Lupin Festival (Feast of the SS. Annunziata)

A century-old Easter tradition

The Lupin Festival in Valentano, in the province of Viterbo, is one of the oldest and most cherished celebrations in the Tuscia region. Held annually during Easter and Easter Monday since at least 1922, it takes place in the Villa Fontane area, surrounding the church dedicated to the Madonna SS. Annunziata. The festival is the popular face of the Feast of the SS. Annunziata: two souls, one religious and one social, that have been intertwined for over a century, drawing the entire community and many visitors from neighboring towns. The event is organized by the SS. Annunziata Festival Committee in collaboration with the Pro Loco Valentano, which promotes the event to highlight the town's roots and traditions.

The lupin: the star of the show

The true protagonist is the lupin, the humble legume that becomes a collective ritual in Valentano. The preparation still follows the custom passed down through generations: the lupins are hand-cleaned by the town's elders, who gather to select them, then they are soaked in running water for an entire week, with the water changed daily, until they lose their natural bitterness. For the 2026 edition, over 500 kilograms were prepared and distributed to attendees on Easter Monday: a simple gesture that captures the very spirit of the festival.

Faith and devotion: the Feast of the SS. Annunziata

The religious core of the event spans three days: the Resurrection Mass on Holy Saturday night, the Solemn Mass on Easter Sunday, and on Monday morning, the Holy Mass followed by a solemn procession in honor of the Madonna SS. Annunziata. At noon, the community gathers for the traditional Annunziata Lunch, featuring chickpea and bean appetizers and a mixed grill, in a shared festive atmosphere.

Fun for everyone: greasy pole, games, and music

Alongside moments of devotion, the festival offers a rich popular program: the famous greasy pole climb, vintage games for children, acrobatic shows, local group performances, live music, and roaming street bands. Food stalls offer sausage sandwiches and local wine, while lupins are offered to all present. It is a family-friendly festival where both adults and children find their space between tradition and joy.

Valentano, a Tuscia village waiting to be discovered

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to visit Valentano, a village of just under three thousand inhabitants perched at 538 meters above sea level between Lake Bolsena and Lake Mezzano. The Municipality of Valentano houses the Rocca Farnese, home to the Museum of the Prehistory of the Tuscia with the famous Enigmatic Tablet, as well as charming churches like the Romanesque Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Evangelista and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute. A few kilometers away, the volcanic Lake Mezzano offers some of the most evocative natural landscapes in this part of Lazio.