Prati Fair and Goat Festival

A fair born in 1947 at the foot of the Lepini Mountains

The Prati Fair and Goat Festival is one of the most enduring and iconic events in Roccagorga, a village in the province of Latina, nestled in the heart of the Lepini Mountains in southern Lazio. The first edition of the Prati Fair dates back to 1947, when the then-mayor Luigi Mosca envisioned it as an annual gathering for the display and trade of goods and livestock. Since then, the event has continuously evolved: from an agricultural and livestock market, it has transformed into a major mid-August village festival that blends the territory's rural heritage with a popular culinary tradition waiting to be discovered.

Goat: the dish that gives the festival its name

The true star is goat meat, prepared according to the tradition of the Lepini shepherds: slow-cooked in a stew with aromatic herbs, tomatoes, and chili, served with homemade bread and local wine. It is a dish that tells the story of a mountain economy built on transhumance and pastures, where nothing was wasted and the goat was a vital daily resource. During the festival, food stalls set up in the Prati area offer the dish in various versions, alongside other specialties from the Pontine and Lepini regions.

Beyond the table: butteri, animals, and crafts

Alongside its culinary side, the fair preserves its agricultural soul. Recent editions have featured performances by the butteri—the traditional mounted herdsmen of the Pontine marshes—with demonstrations of horseshoeing and saddlery, as well as activities for children like free pony and carriage rides. There is no shortage of commercial and craft stalls, local product stands, traditional games, and musical evenings that enliven the fairgrounds until late at night.

Where it takes place

The event is held outside the historic center, in the industrial area of the Prunacci locality, where the fair was moved in the 1990s due to space and traffic considerations. The large area allows for the simultaneous hosting of food stalls, exhibitors, and performance spaces, with ample parking nearby. The village of Roccagorga, perched on a spur of the Lepini Mountains, remains a recommended stop: Piazza VI Gennaio 1913 and its panoramic views over the Pontine plain are well worth a visit before or after the festival.

A Ferragosto tradition

The Prati Fair and Goat Festival traditionally falls in the days following Ferragosto (August 15th), a time when the Lepini Mountains fill with residents returning for the holidays and visitors seeking authentic celebrations. The 2025 edition took place from August 16th to 18th over three days. The formula is that of a community feast: affordable prices, long communal tables, service provided by volunteers, and a crowd arriving from across the province of Latina and neighboring towns like Sezze, Priverno, Maenza, and Bassiano.

Why you should attend

• One of the oldest fairs in the Lepini Mountains, running continuously since the post-war period.
• A rare dish in the Lazio festival circuit: goat stewed according to the shepherd's recipe.
• A living memory of the Pontine agricultural world, featuring equestrian performances by the butteri.
• A familiar and convivial atmosphere, suitable for those traveling with children.
• An excellent opportunity to discover a Lepini village often off the beaten path of mass tourism.

Tip for visitors

Those looking to make the most of their day can combine the festival with a trip into the hinterland: the Fossanova Abbey in Priverno, the trails of the Lepini Mountains Park, and the panoramic terraces overlooking the Pontine plain are all just a few kilometers away. In August, temperatures remain high until evening: it is advisable to arrive in the late afternoon when the fairgrounds come alive and the temperature becomes more pleasant.