Cecamariti Festival

A festival for a dish found only here

The Cecamariti Festival is the most anticipated summer event in Orvinio, a small town in the Province of Rieti, in the heart of the mountainous Lazio region, on the border between the Sabina area and the Lucretili Mountains. Organized by the Orvinio Pro Loco, the festival takes place in Piazza del Comune and celebrates a culinary tradition documented in only two towns: Orvinio and Rocca Canterano.

What are cecamariti?

Cecamariti are a type of 'peasant' pasta, handmade with water, wheat flour, and cornmeal. Unlike classic fresh pasta made only with water and flour, this is a more rustic, yellow dough that holds its texture well and pairs perfectly with sauces. The traditional recipe calls for a sauce of tomato, garlic, and chili pepper; at the festival, a lighter, fresher version with tomato and basil is also served.

The name is quite amusing and is a piece of local folklore in itself: cecamariti literally means 'husband-blinder'. According to local legend, the dish was so quick and easy to prepare that it was used to trick husbands into believing their wives had spent the entire day cooking. A little domestic white lie that has, over time, become a symbol of the village's identity.

What to expect

The festival is a village celebration in the most authentic sense: outdoor tables set up in the alleys and the main square, food stalls managed by Pro Loco volunteers, live music accompanying lunch or dinner, craft stalls and local products along the path, and activities designed for families. While the schedule may vary slightly by year—with stalls opening at noon or around 7:30 PM—the spirit remains that of a traditional village fair, with affordable prices and no entrance fee.

The menu

• Cecamariti with tomato and basil sauce, the signature dish
• Grilled sausages
• Crispy french fries
• Water and local wine

Orvinio, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Orvinio, recognized as one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia. The village retains an intact medieval layout, dominated by the Malvezzi-Campeggi castle, featuring stone houses, arches, stairways, and scenic views of the valley. In July, the altitude provides a significantly cooler climate compared to Rome, which is just over an hour's drive away—making it a classic escape from the capital's heat.

Why it's worth the trip

More than just another food festival, the Cecamariti event is a celebration of a community protecting a recipe that is virtually impossible to find elsewhere. Visitors will find a simple, authentic day filled with freshly prepared food, chatting on benches, music, and sunset strolls through the village—a true snapshot of summer life in the Lazio hinterland.