La Maialata

A convivial festival in the heart of the Carseolani Mountains

La Maialata is the festival that the Municipality of Vivaro Romano, a tiny village in the upper Turano valley on the border between the Lazio region and Abruzzo, dedicates to pork and its delicacies. Organized by the Pro Loco of Vivaro Romano, the event takes place outdoors in the spring—the 2025 edition was held on Friday, April 25th—and transforms the village into one large, convivial dining table, with an indoor structure ready to welcome participants in case of bad weather.

The tradition of the maialata

In the rural culture of the Apennines, processing the pig was one of the most important moments of the year: nothing from the animal was wasted, and transforming the meat into sausages, cured meats, and stews became an occasion for a collective celebration. The maialata is the direct heir to this ritual: a community lunch where pork, prepared according to local traditional recipes, is shared in a festive and informal atmosphere. In Vivaro Romano, this custom lives on every year thanks to the commitment of the Pro Loco volunteers, who manage the kitchen and hospitality.

What to eat

The heart of the festival is the tasting of pork-based specialties. No star-rated menus or formalities here: what matters is the authenticity of the raw ingredients and the conviviality of the table, accompanied by wine and the cheerfulness typical of village festivals in the Lazio hinterland.

Vivaro Romano, a village to discover

With its few inhabitants, Vivaro Romano is one of the least populous municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital. Perched at over 700 meters above sea level in the Carseolani Mountains, the village preserves a compact historic center dominated by the Borghese Castle, featuring alleys, panoramic views of the upper Turano valley, and an atmosphere of times gone by. The festival is also an excellent opportunity for a day trip from Rome, combining the tasting with a walk through the village streets.

Other Pro Loco festivals

La Maialata is part of a rich calendar of festivals that brings Vivaro Romano to life throughout the year: the Gnocchi Festival and the Petacce Festival in August, the Fried Fish Festival at Ferragosto, the Wild Boar Festival at the end of summer, the Cioncone Bean Festival in autumn, and the Polenta Festival in December. A small village with a great vocation for good food and popular traditions.

Information and reservations

To participate in the tasting, it is recommended to book by phone through the Pro Loco. Updated information on dates and the program is published on the official village website, vivaroromano.com, and on the Pro Loco's social media channels.