Broccolo Capoccione Festival

A celebration of the excellence of Albano's gardens

The Broccolo Capoccione Festival is the winter event that the Municipality of Albano Laziale dedicates to its most iconic product, the broccolo capoccione, grown in the gardens of the Cecchina district and awarded the municipal De.Co. (Municipal Designation) label. The event takes place between December and January in Piazza XXV Aprile, the beating heart of Cecchina, and over the years it has become one of the most anticipated winter festivals in the Castelli Romani area.

The broccolo capoccione, a symbol of the territory

The broccolo capoccione is a unique variety of Romanesco broccoli grown exclusively in the territory of Albano Laziale. It owes its name to its large, voluminous inflorescences, which are a brilliant, intense green, with a characteristic pyramidal shape where small rosettes repeat in a spiral following the Fibonacci sequence. The historical nature of this cultivation is evidenced by the nickname broccolari, by which the people of Albano were once known, famous for selling the vegetable in the markets of Rome. Harvesting, done by hand and in stages, begins in mid-October and continues through the colder months.

Taste and tradition in the square

During the festival, food stalls offer signature local dishes based on broccolo capoccione: from broccoli attufati (stewed broccoli) to minestra di broccoli in brodo di arzilla (broccoli soup in skate broth), a traditional Roman and Castelli recipe. Alongside the tastings, there are markets featuring local products and crafts, which enliven the square and offer visitors a chance to discover the flavors and knowledge of the area. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village festival, with the participation of the local community and associations.

In the heart of the Castelli Romani

Cecchina, a district of Albano Laziale in the province of Rome and the Lazio region, is located in the Castelli Romani area, a land of wines, villas, and food and wine traditions. The Broccolo Capoccione Festival is an authentic way to experience this territory during the winter season, when the vegetable is at its peak quality. Admission is free and the event is designed for the whole family.