International Amatriciana Day
Three days in Amatrice celebrating the town's iconic dish, blending flavor, culture, and rebirth
About Amatriciana Day
Amatriciana returns home
In Amatrice, a small town in the province of Rieti nestled in the Laga Mountains, comes the International Amatriciana Day, three days entirely dedicated to the dish that has made this Lazio village famous all over the world. The event is promoted by ARAM, the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Amatrice, with the patronage of the Municipality of Amatrice, the Lazio Region, Roma Tre University, and the Chamber of Commerce of Rieti and Viterbo.
More than a dish: an identity
Amatriciana is much more than a recipe. Recognized as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) at the European level, it is prepared according to a precise standard: guanciale amatriciano, tomato, pecorino romano, and a few other ingredients, without shortcuts or improper additions. The International Day aims to tell this story of authenticity, distinguishing the true amatriciana from the thousands of imitations circulating globally.
A program for all ages
The calendar weaves together conferences on the identity and future tourism of the area, workshops and show cooking with chefs, tastings of amatriciana and wines, mountain excursions and e-bike rides, visits to reconstruction sites and museum spaces, as well as evening theatrical performances. An offer designed for families, curious visitors, and food and wine enthusiasts.
The bond with rebirth
Amatrice still bears the scars of the earthquake of August 24, 2016, which devastated the historic center. From the days following the quake, restaurants throughout Italy included amatriciana on their menus, donating part of the proceeds to reconstruction. The International Day ideally gathers that chain of solidarity: visits to the historic center's construction sites and restored spaces, such as the "Rinascita" laboratory, show a community rising again around its heritage and its table.
Amatrice at the center of the world
For one weekend, the small town in the Rieti area becomes the international reference point for those who love authentic Italian cuisine. Between the streets under reconstruction, the halls of the Polo del Gusto, and the trails of the Laga Mountains, the International Amatriciana Day offers a journey into the taste and culture of an authentic corner of Lazio.
Amatriciana Day — edition 2026
The first edition of the International Amatriciana Day inaugurated an event destined to be renewed every year. From March 6 to 8, 2026, Amatrice welcomed visitors, chefs, scholars, and enthusiasts around its most famous dish, with a rich calendar that combined culture, gastronomy, and mountain tourism. The date coincided with the promotion of amatriciana as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) at the European level.
The program alternated between scientific and informative moments and experiences of taste and discovery of the territory: from Friday's conferences to weekend excursions, from show cooking with chefs to evening theatrical performances.
Programme Amatriciana Day 2026
Friday, March 6
- 10:30-13:00 - Welcome, institutional greetings, and conference "Amatrice in the history that is lived, tasted, and gives a future" with experts in culture, gastronomy, and mountain tourism (Multifunctional Hall of the Polo del Gusto)
- 13:00-14:30 - Tasting of amatriciana, local products, and Casale del Giglio wines, organized by ARAM and the CFP Alberghiero
- 15:00-16:00 - Guided tour by the Mayor of the historic center's construction sites
- 16:00-17:30 - Student workshop "Amatriciana between culture, economy, science, and cooking" (Roma Tre University)
Saturday, March 7
- Morning - Meeting at the Pro Loco for mountain excursions, e-bike rides, visits to the nature oasis, the municipal museum, and the "Rinascita" restoration laboratory
- 11:30-12:30 - Inauguration of the Pinaco Arafranca multifunctional center
- 13:30-15:30 - Lunch with a traditional menu at a fixed price at participating ARAM restaurants
- 16:00-18:00 - Show cooking "Science and practice of Amatriciana" with Chef Elia Grillotti
- 21:45 - One-woman show by Gabriella Germani at the Teatro Auditorium della Laga
Sunday, March 8
- Morning - Excursions, walks, and cultural visits (same activities as Saturday)
- 13:30-15:30 - Lunch with a traditional menu at ARAM restaurants
- 17:30 - Theatrical performance "Women in Parliament" by the Teatrando Association
Highlights Amatriciana Day 2026
- Show cooking "Science and practice of Amatriciana" with Chef Elia Grillotti
- Tasting of TSG-certified amatriciana, local products, and Casale del Giglio wines
- Guided tour by the Mayor of the historic center's reconstruction sites
- One-woman show by Gabriella Germani at the Teatro Auditorium della Laga
- Excursions in the Laga Mountains and e-bike rides
Prices Amatriciana Day 2026
Practical information — Amatriciana Day
How to get there
Amatrice is located in the upper province of Rieti, on the borders with Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria. By car, it can be reached from the A24 motorway (Valle del Salto exit towards the SS4 Salaria) or via the Salaria road itself. The reference railway station is Rieti, which is then connected to Amatrice by local bus lines.
Reservations and information
Reservations for lunches with the traditional menu and for activities are made through the Pro Loco of Amatrice. The complete and updated program is published on the official website of the event.
Tips
Excursions in the Laga Mountains are subject to weather conditions: appropriate clothing and trekking shoes are recommended. Given the expected turnout, it is advisable to book lunches and evening shows in advance.
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Where does it take place — Amatriciana Day
Centro storico e Polo del Gusto