Lombrichello Festival

The Lombrichello Festival in Arlena di Castro

Every summer, the small village of Arlena di Castro, in the Province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Lazio Tuscia region, dedicates several days in August to its most iconic dish: lombrichello. A simple and authentic fresh pasta, made only with water and flour, which takes its name from its elongated and slightly twisted shape, resembling a small earthworm. The festival is one of the most anticipated events in the town's summer calendar and attracts visitors from all over the Lazio Region and neighboring municipalities.

Lombrichello, the soul of Tuscia

Lombrichello (or lombrichelli, ombrichelli) is the most common hand-made fresh pasta in the Viterbo area: an irregular, thick spaghetti, a few millimeters wide and about fifteen centimeters long, prepared without eggs according to peasant tradition. Rough enough to hold the sauce perfectly, it is typically served with tomato sauce and plenty of pecorino cheese, or with richer local sauces. At the festival, the lombrichelli are prepared and dressed on the spot at the food stalls run by volunteers, in a menu that highlights the flavors of the territory.

Program and atmosphere

The festival evenings take place in the historic center, around Piazza San Giovanni, and combine fine dining with entertainment: competitions, games, live music, and activities for adults and children accompany the tasting of the dishes. The event usually opens the broader summer program of Arlena, which continues in the following days with other gastronomic events and the Feast of San Rocco, one of the most cherished traditions for the community.

A Tuscia village to discover

Arlena di Castro is a quiet village in northern Lazio, nestled among the countryside and woods of the Viterbo Tuscia, a short distance from Lake Bolsena and the area of the ancient city of Castro. The festival is the ideal opportunity to visit the town, stroll through its streets, and discover genuine cuisine that has its roots in local rural tradition. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of an authentic summer village festival.

Useful information

The Lombrichello Festival is usually held in the first half of August. The dates and the detailed program for the current edition are communicated by the organizers and the Municipality of Arlena di Castro through official channels and social media in the weeks leading up to the event.