Pizzarelle Festival

A historic festival in the heart of the village

The Pizzarelle Festival is the most anticipated event of the year in Cerreto Laziale, a small town of just over a thousand inhabitants perched 520 meters above sea level in the Giovenzano Valley, within the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region. Reaching its 47th edition in 2025, the event has enlivened the town's historic center—dominated by the Rocca dei Colonna and the church of Santa Maria Assunta—since the late 1970s.

Organized by the Pro Loco Cerreto Laziale, in collaboration with the Pro Loco Next Generation youth group, the festival is traditionally held in mid-September, on the second Sunday after the 8th of the month, turning the village streets and squares into one large open-air banquet.

Pizzarelle, a dish of identity

The heart of the festival is, naturally, the dish that gives it its name: pizzarelle, a rustic pasta prepared with soft wheat and corn flour. They are dressed with the traditional pistachio sauce—which contains no nuts, but takes its name from the 'battuto' (minced mixture) of garlic, oil, and chili—enriched with tomato and a generous dusting of Pecorino Romano. The pasta is cooked in large copper cauldrons and served in typical scife, traditional wooden bowls from the farming culture.

Since 2023, pizzarelle have been officially recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of Lazio, a seal that certifies their deep connection to the territory and the gastronomic memory of Cerreto Laziale. Alongside the classic recipe, variations with snails or salt cod are often available.

Program and atmosphere

Throughout the weekend, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi and the historic center host the Pro Loco food stalls, where you can enjoy pizzarelle alongside other specialties such as porchetta, sandwiches, chips, and local desserts. There is no shortage of craft beer and a growing attention to everyone's needs, with the availability of a gluten-free menu.

• Food stalls featuring pizzarelle in various styles
• Live music and entertainment for the festival evenings
• Strolls through the medieval village and its alleys
• Moments of conviviality for families and visitors

The square, which is partially covered, allows the event to take place even in the event of rain, ensuring the festival runs smoothly. It is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Roman countryside, amidst popular traditions, ancient flavors, and the hospitality of a community that proudly guards its most famous recipe.