Frittello and Novello Wine Festival / Walking for Oil and Culture

A festival in the heart of Sabina

The Frittello and Novello Wine Festival is one of the most cherished events in the winter calendar of Castelnuovo di Farfa, a small village in the province of Rieti nestled among the olive groves of the Sabina region in Lazio. The event is traditionally held on December 8th, the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and concludes the long 'Walking for Oil and Culture' series that enlivens the town during the holiday weekend.

Frittelli, novello wine, and new olive oil

The absolute star is the frittello, a sweet leavened dough fritter that gives the festival its name, prepared and fried on the spot at the historic center's stalls. It is perfectly paired with local novello wine and, above all, the new extra virgin olive oil of Sabina, one of Italy's most famous and ancient olive oil productions, protected by the DOP designation. Food stalls also offer bruschetta with new oil, Sabina-style pasta, arrosticini, sausages, and local rustic dishes.

The Sabina Oil Museum

The cultural heart of the day is the Sabina Oil Museum, located in the village, which opens its doors for guided tours, workshops, and tastings. In the Panel Room, professional tasters from the Sabina Flavour association guide the public in discovering the new oil, explaining its aromas, flavors, and characteristics. For children, there is the 'Little Oil Tasters' workshop, a fun way to introduce them to oil culture.

Culture, trekking, and music

The event is not just about gastronomy: the day often begins with trekking on the Via di Francesco and a visit to the early medieval site of San Donato, while the village comes alive with the accordion and organetto music of the Amici dell'Organetto and concerts linked to the Artepiano series. The streets of the center host stalls of artisans and local producers, featuring honey, cheeses, sweets, and typical Sabina products.

A village to discover

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic villages in the Rieti area: stone alleys, glimpses of the Farfa valley, and the intimate atmosphere of a town that lives by its olive trees and traditions. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Castelnuovo di Farfa together with the Municipality, the Sabina Oil Museum, the 'Luigi Cianni' Senior Center, and the Sabina Flavour association.