Bruschetta Festival (with Local Produce Market Exhibition)
The gold of Sabina celebrates in Casaprota: bruschetta, extra virgin olive oil, and local delicacies
About Bruschetta Festival
The new oil festival in the heart of Sabina
Every year, at the end of January, the village of Casaprota, in the province of Rieti, transforms into the capital of bruschetta. The Bruschetta Festival, accompanied by the Local Produce Market Exhibition, is one of the longest-running and most cherished gastronomic events in Sabina, that stretch of hilly Lazio dotted with millions of ancient olive trees between the provinces of Rieti and Rome.
The absolute star is the Sabina extra virgin olive oil, freshly pressed and poured generously over slices of toasted homemade bread. This is no ordinary oil: Sabina PDO was the first European-recognized Protected Designation of Origin for an Italian olive oil, and Casaprota is firmly within its production area.
Bruschetta and traditional cuisine
The heart of the festival is the freshly prepared bruschetta, also available in a gluten-free version to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebration. Alongside it, the stalls offer a rich repertoire of Sabina cuisine and more:
- spelt soup with truffle and extra virgin olive oil;
- sagne and fregnacce pasta with sausage;
- arrosticini, pizzola, and grilled sausages;
- Sicilian cannoli and mulled wine to warm up the winter days.
Music, folklore, and entertainment
The two days are enlivened by a packed program of live music: marching bands, street bands, folk groups from other regions, evening concerts, and dance orchestras. There is no shortage of shows and entertainment for children, making the festival a perfect family outing.
The village and its heritage
The Bruschetta Festival is also an opportunity to discover the historical heritage of Casaprota. During the event, iconic landmarks such as the Torre di Palazzo Filippi and the ancient mill are opened to the public, while thematic exhibitions, guided tours, and walks through the centuries-old olive groves complete the experience. It is the best way to combine the pleasures of the table with the rediscovery of an authentic corner of the Municipality of Casaprota and the Lazio Region.
A defining tradition
Reaching its 63rd edition in 2026, the Bruschetta Festival represents a true collective ritual for the Sabina community: it celebrates the deep bond between the land, its olive groves, and its people, during the milling season when the new oil is at the peak of its fragrance. A modest and genuine event, where the quality of the product counts above all else.
Bruschetta Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition: the 63rd Bruschetta Festival
The 63rd edition of the Casaprota Bruschetta Festival took place on January 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by the 21st Local Produce Market Exhibition. Two days dedicated to Sabina extra virgin olive oil, guided tastings, live music, and the rediscovery of the village's historical heritage.
Programme Bruschetta Festival 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Horseback riding and equestrian demonstrations
- 11:00 AM — Opening of thematic exhibitions (including "A Century of Radio", olive wood nativity scenes, and the Farmer's Cellar)
- 1:00 PM — Lunch in the square
- 3:00 PM — Preview opening of the Local Produce Market Exhibition
- 4:00 PM — Visit to the Torre di Palazzo Filippi
- 5:00 PM — Performance by the ARCE Sabina Marching Band
- 5:30 PM — "Oil and Wine: a tasting guide" (Fausto Tozzi Theater)
- 6:00 PM — Ampuruesu folk group (Sardinia)
- 6:30 PM — Tasting of Sicilian cannoli and oranges
- 7:00 PM — Tasting of Scandriglia sagne, bruschetta with Sabina oil, and mulled wine
- 9:00 PM — Concert by the Alterego Rock Band
Sunday, January 25, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Walk through the centuries-old olive groves (by reservation)
- 10:00 AM — Reopening of exhibitions and market
- 11:00 AM — Visits to the Torre di Palazzo Filippi and the ancient mill, with classical music concerts
- 11:30 AM — Performances by the Topside Brass Band and folk groups
- 12:00 PM — Tasting of bruschetta, spelt soup, and fregnacce with sausage
- 1:00 PM — SMILF Street Band
- 2:30 PM — Tasting of pizzola and cannoli
- 3:00 PM — Concert by the Tonino Serva Orchestra and bubble show for children
Throughout the event: stalls with typical Sicilian and Sardinian products, gluten-free bruschetta, visits to the church of San Domenico, and a book exchange.
Highlights Bruschetta Festival 2026
- Freshly pressed Sabina extra virgin olive oil on bruschetta prepared on the spot
- 21st Local Produce Market Exhibition
- Extraordinary opening of the Torre di Palazzo Filippi and the ancient mill
- Folk groups, marching bands, street bands, and evening concerts
- Spelt soup with truffle, sagne and fregnacce pasta
- Walks through centuries-old olive groves and gluten-free bruschetta option
Prices Bruschetta Festival 2026
Practical information — Bruschetta Festival
How to get there
Casaprota is located in the lower Sabina area, in the province of Rieti. By car, it can be reached from the A1 motorway (Fiano Romano exit), continuing towards Sabina along the Via Salaria, or from Rieti. The nearest train station is Poggio Mirteto, on the Rome-Orte-Rieti line, from where you can continue by car.
Admission and information
Free admission. Tastings, traditional dishes, and products can be purchased at the event stalls. Some activities, such as walks through the olive groves, require booking. For information, you can contact the organization via the Municipality of Casaprota and the Pro Loco offices.
Tips
The festival takes place in the middle of winter: warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended for navigating the alleys and paths of the village. Do not miss the extraordinary opening of the Torre di Palazzo Filippi and the ancient mill.
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Where does it take place — Bruschetta Festival
Centro storico di Casaprota