Pastena Cherry Festival

A festival running for nearly ninety years

The Pastena Cherry Festival is one of the longest-running folk events in southern Lazio. Its origins date back to 1936, when a prefectural decree issued by the then-Mayor and Podestà, Colonel Ernesto Trani, established a goods and livestock fair in the Municipality of Pastena to be held every first Sunday of June. Goods arrived on carts pulled by donkeys and oxen, which farmers decorated with cherry branches and fruit: from that spontaneous custom, the folk parade that remains the heart of the festival today was born, edition after edition.

Where and when

The festival takes place in the historic center of Pastena, in the province of Frosinone, Lazio Region, with Via Porta Napoli as the main axis of the route and the square of the famous Pastena Caves as the second hub of the day. The date is traditionally set for the first Sunday of June: in 2026, the 79th edition was celebrated on Sunday, June 7, while the 78th was held on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The parade of allegorical floats

The most anticipated moment is the parade of allegorical floats. Each district of the village works for months on building its own float, aiming to present the most elaborate design and win a competition deeply felt by the population. The floats are entirely dedicated to the theme of the cherry, featuring wooden scenery, floral arrangements, bundles of branches, and displays that recount the village's agricultural life. The rivalry between the districts is genuine and involves all generations.

Ciociaria folk songs and music

On every float, young and old alike wear traditional Ciociaria costumes, singing and dancing to stornelli (folk songs) and engaging the public along the entire route. Accordions, tambourines, and resonant voices accompany the procession: this is the most authentic part of the day, reflecting the cultural identity of the Ciociaria, the inland area of the Frosinone province, which counts folk singing and traditional costume as two of its most recognizable hallmarks.

The cherries of the Ausoni Mountains

Pastena is located in the territory of the Ausoni Mountains and Lake Fondi Regional Natural Park, where climatic conditions and slope exposure make cherry cultivation particularly widespread. The local cherry, sweet and generous in size, ripens right at the beginning of June, which is why the festival falls during that period. During the event, local cherries are distributed for free to the public, both along the parade route and in the square of the Caves.

What to see in Pastena beyond the festival

• Pastena Caves: one of the most visited karst complexes in Lazio, with equipped trails among stalactites, small lakes, and underground waterfalls.
• Medieval historic center: alleys, arches, and stairways of the perched village, featuring the Church of San Sinnoto.
• Ausoni Mountains and Lake Fondi Regional Natural Park: hiking trails and views over the Sacco Valley.
• Gastronomic Ciociaria: beyond cherries, typical local products such as homemade fettuccine, olives, and local cheeses.

An event for the whole family

The Pastena Cherry Festival is a free, open-air event suitable for all ages. The atmosphere is that of an authentic village feast: no big stages or national stars, but an entire community coming together for a day that has been repeated almost uninterruptedly since 1936. For those visiting the province of Frosinone in early summer, it is the best opportunity to understand firsthand what a traditional festival still means in Lazio today.