Fettuccine and Sheep Festival

A village festival in the hinterland of Nettuno

The Fettuccine and Sheep Festival takes place in Piscina Cardillo, a small agricultural hamlet in the municipality of Nettuno, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. Far from the crowded seafront and beaches, the event preserves the authentic spirit of a rural feast: a well-equipped field, long outdoor tables, a kitchen run entirely by volunteers, and a stage for live orchestras. It is one of the most enduring summer festivals in the area, now celebrating over thirteen consecutive editions.

Fettuccine and sheep: the two signature dishes

The festival's name says it all. The fettuccine are hand-rolled by the committee members in the days leading up to each evening, with the dough stretched by rolling pin and cut by hand—a slow, traditional process that explains why this remains the most sought-after dish. Alongside it is the sheep, prepared according to two historic recipes from the Lazio pastoral tradition:

• Grilled sheep, slow-cooked over charcoal and served in generous portions;
• Pecora alla callara, a traditional dish where meat simmers for hours in a large copper pot with herbs and spices, a recipe rooted in the transhumance and the countryside of the Agro Pontino.

The menu is rounded out by chicken cutlets, mixed grills, vegetable sides, sandwiches, and local homemade desserts, including traditional ciambelle. Service is self-service, with a cashier at the kitchen entrance, just like at any classic village festival.

Music, dance, and atmosphere

Every evening is accompanied by live music: ballroom orchestras, dance troupes, and local artists take turns on the stage set up next to the dining area. The dance floor is a hallmark of the festival, attracting a diverse crowd—from families with children to groups of friends and dedicated dancers who follow the summer festival circuit along the Roman coast. Food stalls traditionally open around 9:00 PM, and the festivities continue until late at night.

The setting: Nettuno and the Lazio coast

Nettuno is located about 60 kilometers south of Rome, on the coast that also includes Anzio. The medieval old town, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Goretti, and the American Military Cemetery are the most visited sites, but the hinterland retains an agricultural and pastoral vocation that festivals like this keep alive. Attending the Fettuccine and Sheep Festival offers a glimpse into the less touristy side of Nettuno, where local committees organize non-profit events to support community activities.

When it happens

The event typically takes place between late July and the second half of August, with evenings usually scheduled from Friday to Sunday. In 2025, the calendar ran from July 25 to August 24. Dates for the upcoming edition are announced each year as summer approaches via posters displayed in the hamlet and local press channels; it is always advisable to check them before traveling.