Fagiolo Carne Festival

A festival dedicated to an ancient seed of the Tuscia region

The Fagiolo Carne Festival takes place annually in Fabrica di Roma, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio. Set in the charming Piazza Duomo, the event celebrates the fagiolo carne (meat bean), a native variety named for its high protein and vitamin content. For centuries, it replaced meat on the tables of peasant families who could not afford animal proteins.

The history of the fagiolo carne

This is a very ancient seed, native to the Viterbo area, where it was cultivated along ditches and streams. Sources preserved in the municipal archives of Fabrica di Roma and the State Archives of Viterbo document its importance: in remote times, the legume was even used as payment in kind for land rent. Over time, the fagiolo carne became a rare crop, entering the list of seeds at risk of extinction; the festival was created to protect and rediscover this agricultural heritage of the Tuscia village.

Traditional dishes

The heart of the festival is the popular menu, cooked entirely according to ancient local recipes. Offerings from recent editions have included:

• Bean appetizer
• Gnocchetti with beans
• Beans with pork rinds
• Beans with sausage
• Porchetta and sautéed chicory
• French fries
• Fried dough balls with cream

The dishes showcase the versatility of the legume, starring in both first and second courses, telling the story of the simple, genuine cuisine of the Viterbo countryside.

Atmosphere and live music

The evenings come alive with live music and entertainment accompanying the tastings. The festival is a convivial, family-friendly event that brings together the community of Fabrica di Roma and visitors from neighboring villages around tables set up in the square, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Fabrica di Roma and the Tuscia region

Fabrica di Roma is located in the Viterbo Tuscia, not far from Lake Vico and at the foot of the Cimini Mountains, in an area rich in history, nature, and food and wine traditions. Attending the Fagiolo Carne Festival is also an opportunity to discover this corner of Lazio, its rural heritage, and the authentic flavors of the province of Viterbo.