Porcini Mushroom Fettuccine Festival

A festival born almost by chance

The Porcini Mushroom Fettuccine Festival in Ascrea began in 1986, almost as a joke, as a convivial "meal in the square among locals" created to celebrate the generous mushroom season that matures in the surrounding mountains. From that first pasta meal among friends, the event has grown year after year to become one of the best-known and most popular gastronomic festivals in the entire Sabina region, attracting hundreds of visitors from all over Lazio.

Ascrea, a balcony over Lake Turano

The small Municipality of Ascrea, in the Province of Rieti (Lazio), sits on the slopes of Monte Navegna, within the Monti Navegna and Cervia Nature Reserve, featuring a panoramic terrace overlooking the enchanting Lake Turano. The village, of medieval origin and linked in the 14th century to the noble Mareri family, provides a suggestive setting for the festival: stone alleys, glimpses of the turquoise basin, and the green woods that, not surprisingly, yield the famous porcini mushrooms that are the stars of the event.

The signature dish: fettuccine with porcini

The absolute heart of the event is the egg fettuccine topped with white porcini mushroom sauce, hand-rolled according to tradition. Alongside the main course, the food stalls offer porcini bruschetta, sausages with beans grilled over charcoal, and local wine from the Sabina region, in a simple and honest menu that highlights local products. There is no shortage of artisanal mountain beers and spring water, reflecting the genuine spirit of this village festival.

Music, markets, and nature

The day is not just about good food: the square comes alive with live music, street bands, evening shows for dancing and singing until late, markets selling local products, and exhibitions set up by local artists. For nature lovers, the Monti Navegna and Cervia Reserve offers guided excursions in the surroundings, to discover trails, ancient ruins, and the most beautiful views of Lake Turano. A free shuttle service connects the provincial road to the village center, facilitating the arrival of numerous visitors.

A Sabina tradition

Organized by the Pro Loco Ascrea APS with the patronage of the Municipality, the festival is now a classic of the Rieti summer: an authentic way to discover a lesser-known corner of Lazio, taste an excellent product like the porcini mushroom, and experience the genuine hospitality of a community that, every first Sunday of August, opens the doors of its village to anyone who wants to sit at the table by Lake Turano.