Castrato Festival

A festival rooted in the pastoral culture of the Sabina region

The Castrato Festival in Monteflavio is one of the most cherished gastronomic events of the spring in the Roman Sabina area. The town, perched at over 800 meters above sea level within the Lucretili Mountains Regional Park, in the province of Rome and the Lazio region, preserves a culinary tradition born directly from shepherding: for centuries, flocks have marked the rhythm of life in the village, and local cuisine has kept its most iconic dishes alive.

Castrato, the meat of a castrated male sheep, is the absolute star of the festival. It is a flavorful, textured meat that requires long cooking times and expert hands: this is why the festival is not just a tasting, but a showcase of culinary knowledge passed down through families in Monteflavio.

Festival dishes

The menu revolves around two classic preparations, both available for lunch and dinner:

• Gnocchi with castrato sauce — handmade gnocchi, dressed with a robust sauce obtained from long-simmering the meat;
• Charcoal-grilled castrato chops — cooked over glowing coals and served with rustic side dishes;
• Typical products of the Lucretili Mountains — local sheep cheeses and cured meats;
• Local wine, served at the festival stalls.

The kitchen is managed by volunteers from the Pro Loco of Monteflavio, led by Pierluigi Giacomelli, who mobilizes dozens of people every year for preparation, service, and setting up the square.

Where it takes place: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III

The heart of the event is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, the village's main square, where distribution stalls and outdoor tables are set up. You dine under the open sky, with views stretching over the Sabine hills: this is a vital part of the experience, as the festival thrives as much on the food as it does on the landscape and village atmosphere.

In recent years, the Pro Loco has introduced an online ordering system designed to speed up orders and reduce queues at the stalls: you order in advance and pick up your dish without long waits, a solution now appreciated by regular visitors.

Music, dancing, and atmosphere

The gastronomic experience is complemented by entertainment: live music and traditional dances accompany the day and continue into the evening, turning the square into a collective celebration. Attendance is strong, especially from the Tiburtina area and Rome, but the festival remains a village-scale event, without the industrial scale of some larger fairs.

Why it's worth the trip

Those who come to Monteflavio for the festival find a dual reason for interest. On one hand, the food, featuring a meat that has a historical role in Roman and Sabine cuisine and is increasingly rare in restaurants today. On the other, the territory: the village is an excellent starting point for hikes in the Lucretili Mountains, and the day can easily combine a morning walk with lunch in the square.

It is also an opportunity to understand how an authentic Italian festival works: no big sponsors, popular prices, volunteers at the stove, and an entire village organizing to welcome visitors. A model that in the Lazio region survives especially in small inland towns like this one.