Cheese Festival

A Sunday of flavors in Ortelle

The Cheese Festival is one of the most anticipated autumn events in Supino, a village in the province of Frosinone perched on the slopes of the Lepini Mountains, in the heart of the Ciociaria region. The festival takes place in the Ortelle area, also known as La Cona, a rural district that transforms for the day into a vibrant community gathering dedicated to cheese, honey, and traditional country cooking. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Supino as part of the Supino in Vetrina program, which highlights local life throughout the year, with the support of the Nui Simo du Supino folk group.

The cheese-rolling competition

The most original and photogenic highlight of the day is undoubtedly the cheese-rolling competition, organized by the ASD Collelavena – I Ciclopi del Formaggio. It is a playful challenge that combines strength, technique, and team spirit, as wheels of cheese are thrown and rolled along the course. This event always draws a smile while recalling the traditional rural games of the Lazio region, where cheese wheels were the stars of local skill contests.

Honey and cheese: the perfect pairing

From noon onwards, the festival comes alive with the opening of the food stalls. The theme guiding the tastings is the pairing of honey and cheese, a delicious combination that showcases two typical products of the Lepini territory. Alongside these tastings, visitors can enjoy classic Ciociaria dishes: pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans), sandwiches filled with cheese or prosciutto, and traditional local desserts, all accompanied by the warming scent of mulled wine during the crisp October days.

Handmade fettuccine

The cheese festival is traditionally paired with a fettuccine festival, where the pasta is strictly handmade by local women using time-honored techniques: flour, eggs, and dough rolled out with a wooden rolling pin. This is one of the most authentic aspects of the event, turning Ortelle into a small capital of Ciociaria home cooking for the weekend.

Music and folk culture

The festival is also a celebration of music and local spirit. In the afternoon, the stage hosts folk music concerts—the 2025 edition featured I Trillanti Trio—while the local folk group enlivens the day with songs and traditions. The atmosphere is that of old-fashioned country fairs: families, long outdoor tables, and the stunning backdrop of the Lepini Mountains.

Supino and the Ciociaria region

Supino stands at 321 meters above sea level, overlooking the Sacco Valley in the Lazio Region. The village preserves a charming historic center, ancient churches, and monuments, making it an excellent starting point for hikes in the Lepini Mountains. The October festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the town when it showcases its most authentic flavors.