Cuzzi co' j'ajju Festival

A festival born to preserve a culinary memory

The Cuzzi co' j'ajju Festival brings the historic center of Roviano to life every summer. Located in the Aniene Valley, halfway between Tivoli and Subiaco in the Metropolitan City of Rome, this village is a hidden gem. The event was established in 1995 by the local community to champion a humble, traditional dish that was at risk of being forgotten. Since then, the Pro Loco of Roviano has hosted the festival every mid-August, involving the entire village and its 1,200 residents.

What are 'cuzzi co' j'ajju'?

Cuzzi are fresh, handmade pasta strips made from a blend of mixed flours—soft wheat, durum wheat, and cornmeal—along with water, a pinch of salt, and a few eggs. Rolled out with a rolling pin and cut into strips about 50 centimeters long and 4-5 centimeters wide, their name comes from the local dialect: 'cuzzi' means stumpy, referring to their short, thick shape. The cornmeal gives the pasta a rough texture and a slightly toasted aftertaste, which is perfect for holding the sauce. They are served in traditional scifette (carved wooden troughs) and dressed 'co' j'ajju': garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, chili, and a generous dusting of local pecorino cheese, with a more delicate version featuring fresh basil also available. Cuzzi are officially recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of the Lazio Region.

The Sunday dish

Once upon a time, cuzzi were the Sunday staple for the people of Roviano who worked in the fields or mines during the week. Sunday lunch was not just about eating; it was the moment for the family to gather around the table. The festival keeps this peasant memory alive, turning the village square into a large communal dining table where recipes are passed down from generation to generation.

The festival in the historic center

The evening follows a well-established tradition: from late afternoon, the food stalls open, serving handmade cuzzi accompanied by wine and typical products from the valley. There are also moments of community, such as screenings of photographs and films from past editions, and live music that keeps the party going until late at night. During the event, guided tours are often organized to the village's landmarks: Castello Brancaccio, home to the Museum of Peasant Civilization of the Aniene Valley, and the Roman-era Ponte Scotonico.

Roviano and the Aniene Valley

The Municipality of Roviano rises on a rocky spur overlooking the upper Aniene Valley, along the ancient route of the Via Tiburtina Valeria, about 60 kilometers from Rome. The village preserves a medieval layout of alleys and stairways dominated by the castle, serving as a gateway to the Simbruini Mountains and the inland towns of Lazio. The festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of the Lazio Region, far from the beaten tourist track, where gastronomy and local identity remain deeply intertwined.

An event not to be missed

With its mix of genuine cuisine, folk music, and historical heritage, the Cuzzi co' j'ajju Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in the Aniene Valley: a simple, convivial experience that tells the story of an entire village through a single dish.