Farewell Feast and Goat Festival

A two-night farewell

The Farewell Feast and Goat Festival is the event that marks the end of summer in Roccasecca dei Volsci, a small town perched on the slopes of the Lepini Mountains in the province of Latina, in the heart of southern Lazio. It traditionally takes place on the last Sunday of August, with both Saturday and Sunday evenings dedicated to gastronomy, entertainment, and conviviality. The name says it all: it is not a religious feast or a civil holiday, but a true collective farewell to those who spent the warmer weeks in the village and are now preparing to return to the city.

Goat stew, a dish of identity

The undisputed star is the goat meat cooked in tomato sauce, prepared according to an ancient recipe passed down through local households. This slow, patient cooking process tenderizes a meat once considered humble, which, in the Amaseno Valley and the Lepini area, tells the story of centuries of shepherding. Alongside the signature dish, the Pro Loco stands offer arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), sausage sandwiches, capocollo, cutlets, hot dogs, French fries, wine, and drinks. The festival also serves a promotional purpose: over the years, exhibitions and conferences on goat farming have been organized, accompanied by tastings of goat-based specialties.

Music and dancing in the square

The evening program follows a well-tested format: food stands open around 7:00 PM, followed by dance performances by local schools and, around 9:30 PM, live concerts featuring folk bands and tribute acts that bring dance repertoires and great hits to the square. There is also a raffle with prize draws, a highly anticipated moment that ideally closes both the event and the village's summer season.

A Lepini village to discover

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to visit Roccasecca dei Volsci away from mass tourism circuits. The historic center, with its narrow alleys and glimpses of the valley, is located a short distance from Priverno and the Fossanova Abbey, and falls within the territory of Lazio's natural parks and reserves, between the Ausoni Mountains and the Pontine Plain. Those arriving for the festival can easily combine a walk through the village, a tour of local producers, and a panoramic stop at sunset before the stands open.

A long-standing tradition

The event has a solid history: 2023 marked the 47th edition and 2024 the 48th, a sign of rare continuity for a village festival. According to local sources, the original idea was born from the vacationers themselves as a gesture of gratitude toward the community that hosted them, and the formula has remained unchanged since: eating together, dancing together, and making plans for the following summer.

Why it's worth the trip

• A rare dish in Lazio festivals: goat stew cooked according to the traditional recipe.
• Authentic village atmosphere, far from events built for tourism.
• Free entry and affordable prices at the stands managed by the Pro Loco.
• Two evenings of live music and dance performances in Piazza Santa Maria.
• Strategic location to discover the Lepini Mountains and the Amaseno Valley.