Irish Fest Casalattico

A bridge between Ciociaria and Ireland

In the heart of the Comino Valley, in the province of Frosinone, the small town of Casalattico holds a surprising story: that of a deep and unbroken bond with Ireland. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a large part of the local population emigrated to the Emerald Isle in search of work and fortune. It is estimated that up to 8,000 Irish-Italians today can trace their roots back to Casalattico and the villages of the Comino Valley: surnames like Macari, Borza, and Forte have become an integral part of Irish life, particularly in Dublin and the town of Naas, in County Kildare, with which the town is twinned.

The emigrant festival

From this intertwining of destinies, the Irish Fest was born in the early 2000s: an evening that transforms the historic center of Casalattico into a little Ireland of the Lazio region every August 14th. It is both a tribute to those who left and a homecoming celebration, which every summer draws descendants, curious visitors, and Celtic culture enthusiasts to the village. For one night, the streets of the town turn green, filled with flags, shamrocks, and the unmistakable notes of Irish music.

Music, dance, and cultural fusion

The musical program is the beating heart of the event. Thanks to the bond with Naas, Irish groups and musicians enliven the evening with Irish folk and Celtic music, accompanied by traditional dances. But the Irish Fest is above all a meeting of cultures: along the narrow streets of the historic center, the sounds of jigs and reels mingle with the saltarello ciociaro and Italian folk dance music, in a festive dialogue that continues until late at night. The 2025 edition featured, among others, Irish musicians Niall Fitzpatrick and Enda Byrne.

Flavors of Ireland and Ciociaria

The gastronomy tells the same story of a meeting between two lands. At the stalls set up in the village, you can find Irish specialties such as fish and chips (which, according to local tradition, were introduced to Ireland by the emigrants from Casalattico), grilled bacon, smoked salmon, sausages, and burgers, all washed down with Guinness beer. Alongside these, there is no shortage of typical Ciociaria dishes: polenta, pasta and beans, coratella, and the renowned Pecorino di Picinisco PDO. A culinary journey that symbolically unites Dublin and the Comino Valley.

A village, a story to discover

Visiting Casalattico during the Irish Fest means immersing yourself in a little-known piece of Italian emigration history. The town has dedicated one of its hamlets, Monforte, to Carmine Forte, who emigrated in the early 20th century and became Lord Charles Forte, founder of a restaurant empire and named a baron in the United Kingdom. The event, which is free and held outdoors, is designed for everyone: families, young people, and travelers who want to discover an authentic corner of Lazio and its unexpected Irish soul.