Laina and Beans Festival

The Laina and Beans Festival in Campodimele

In the heart of the Aurunci Mountains, perched to defend the Liri river valley, the small town of Campodimele, in the province of Latina, preserves one of the most authentic gastronomic traditions of southern Lazio. Every year, in the height of summer, the Laina and Beans Festival brings residents and visitors together around a humble yet generous dish, a symbol of the peasant cuisine of this corner of the Aurunci Ciociaria.

Laina: handmade pasta

Laina is a fresh pasta prepared simply with water and flour—no eggs—rolled out by hand and cut into irregular strips. Boiled and dressed with local beans, it creates a thick, flavorful soup that serves as the cornerstone of the village's traditional diet. It is a dish that speaks to the simplicity and wisdom of mountain families, passed down from generation to generation and still cooked just as it was in the past.

The village of longevity

Campodimele is known throughout Italy and abroad as one of the country's 'villages of longevity': for decades, scholars and researchers have studied its inhabitants and their lifestyle. It is no coincidence that the longevity of Campodimele is often linked to the local diet, consisting of legumes, wild vegetables, olive oil, and genuine produce from the land. In this sense, 'laina e fagioli' is much more than just a recipe; it is a piece of the village's identity.

An evening of taste and conviviality

The festival typically takes place along Viale Glorioso, in the town center, featuring the classic atmosphere of small-village summer celebrations: food stalls, tastings of 'laina' and other local specialties, music, and moments of social connection under the August stars. Admission is free, and the event is designed for families, curious travelers, and lovers of authentic cuisine.

A Pro Loco tradition

Organized for over twenty years by local associations, particularly the Pro Loco, the Laina and Beans Festival is one of the highlights of the Campodimele summer calendar. It is a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the Aurunci Mountains, far from the beaten tourist path, and to savor a dish that stands as a living testament to the culinary culture of inland Lazio.