Polenta Festival
The winter polenta festival in Capranica, in the Viterbo Tuscia region
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Polenta Festival
The Capranica Polenta Festival
Every year, at the beginning of December, the village of Capranica, in the province of Viterbo, celebrates one of the iconic dishes of Italian winter cuisine with the Polenta Festival. Established in 2024 on the initiative of the Amici di San Rocco, the event is the natural winter extension of the town's popular summer festivals dedicated to gnocchi and strozzapreti, bringing the warmth of conviviality to the coldest months of the year.
Polenta, queen of the table
The absolute star is polenta, served in several versions: the classic with meat sauce and pork ribs, and the white version with mushrooms, both accompanied by potato wedges. The menu is completed with pork sausages, french fries, pretzels, and a selection of desserts such as apple strudel, filled donuts, and Nutella donuts. At the table, there is no shortage of draft beer—also served in the characteristic "meter" of eight glasses—and red wine.
A warm, indoor event
The festival takes place under the covered and heated elementary school parking lot, a solution that allows you to enjoy the party sheltered from the December cold. The organizers enrich each day with games, music, and bingo, turning every lunch and dinner into a moment of celebration for families, friends, and visitors. Given the high turnout, booking a seat is always recommended.
Capranica and the Tuscia region
Nestled between the Cimini Mountains and the Viterbo countryside, Capranica is a Tuscia village rich in history, dominated by the towers and medieval churches of its historic center. The Polenta Festival is part of a busy calendar of popular events that, throughout the year, enliven the community and promote the genuine cuisine of this corner of northern Lazio. Participating means discovering not just a dish, but also the authentic hospitality of a town that makes dining a moment of connection.
Why attend
- Polenta prepared according to tradition, with meat sauce and pork ribs or white with mushrooms
- Covered and heated environment, ideal for winter
- Games, music, and bingo for all ages
- Affordable prices and a family atmosphere
- A chance to discover Capranica and the Viterbo Tuscia
Polenta Festival — edition 2026
The Polenta Festival of Capranica will return in December 2026 with its proven formula: lunches and dinners featuring polenta in the covered and heated elementary school parking lot, in the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia. At the moment, the Amici di San Rocco have not yet published the official dates and the program for the new edition. Information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.
Programme Polenta Festival 2026
Practical information — Polenta Festival
How to get there
Capranica can be reached by car from the Cassia bis (SS2) or from the A1 motorway, taking the Orte exit and continuing towards Viterbo. By train, the Capranica-Sutri station is served by the Rome-Viterbo regional railway. The festival venue is located at the covered elementary school parking lot.
Reservations
To secure a seat, booking is recommended by calling 340 8929915, also available via the online booking service.
When
The event is held in the first days of December, close to the Immaculate Conception long weekend. The exact dates for the 2026 edition will be announced by the organizers on their official social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Polenta Festival
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