Cavatello Festival

A signature festival of the Viterbo Tuscia

The Cavatello Festival is the most anticipated summer event in Vitorchiano, the famous "hanging village" perched on a peperino rock cliff just a few kilometers from Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia region. Organized by the Pro Loco Vitorchiano in collaboration with the Municipality, the event brings the scenic Piazza Roma to life for four consecutive evenings between late July and early August, right in the heart of the medieval historic center. Established in the late 1970s, the festival has surpassed forty-five editions—the 45th took place from July 31 to August 3, 2025—confirming its status as one of the longest-running gastronomic festivals in the province of Viterbo.

The cavatello vitorchianese, a Lazio Region PAT product

The absolute star of the festival is the cavatello vitorchianese: a long, handmade pasta made solely from water and flour, crafted strand by strand according to the tradition of the village's local housewives. The classic recipe calls for it to be dressed with fresh tomato sauce, garlic, oil, chili pepper, and wild fennel, the aromatic touch that makes it unmistakable. Since 2017, the cavatello of Vitorchiano has been officially recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of the Lazio Region, a seal that certifies its deep connection to the territory. As the locals love to say, the cavatello is above all about sharing, unity, and coming together: a humble dish that has become a collective identity.

The celebration in Piazza Roma

During the festival, Piazza Roma transforms into a large open-air restaurant: long tables set at the foot of the splendid Viterbo-style fountain, food stalls where Pro Loco volunteers serve hand-prepared cavatelli, and every evening live music and dancing that accompany dinner until late at night. The various editions also feature craft markets and musical performances in Largo Guglielmi, which complete the festive atmosphere throughout the village. The 2025 edition featured a special moment: on Friday, August 1st, the new artistic lighting of the west cliff was inaugurated, a project co-financed by the Lazio Region that enhances the spectacular profile of the village at night.

Vitorchiano, the hanging village

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most evocative villages in Lazio. The Municipality of Vitorchiano, in the province of Viterbo, stands on a spur of peperino rock overlooking the ravines, with medieval walls, alleys, 'profferli' (external staircases), and small squares that preserve the intact charm of this ancient land loyal to Rome. The festival, with its convivial evenings, is the best way to experience the village when the entire community gathers around its signature dish.

Information on the 2026 edition

Following the success of the 45th edition in 2025, the 46th Cavatello Festival is expected between late July and early August 2026; some industry portals indicate the dates as July 30 to August 2, 2026, but official confirmation from the Pro Loco or the Municipality has not yet been released. It is recommended to follow the official channels for program updates.