Pecoranza

Pecoranza, the spring ritual of the Castelli Romani

Pecoranza is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in Monte Porzio Catone, a small village in the Castelli Romani area, in the province of Rome, in the heart of the Lazio region. For years, this event has brightened the town every spring, attracting many Romans and visitors from the surrounding areas. More than just a food festival, Pecoranza is a popular ritual that marks the return of the warm season and rediscovers the authentic flavors of the Lazio countryside.

Traditional flavors: mutton, artichokes, and asparagus

At the heart of the festival are the typical products of spring: mutton, cooked according to ancient pastoral and farming recipes, paired with seasonal artichokes and asparagus. These are the stars of a simple, honest cuisine rooted in the transhumance and shepherding traditions that have defined this corner of the Castelli Romani for centuries. Every dish tells the story of a land where Roman and pastoral culinary traditions meet.

• Mutton prepared according to traditional recipes
• Seasonal artichokes and asparagus
• Castelli Romani wines and local specialties
• Festive atmosphere throughout the historic center

A village in celebration: Monte Porzio Catone

Perched on the slopes of the Tusculan Hills, the municipality of Monte Porzio Catone hosts Pecoranza within the narrow streets and squares of its historic center. Famous for its winemaking tradition and the agricultural landscape that dominates the Roman countryside, the village transforms into a journey of taste and conviviality. The festival is also an opportunity to discover the town's heritage, its panoramic views, and the hospitality of the local community.

Pecoranza and Orchidee dal Mondo

Pecoranza often falls on the same weekend as Orchidee dal Mondo, the historic international orchid exhibition that enlivens the historic center of Monte Porzio Catone. The combination of the gastronomic festival and the floral exhibition makes for a particularly rich spring weekend: scents, colors, and flavors intertwine among the village's wine cellars and squares, offering visitors a complete experience of culture, nature, and tradition.

A favorite among Romans

Pecoranza has always been much more than a village fair: it is a moment of collective identity that brings generations together and draws those who wish to rediscover the authentic flavors of the Lazio spring to the village. Those who come to Monte Porzio Catone for Pecoranza find a warm welcome, the genuineness of pastoral cuisine, and the lively atmosphere of a community in celebration, just as it has been for many years.