Giro delle Contrade
The May 1st food and wine walk through the districts of Spigno Saturnia
About Giro delle Contrade
A May 1st tradition spanning over forty years
The Giro delle Contrade is the historic May 1st event in Spigno Saturnia, a small town in the province of Latina, in southern Lazio. Originally launched as the "May 1st Walk," the event celebrates its 44th edition in 2026: a milestone that highlights how deeply rooted this walk through the town's districts is in the local identity. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Spigno Saturnia, with the patronage of the Municipality of Spigno Saturnia and the Lazio Region.
Two routes through springs, viewpoints, and trails
The heart of the day is the non-competitive walk, open to everyone, which traverses the most picturesque spots in the Spigno area. Two itineraries are available:
- Short Route (9 km): from Piazza Dante along Via Argentara to the Capodacqua Spring, ending in Piazza Mercato;
- Long Route (12 km): from Piazza Dante via Via Pedemontana towards Spigno Saturnia Superiore, the ancient village perched on the slopes of the Aurunci Mountains, passing through Piazza San Giovanni and ending in Piazza Mercato.
Refreshment points are set up at strategic locations along both routes, where walkers can catch their breath while sampling local products. It is this combination of a sporting walk and a mobile tasting experience that makes the Giro delle Contrade a true food and wine walk.
Spigno flavors: from food stalls to zeppole
The culinary experience accompanies the entire day. At lunch, the Piazza Mercato food stall serves typical local products, while in the evening the kitchen reopens with sandwiches, fries, and the traditional zeppole spignesi, the festival's signature pastry. The participation ticket, at a symbolic price, includes a full lunch, access to refreshment points along the route, and a souvenir gadget.
Shows and entertainment for the whole family
The Giro delle Contrade is not just about walking and eating: the day is marked by shows and festive moments for all ages. In the morning, the "Animae Leonis" flag-wavers and musicians perform, while local craft stalls and a bouncy castle area for children open in Piazza Mercato. In the afternoon, there is a magic show, and in the evening, the town comes alive with dancing and live music from a tribute band, closing the festival in the square.
Spigno Saturnia, a balcony over the Aurunci Mountains
Participating in the Giro delle Contrade is also an opportunity to discover Spigno Saturnia, a municipality divided between the modern valley core and the upper medieval village, overlooking the Gulf of Gaeta and immersed in the Aurunci Mountains Natural Park. Water springs, olive groves, and mule tracks set the stage for the walk, just a few kilometers from Formia, Minturno, and the southern Pontine coast. The May 1st celebration in Spigno is an authentic way to experience the lesser-known side of Lazio, amidst nature, folk traditions, and village hospitality.
Giro delle Contrade — edition 2026
The 2026 Giro delle Contrade: the 44th edition
On May 1st, 2026, Spigno Saturnia renewed its most beloved tradition with the 44th edition of the Giro delle Contrade, the historic food and wine walk organized by the Pro Loco Spigno Saturnia. From 8:30 AM, the Info Point in Piazza Dante handled registrations before the start of the two routes at 10:30 AM: the 9 km Short Route towards the Capodacqua Spring and the 12 km Long Route towards Spigno Saturnia Superiore.
The day alternated between sports, taste, and entertainment: the "Animae Leonis" flag-wavers and musicians in the morning, the Piazza Mercato food stall at lunch, the bouncy castle area for children, and the magic show in the afternoon. In the evening, the festival continued with the evening food stall — sandwiches, fries, and the traditional zeppole spignesi —, dancing with Luciano Pifi, and the concert by the tribute band dedicated to 883 and Max Pezzali. Ticket cost 10 euros, including a full lunch, refreshments, and a gadget.
Programme Giro delle Contrade 2026
Program for May 1st, 2026
Morning
- 8:30 AM — Meeting and registration box opening (Info Point, Piazza Dante)
- 9:00 AM — Opening of local craft stalls (Piazza Mercato)
- 9:30 AM — Performance by the "Animae Leonis" flag-wavers and musicians (Piazza Dante)
- 10:30 AM — Start of the Long Route (12 km) towards Spigno Saturnia Superiore and the Short Route (9 km) (Piazza Dante)
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the bouncy castle area for children (Piazza Mercato)
Afternoon
- 12:30 PM–3:30 PM — Food stall with local products (Piazza Mercato)
- 4:30 PM — Magic show (Piazza Mercato)
Evening
- 7:00 PM — Evening food stall: sandwiches, fries, and zeppole spignesi
- 7:30 PM — Dancing with Luciano Pifi
- 9:00 PM — "883 / Max Pezzali" tribute band
Routes
- Short Route — 9 km: Piazza Dante → Via Argentara → Capodacqua Spring → Piazza Mercato
- Long Route — 12 km: Piazza Dante → Via Pedemontana → Piazza San Giovanni → Piazza Mercato
Highlights Giro delle Contrade 2026
- 44th edition of the historic May 1st walk
- Two routes between nature and village: 9 km and 12 km with refreshment points
- Performance by the "Animae Leonis" flag-wavers and musicians
- Food stall with local products and zeppole spignesi
- 883 / Max Pezzali tribute band in the evening
- Bouncy castle area and magic show for children
Prices Giro delle Contrade 2026
Practical information — Giro delle Contrade
How to get there
By car: Spigno Saturnia can be reached via the SS630 Ausonia (Cassino–Formia), taking the exit for Spigno Saturnia; from the A1 motorway, take the Cassino exit, then the SS630 towards Formia. From the coast, head inland from Formia for about 10 km.
By train: Formia-Gaeta station (Rome–Naples line), about 15 km away; continue by car or taxi.
Parking
Designated parking areas in Piazza Canzana, at the Multi-purpose Center, at the Sports Field, and on Via Argentara.
Tickets
Participation in the walk costs 10 euros, including a full lunch, access to refreshment points, and a souvenir gadget. Registration at the Info Point in Piazza Dante on the morning of the event.
Contacts
Pro Loco Spigno Saturnia — tel. +39 333 5082146 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Giro delle Contrade
Piazza Dante e contrade del paese
Piazza Dante Alighieri, 04020 Spigno Saturnia