Chestnut Days of Canepina

One of the great autumn festivals of Tuscia

For over forty years, the Chestnut Days have been the premier event celebrating autumn in Canepina, a small village in the Cimini Mountains in the province of Viterbo, Lazio. Over several weekends between October and early November, the entire historic center turns into an open-air theater where the chestnut, the absolute star of the show, leads a journey through taste, music, and folk traditions. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Canepina with the support of the Municipality of Canepina.

Tuff-hewn cellars and Canepina cuisine

The heart of the festival lies in the characteristic cellars carved into the tuff, scattered along the village streets, which open their doors to visitors to showcase traditional local dishes. Here, you can enjoy the famous Canepina maccaroni, also known as "hay" due to their thin shape, and the typical ceciliani, accompanied by Cimini wine and homemade desserts. The chestnut is featured in many preparations, from appetizers to desserts, while the squares are always filled with the aroma of free roasted chestnuts.

Historical pageants, the Donkey Palio, and barrel races

Alongside the gastronomy, the Chestnut Days offer a rich calendar of entertainment. The streets fill with historical pageants featuring ladies, knights, flag-wavers, and musicians, evoking the village's past. Among the most anticipated events are the Donkey Palio and the spectacular barrel race, which animate Piazza Garibaldi and involve both local districts and the public. Evenings give way to musical nights, live concerts, and entertainment for all ages.

A village to discover

Visiting Canepina during the festival means immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscia town, among stone alleys, ancient portals, and the scents of the Cimini woods. Sundays are often enriched by free guided tours to discover the village's heritage and a shuttle bus service to reach the center comfortably. A large market fair with local products and handicrafts completes the offering, making the event a perfect day out for families and food and wine enthusiasts.

Why attend

• Tasting traditional dishes in tuff-hewn cellars, including maccaroni and ceciliani;
• Free distribution of roasted chestnuts in the village squares;
• Historical pageants, the Donkey Palio, and barrel races;
• Musical evenings and live concerts;
• Market fair, guided tours, and free shuttle service.

The Chestnut Days remain one of the most heartfelt festivals in the Lazio Region, capable of blending the peasant memory of the Cimini Mountains with the pleasure of good food and shared celebration.