Fiera della Ricalata

The Fiera della Ricalata in Cisterna di Latina

The Fiera della Ricalata is one of the most cherished autumn events in Cisterna di Latina, in the heart of the Latina province, Lazio. This centuries-old fair takes place around the third Sunday of October, bringing the colors, flavors, and crafts of a rural world that deeply shaped the city's identity and the entire Pontine Plain back to the historic center.

The Origins: Transhumance and the Butteri

The fair's name comes from the "ricalata," the autumn descent of shepherds, butteri, and their herds from the hills and mountains toward the plains to face the winter season. Livestock moved from the pastures of the Abruzzo and Lazio Apennines toward the Roman Agro and the Pontine Plain, and for centuries, Cisterna was a key hub for this pastoral economy. The fair served as a vital social, economic, and cultural meeting point—a tradition that lives on today thanks to the dedication of local butteri and community associations.

The Program: From the Historic Center to Palazzo Caetani

The event unfolds across the squares and streets of the town center, animated by market stalls offering artisanal goods, local delicacies, and curiosities, with local shops remaining open for the occasion. The historic Palazzo Caetani serves as the cultural heart of the festival, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and displays. Visitors can also enjoy meetings with the butteri and their horses, guided walking tours, and traditional music and dance with roving performers.

• Craft and local product stalls along the town center streets
• Exhibitions and displays at Palazzo Caetani
• Meetings with the butteri of Cisterna and equestrian traditions
• Cultural walks in the Cisterna Vecchia
• Traditional folk music and dance

Tres Tabernae and the Cisterna Vecchia

During the fair, visitors can explore the area's rich historical and archaeological heritage, from the ancient Cisterna Vecchia village to the Tres Tabernae archaeological site—an important station along the Via Appia, often accessible via a free shuttle service. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a popular festival with a journey into the region's roots.

An Event for Families and Curious Visitors

The Fiera della Ricalata is designed for all ages. Alongside the traditional aspects, there are activities for children and families, such as LEGO® construction displays at Palazzo Caetani, complete with play areas and creative workshops, offering a fun way to introduce children to the city's history and traditions.

Cisterna di Latina: Between Rome and the Pontine Plain

Located just a few kilometers from Latina and well-connected to Rome, Cisterna di Latina is a city rich in history, dominated by Palazzo Caetani and surrounded by valuable agricultural landscapes. The Fiera della Ricalata is the ideal time to visit and experience an authentic tradition of Southern Lazio.