Flavors of the Sabina Tradition

A December Sunday in the heart of Sabina

Every year, on the Sunday before Christmas, the town of Scandriglia, nestled at the foot of the Monti Lucretili Regional Natural Park in the province of Rieti, hosts Flavors of the Sabina Tradition. Organized by the local Pro Loco, the event is a staple of the Christmas season in this part of Lazio: a full day blending traditional gastronomy, Christmas markets, and family entertainment in the historic center.

Polentone alla carbonara: the charcoal burner's dish

The highlight of the festival is the Polentone alla Carbonara Festival. Note: this has nothing to do with the famous Roman pasta made with eggs and guanciale. The polentone alla carbonara is the traditional dish of the woodcutters and charcoal burners of the past—the men who produced charcoal in the Sabina woods. It is a hearty polenta seasoned with pancetta and sausage, designed to provide warmth and sustenance after long days of outdoor work. As tradition dictates, it is prepared by local cooks following ancient recipes passed down through generations.

Alongside the polentone, the day offers a true journey through Sabina flavors: fried pizza, grilled sausages, traditional sweets, local wine, and mulled wine to ward off the December chill, as well as Sabina extra virgin olive oil, one of the region's finest products and among the first in Italy to receive Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status.

Christmas markets

From the morning, the village streets and square come alive with Christmas markets: exhibitors of local products, handicrafts, and gift ideas welcome visitors until evening. It is the perfect opportunity to shop locally and discover Sabina producers in an intimate, authentic atmosphere, far from the crowds of large city markets.

Entertainment and Christmas spirit

The afternoon is dedicated to families: children can deliver their letters to Santa Claus, while local folk groups—such as the Musicanti, who starred in the 2025 edition alongside magic shows—animate the square with traditional music and dancing. A key feature of the organization is the heated marquee with covered seating, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the festival lunch comfortably even in bad weather.

Scandriglia, between Rome and Rieti

Scandriglia is located along the Via Salaria, halfway between Rome and Rieti, offering panoramic views of the Sabina valley. The ancient village is an ideal base for exploring the Monti Lucretili Park, the centuries-old olive groves of Sabina, and nearby towns like Orvinio and Poggio Moiano. The December festival is the moment when the community gathers and opens its doors to visitors: a genuine opportunity to discover the most authentic side of the Lazio region, where small-town traditions remain vibrant.