Polenta and Ciammellette Scrofanesi Festival

A winter festival at the gates of Rome

When December wraps its chill around the countryside north of Rome, Sacrofano—a small town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, nestled within the Veio Regional Park—lights up for its most delicious celebration. The Polenta and Ciammellette Scrofanesi Festival transforms Piazza Ugo Serata into a large open-air hearth, where the aroma of freshly served polenta mingles with the scent of sweets baked according to grandmothers' recipes. It is a day that blends gastronomy, craftsmanship, and Christmas spirit, designed for both village residents and visitors coming up from Rome to discover the flavors of the province.

Ciammellette Scrofanesi: the «recipe of memories»

The absolute stars of the festival are the ciammellette scrofanesi, soft little rings born from the simple ingredients that were once staples in every peasant home. They were the breakfast of choice for both holidays and long days in the fields, and their preparation continues to be passed down through generations: this is why in Sacrofano, they are known as the «recipe of memories». Tasting them during the festival means biting into a piece of local history, proudly preserved by the village families and the Pro Loco.

Polenta, the queen of winter

Alongside the sweets is the polenta: the signature dish of the coldest months, prepared traditionally and served steaming hot at the piazza's food stalls. Surrounding the main dish is an exhibition of local specialties, including olive oil, wine, cured meats, and artisanal sweets from local producers, making the festival a small showcase of the Tiber Valley's food and wine scene.

More than just food: the celebration in the square

The festival is designed for the whole family and brings the village to life from morning until night. The day's highlights include:

• Artisanal markets with handmade creations and Christmas gift ideas;
• Exhibition and tasting of local gastronomic specialties;
• Live music and traditional Christmas carols;
• Entertainment for children, games, and soap bubbles;
• Santa's House with his elves.

Cultural events are also featured: in the 2025 edition, for example, the municipal library hosted a free book presentation in the late afternoon, confirming the festival's commitment to engaging the entire community.

A recent but deeply rooted history

The first edition took place on December 18, 2022, on the initiative of the Pro Loco Sacrofano, with the patronage of the Municipality. The second, on December 30, 2023, was included in the «Gustando il Natale» Christmas program in partnership with the Ciao Lab association, with the support of Arsial and the Lazio Region. The third edition, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, solidified the format with the support of the Lazio Region and the collaboration of the Veio Regional Park Authority and the Pro Loco: in just a few editions, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the Sacrofano December.

Sacrofano, between Rome and the Veio Park

The village stands about twenty-five kilometers from the center of Rome, in the heart of the Veio Park, a protected area of the Lazio Region rich in woods, gorges, and Etruscan remains. The festival is also a great opportunity to stroll through the historic center and visit the church of San Biagio, which hosts a nativity scene during the Christmas period: an authentic corner of the Roman countryside, just a stone's throw from the capital.