Falia and Broccoletti Festival

A festival born from a humble dish

The Falia and Broccoletti Festival is the most representative gastronomic event in Priverno, a town in the province of Latina, in the heart of southern Lazio, at the foot of the Lepini Mountains. Created to celebrate a classic pairing of local peasant cuisine, it has grown over twenty years into a major attraction for the entire Pontine area and neighboring villages, filling the historic center's squares for a full spring day.

The dish that gives the event its name is deceptively simple: falia is a type of elongated, flattened bread, kneaded only with flour, water, and sourdough, baked thoroughly and scented with extra virgin olive oil from the Pontine hills. It is served warm, split open and stuffed with broccoletti—the spadoni variety from the Amaseno Valley, a type of cabbage with a bold flavor, sautéed in a pan with garlic and chili pepper.

The squares and venues of the festival

The heart of the festival is Piazza Giovanni XXIII (the town hall square), where food and wine stands and the music stage are located, while Piazza Trieste is dedicated to families, featuring workshops, games, and entertainment for children. Along Via Consolare, craft markets are set up, and the "Paolo Di Pietro" municipal porticoes host the section dedicated to wine culture.

More than just food

The day balances conviviality with a program that invites visitors to explore the town. The Archaeological Museum of Priverno offers guided walks through the alleys, local churches remain open for special viewings, and roaming musicians wander through the historic center. These activities are complemented by vintage car displays, a Vespa Club rally, and a cycling tour organized by local sports associations.

• Tastings of falia and broccoletti at the stands in the squares
• Craft markets and local product stalls
• Guided tours of the historic center and special church openings
• Live music and afternoon performances
• Children's entertainment with workshops and games

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Falia and Broccoletti Festival Committee, with the patronage and support of the Lazio Region, ARSIAL, and the Municipality of Priverno, in collaboration with the associations Insieme Odv, Pro Loco Priverno, the Circe Operational Center, and the Falia Producers of Priverno. This network of volunteers and producers ensures that the falia served in the square is authentic, made according to traditional methods.

Why it's worth the trip

Priverno is a natural stop for those traveling the Southern Via Francigena and is located just a few kilometers from the Abbey of Fossanova, one of the most important examples of Cistercian architecture in Italy. Combining the festival with a visit to the abbey or the Archaeological Museum turns the day into a perfect itinerary through the gastronomy, history, and landscapes of the Lepini area. The atmosphere remains that of a genuine local feast—popular and authentic rather than touristy—where the locals themselves are the first guests.