Fried Pizza Festival

A young festival in an ancient village

The Fried Pizza Festival in Vico nel Lazio is one of the most genuine summer celebrations in the Ciociaria region. Established in 2024 by the Confraternita di Sant'Antonio Abate, the event has grown rapidly, becoming a staple of the first weekend of August in this small town in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Lazio region. The formula is simple yet successful: a humble, beloved staple of popular cuisine, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the Ernici Mountains, and the joy of gathering together on summer evenings.

Fried pizza, the star of the show

The absolute star is the fried pizza, prepared on the spot and served steaming hot: a simple dough plunged into boiling oil until it turns golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. At the festival, it is offered in two versions: the classic one with vegetables and the more indulgent version with mortadella, an essential pairing in the Lazio tradition. The food stand menu is rounded out by supplì, nuggets, French fries, and cold drinks, including beer. On Sunday, more sought-after specialties arrive: salt cod fillets with fries and battered vegetables with zucchini flowers, other cornerstones of Italian-style frying.

Evenings of music and dancing in the square

Every night, after dinner at the stands, the party continues with musical entertainment in Piazza 24 Maggio. The program alternates between dance music and a folk repertoire, featuring performances by the group L'Armonia della Musica: ballroom music, accordion, and traditional songs that turn the square into a big village party, where people dance until late at night. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that convivial, family-friendly vibe of the most authentic Ciociaria festivals.

Vico nel Lazio, a medieval jewel of the Ernici Mountains

Attending the festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Vico nel Lazio, a village perched at an altitude of about 900 meters on the slopes of the Ernici Mountains. The town retains a medieval layout of rare integrity: the city walls with watchtowers, the access gates, the cobbled alleys, and the ancient churches tell centuries of history. It is no coincidence that the village is often compared to a small Ciociarian Carcassonne. Strolling along the walls at sunset, before heading down to the square for some fried pizza, is an experience that combines taste with heritage.

A tradition looking to the future

With its third edition, the Fried Pizza Festival confirms itself as a successful example of how small village communities in Lazio know how to value their roots. Behind the stoves and among the tables, the volunteers of the Confraternita di Sant'Antonio Abate work hard, dedicating the energy of the festival to the life of the local community. It is one more reason to head up to Vico nel Lazio and let yourself be won over by one of the tastiest festivals of the Ciociarian summer.