Fried Pizza Festival

A village festival in the heart of Ciociaria

The Fried Pizza Festival in Pofi, a town in the province of Frosinone in southern Lazio, is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the Ciociaria summer. It takes place in the hamlet of Colle San Giovanni, along the street of the same name, where for three consecutive August evenings the local community sets up food stalls, long tables, and an open-air dance floor. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Pofi, which has kept this tradition alive for years alongside the local families.

The 'pofana' fried pizza

The star dish is disarmingly simple: water and flour, a hand-kneaded dough plunged into boiling oil until golden brown. The result is a pizza that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, still prepared in Pofi following recipes passed down through generations. It is served in two versions:

• plain, lightly salted and served hot from the pan;
• stuffed, with cold cuts, cheeses, or seasonal vegetables.

The most classic pairing remains sautéed chicory, a combination that captures the essence of peasant cooking in this part of Lazio better than any description: few ingredients, nothing wasted, and plenty of flavor. Alongside the fried pizza, other local traditional dishes and regional wines are available.

The evenings

The festival follows the well-tested rhythm of village celebrations: the stalls open around 8 PM and remain active until late, while musical groups and dance orchestras take turns on stage. Recent editions have featured live bands, 1990s tribute acts, and traditional ballroom orchestras, with the dance floor remaining the true center of gravity for the event. Admission to the festival area is free: you only pay for what you eat, with typical village-festival prices.

Why it's worth the trip

Beyond the food, the festival is a great opportunity to discover Pofi, a village perched about fifteen kilometers from Frosinone, known for its baronial castle and the historic center that winds around the hill. The surrounding territory, between the Sacco Valley and the Lepini Mountains, is dotted with towns that host numerous festivals and fairs in August: those arriving for the fried pizza can easily build a small food and wine itinerary in Ciociaria.

A family-friendly atmosphere

The event is designed primarily for families and residents of neighboring towns, who arrive in large numbers from the early evening. The area features ample parking, a dining area with seating, and an open-air space for dancing. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village festival: no elaborate scenery, just plenty of conviviality and the queues in front of the frying pans that are part of the ritual.

Information on dates

The festival is traditionally held in the first half of August: August 8-10 in 2025, August 9-11 in 2024, and August 10-12 in 2023. The dates for the next edition are announced by Pro Loco Pofi on their social media channels as summer approaches; it is therefore advisable to check the updated calendar before setting off.