Polenta Festival

A festival in the heart of Sabina

The Polenta Festival takes place every autumn in Casperia, an enchanting medieval village in the province of Rieti, Lazio. Perched on a hill in the Sabina region and enclosed by its ancient castle walls, Casperia is ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy: a labyrinth of alleys, arches, and stone staircases that provides a picturesque backdrop for one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Rieti area.

Polenta, a staple of peasant cuisine

The absolute star is polenta, the iconic dish of winter peasant cooking, deeply rooted in the Sabina farming culture. Cooked according to the traditional recipe and served steaming hot, the Sabina polenta is offered at the characteristic food stand set up beneath the castle walls. It is accompanied by pork and other local specialties, in a menu that tells the story of the genuine flavors of the Rieti countryside. Takeaway service in convenient individual portions is also available for those who prefer it.

Music, art, and community

The Polenta Festival is about more than just food. Throughout the day, the historic center comes alive with live folk music, performances, and entertainment, while an artisan market winds through the village streets. Cultural initiatives are also featured, such as the opening of historic palaces and an exhibition of drawings created in collaboration with the Casperia youth community. The festival thus becomes an opportunity to discover the village, wandering through medieval vistas and scenic overlooks of the valley.

A long-standing tradition

Reaching its 28th edition in 2025, the Polenta Festival is now a fixed appointment on the Sabina autumn calendar, drawing visitors to Casperia from across the province of Rieti and neighboring towns. Organized by the Pro Loco Casperia with the support of the Municipality, the event combines the promotion of folk traditions with village conviviality, in a Sunday in October dedicated to taste and the rediscovery of Sabina roots.

Discovering Casperia and Sabina

Visiting the festival is also the perfect excuse to explore Sabina, a land of olive groves, hilltop villages, and ancient monasteries just a short distance from Rome. Casperia, with its intact medieval layout and intimate atmosphere, is one of the most characteristic destinations in the area: a place where the polenta festival takes on the authentic flavor of a community that renews its bond with its history year after year.