Patacca and Passerina Festival

The festival of ancient flavors in Serrone

Every year, on the last weekend of July, the town of Serrone, in the province of Frosinone, dedicates three evenings to two symbols of its local cuisine: patacca and Passerina wine. The Patacca and Passerina Festival, established in 2007 by the La Comitiva di Bacco Cultural Association, transforms Piazza Romolo Fulli into a large open-air tavern, where traditional Ciociaria dishes meet concerts, comedy shows, and DJ sets until late at night.

The patacca, a De.C.o. tagliatella

The undisputed star is the patacca, a rustic tagliatella kneaded only with water and flour, following an ancient technique passed down by the village housewives. Simple and genuine, it is served in its most classic version with tomato and basil, but local tradition also highlights it with mutton sauce and pecorino cheese from the nearby mountains. A gastronomic heritage that the Municipality of Serrone has sought to protect: in 2023, the patacche obtained the Municipal Denomination of Origin (De.C.o.), a recognition that certifies their historical link with the territory.

Passerina del Frusinate, the white wine of Ciociaria

Accompanying the pasta is Passerina, a dry and fragrant white wine obtained from the native grape variety of the Frusinate area. Serrone is a land of mountain vineyards: its territory falls within the production zone of the Cesanese del Piglio DOCG, the great red wine of Lazio, and viticulture has been part of the village's identity for centuries. The festival is thus also an opportunity to discover local producers and toast with a fresh glass on summer evenings.

Three evenings of music and conviviality

The festival format is well-established: from 8:00 PM, food stalls open with patacche, typical Ciociaria dishes, and local wine, while live concerts, tribute bands, folk music, and cabaret shows take turns on the stage in Piazza Romolo Fulli. Past editions have featured folk groups and rock bands, with Salento-style pizzica and tarantella nights, tributes to the greats of Italian and international music, and the traditional midnight DJ set that keeps the party going. There is no shortage of moments for families and children, street performers, and the now-famous "Patacca hour" hosted by the Pataccusi, the local comedy-music band.

Serrone, the balcony of Ciociaria

Attending the festival is also an opportunity to discover Serrone, a village of just over three thousand inhabitants perched at an altitude of 738 meters on the slopes of Monte Scalambra (1,420 m), between the Sacco Valley and the Aniene Valley, on the border between the provinces of Frosinone and Rome. The historic center preserves stone alleys and panoramic views that sweep across the entire valley, while the trails toward the summit of Scalambra—a destination loved by hikers and paragliders—offer one of the most beautiful views in inland Lazio. A weekend that combines taste, music, and nature in the authentic heart of Ciociaria.