Cococcia Pianarola Festival

A new festival in the heart of the Rieti plains

The Cococcia Pianarola Festival debuts in 2026 in Piano di Contigliano, a hamlet within the municipality of Contigliano, in the province of Rieti, Lazio. The event celebrates the cococcia, a local variety of zucchini grown in the Contigliano plains—a simple, genuine product that embodies the agricultural identity of this corner of the Rieti territory. The first edition, scheduled for May 30th and 31st, 2026, transforms the church square in Piano into a vibrant meeting place, featuring open-air dining, the aromas of home-style cooking, and a shared spirit to welcome the summer season.

Organization and territory

The festival is promoted by the Belvece Association as part of the 'Contigliano in festa' series, which enlivens the municipality with events scattered between the main town and its hamlets. By dedicating an entire event to the cococcia, the festival highlights a local crop that is often overlooked, bringing local cuisine and the farming wisdom of the plains back to the forefront. The event also serves as a community gathering, inviting visitors from across the province of Rieti to discover the charm of Piano di Contigliano.

Local flavors and cuisine

The table is the heart of the festival. The cococcia takes center stage in original recipes and creative dishes, ranging from traditional preparations to modern twists designed to enhance its delicate flavor. On Saturday evening, the square hosts a dinner with a traditional menu, while Sunday's lunch showcases zucchini-based specialties in a culinary journey that celebrates simplicity, seasonality, and local produce.

Music, tradition, and entertainment

Gastronomy is accompanied by music. The program alternates between contemporary festivities and echoes of folk tradition: from the 90's Legend Staff Show with DJ sets and choreography dedicated to the nineties, to the first Traveling Accordion Festival, which brings folk music and stornelli to the village streets on Sunday afternoon. The days are rounded out by countryside walks and cultural moments that highlight the bond between the community, the land, and its traditions.

Why attend

The Cococcia Pianarola Festival is an invitation to explore the plains of Contigliano through its flavors and music. It is a family-friendly, authentic, and convivial event that celebrates a signature product of the Rieti area, offering two days of tradition, taste, and joy in one of Lazio's most genuine villages.