Pizzetta Fritta Festival and Feast of Santa Maria dell'Olivo

A neighborhood celebration in the heart of Settecamini

The Pizzetta Fritta Festival and Feast of Santa Maria dell'Olivo is the most anticipated event of the year for Settecamini, a neighborhood in Rome's eastern outskirts along the Via Tiburtina, within the Municipio IV of Rome (Metropolitan City of Rome, Lazio). For three days, usually in May, Piazza Santa Maria dell'Olivo transforms into the neighborhood's open-air living room, blending religious patronal celebrations, a gastronomic festival, and a rich program of entertainment for all ages.

The origins: the Madonna dell'Olivo, a symbol of peace

Devotion to Santa Maria dell'Olivo is rooted in the post-war era: tradition links the feast to the arrival of an icon of the Madonna, which reached Settecamini as a symbol of peace following World War I. The neighborhood community grew around this devotion, and with the founding of the parish in the 1920s, the patronal feast became the defining event that still unites generations of Settecamini residents today.

The pizzetta fritta, queen of the festival

The signature dish that gives the event its name is the pizzetta fritta: discs of leavened dough, fried to order and served hot, following recipes passed down through generations of local families. The food stalls open every evening, pairing the pizzetta fritta with Roman street food and local specialties, turning the square into a large, convivial gathering spot. Alongside the food stands, artisan markets feature exhibitors and stalls that bring the evenings to life.

Entertainment, music, and family activities

The festival is about more than just food: every day features shows, workshops, and entertainment aimed specifically at children and families, including circus acts, magic, games, sports, and creative activities. Evenings are dedicated to concerts and live performances in the square, ranging from traditional Roman folk music to cabaret, dance music, and jazz. A particularly anticipated moment is «Settecamini Talent», a showcase dedicated to local young talent, featuring music and performances.

A collective ritual of the Roman suburbs

More than just an event, the Pizzetta Fritta Festival is a collective ritual where Settecamini rediscovers its community identity. Local associations, parish volunteers, and the Neighborhood Committee work together to organize the festival, under the patronage of Municipio IV. The result is an authentic, free, and inclusive event that attracts not only residents but also visitors from neighboring districts and the towns along the Tiburtina corridor.

Who is the festival for?

• Families with children: workshops, entertainment, circus acts, and games every afternoon.
• Food lovers: freshly made pizzetta fritta, Roman street food, and local products.
• Live music enthusiasts: evening concerts, shows, and «Settecamini Talent».
• Those seeking a neighborhood atmosphere: tradition, popular devotion, and conviviality in the most authentic part of Rome.