Frappe Festival

The Frappe Festival in Basciano

The Frappe Festival is one of the most deeply rooted popular celebrations of the Ciociaria summer, held every year in Basciano, a district of the town of Alatri in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Lazio region. Organized by the Associazione Basciano Migliore ODV, the event transforms the area of the former Sisto Restaurant along Via Basciano into a large open-air meeting point for a week, where good food, live music, and village cheer coexist. Every evening, starting at 9:00 PM, the food stalls and the stage attract families and visitors from across the province.

Frappe, the stars of the festival

The festival's name comes from frappe, the crispy fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, which is prepared here according to an old-fashioned recipe and served fresh every night. It is the treat that has accompanied entire generations of this community and, together with traditional pasta dishes, forms the true identity of the event. In the kitchen, the stoves are managed by chef Ennio Cianfrocca, who offers a different pasta dish every evening, featuring the most genuine flavors of peasant cuisine.

The program of the 22nd edition (2026)

The 2026 edition took place from July 6 to 12, with events every evening from 9:00 PM. Alongside the food stalls, the program featured a mix of comedy shows, dance nights, concerts, and popular tournaments:

• Monday, July 6 – Pennette with zucchini and shrimp, Group Dance Festival
• Tuesday, July 7 – Mezze maniche all'amatrice, group dance night
• Wednesday, July 8 – Strozzapreti with artichokes and guanciale, I Sottotono live
• Thursday, July 9 – Gnocchi, La Signora Gilda & Millenote, featuring cabaret and music
• Friday, July 10 – Polenta, Roberta and Luciano in concert and opening of the Briscola Tournament
• Saturday, July 11 – Maltagliati with beans, I Love 90s night with DJ Alessio Melone and opening of the Foosball Tournament
• Sunday, July 12 – Casarecce alla boscaiola, Pablo e Pedro & Saltapizzica

A community atmosphere

Beyond the food and shows, the Frappe Festival preserves the genuine spirit of local district celebrations: popular games, card and foosball tournaments, and music that invites you to dance late into the night. Admission is free and the event is designed for all ages, from the youngest to the neighborhood elders, in a climate of authentic village conviviality that renews itself year after year.

Alatri and the Ciociaria

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Alatri, one of the most fascinating centers of the Ciociaria region, famous for its imposing Acropolis and the megalithic walls that make it one of the oldest cities in Lazio. Experiencing the Frappe Festival means immersing yourself in the popular traditions and gastronomy of this corner of the Frosinone province, amidst simple flavors and sincere hospitality.