Pera Spadona Festival

A historic festival in the heart of the Aniene Valley

The Pera Spadona Festival is one of the most deeply rooted food and wine events in Lazio. It takes place in Castel Madama, a village in the Metropolitan City of Rome overlooking the Aniene Valley, just a few kilometers from Tivoli. Founded in 1958 and organized by the local Pro Loco, the festival celebrates a rare and iconic local product: the Pera Spadona, a traditional fruit tied to the local countryside for centuries.

The Pera Spadona, a rare local treasure

At the heart of the celebration is the Pera Spadona of Castel Madama, a variety with smooth, yellowish-green skin, crunchy and juicy flesh, and an aromatic aftertaste reminiscent of coriander. First grafted in the early 19th century, it is now recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of Lazio: a living testament to agricultural biodiversity that the festival helps to preserve and promote.

Between Piazza Dante and Orsini Castle

The event brings two iconic village landmarks to life. Piazza Dante hosts food stalls, concerts, and tastings, while Orsini Castle features historical photography exhibitions and displays of embroidery and lace—crafts that boast a long tradition in Castel Madama. Visitors can easily move from sampling local dishes to exploring the ancient village and its heritage.

Folk music, embroidery, and the Saltarello

The Pera Spadona Festival is more than just a culinary celebration; it is a blend of gastronomy, local culture, and folk traditions. The program alternates between pizzica and taranta, with open dance lessons, folk music performances, and dance parties late into the night. A special role is reserved for the Saltarello Castellano, the ancient dance of Central Italy that local groups perform with songs, costumes, and an infectious rhythm. The evenings conclude with Roman folk music concerts that capture the soul of the province.

An event for everyone

With its festive and welcoming atmosphere, the festival is designed for families, food lovers, and travelers curious to discover an authentic corner of Lazio. Strolling through the stalls, tasting local products, and letting yourself be guided by the notes of the Saltarello means experiencing Castel Madama in its most genuine form—a village that has proudly celebrated its rarest fruit for over sixty years.