in the Upper Velino Valley

A small mountain municipality in the province of Rieti, Cittareale lies along the historic Via Salaria, at the springs of the Velino River and at the foot of the Laga Mountains. Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover a territory of great natural value, characterized by high-altitude pastures, forests, and living pastoral traditions in an area of the Central Apennines where Lazio, Abruzzo, Umbria, and the Marche converge.