Gnocchi 'Ncati Festival (Saint Mary Magdalene Feast)

The Gnocchi 'Ncati Festival in Ciciliano

In the heart of the Prenestini Mountains, the village of Ciciliano, located in the province of Rome and the Lazio region, hosts one of the most cherished festivals in the area every year: the Gnocchi 'Ncati Festival. The event takes place in Parco Cavalier G. Tontini, along Via Rocca d'Elci, in the area surrounding the church of Saint Mary Magdalene, and is held as part of the celebrations for the patronal feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. The event is organized by the Ciciliano Pro Loco, which attracts visitors from across the Castelli Romani and Aniene Valley areas every summer.

Gnocchi 'ncati, a traditional dish

The absolute stars are the gnocchi 'ncati, prepared according to an ancient local recipe using boiling water and flour, strictly without potatoes, and shaped by hand. The name comes from the characteristic 'ncatura, the indentation pressed into each gnocchi to better hold the sauce. They are served with mutton ragù, basil sauce, or mixed mushrooms, alongside other rustic specialties: grilled sausages and vegetables, cheeses, arrosticini, and tastings of local wines, including Cesanese. There is also no shortage of craft markets and activities for children.

Music, hiking, and archaeology

Every evening is brought to life by live music, with concerts and tribute shows that fill the park until late. Alongside the food, there are guided nature hikes along the Sentiero del Fossato leading to the picturesque Parabocio Waterfalls, as well as archaeological tours of the ancient Roman city of Trebula Suffenas, which once stood on the territory of Ciciliano. The festival thus becomes an opportunity to discover not only the local gastronomy but also the historical and landscape heritage of this corner of Lazio.

A village to experience

Dominated by Castello Theodoli and surrounded by the woods of the Prenestini Mountains, Ciciliano offers visitors a cool climate and an authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism. The Gnocchi 'Ncati Festival represents the most vibrant moment of the Ciciliano summer: a weekend where the village gathers around its patron saint, Saint Mary Magdalene, and traditions passed down from generation to generation, amidst genuine flavors, conviviality, and the warm welcome of the local community.