Sagne Scandrigliesi Festival

Sagne: The culinary pride of Scandriglia

In the heart of the Sabina region near Rieti, the Sagne Scandrigliesi Festival has been the most anticipated summer event in Scandriglia since 1986. Nestled at the foot of the Monti Lucretili Regional Natural Park, this village comes alive to celebrate its signature dish: sagne. These fresh egg noodles, similar to fettuccine, are still hand-crafted by local women using techniques passed down through generations. They are served steaming hot, tossed in a traditional sauce, and accompanied by bruschetta with local extra virgin olive oil and regional wine.

A tradition born in 1986

The first edition of the festival took place in June 1986. Since then, it has grown into one of the most renowned gastronomic events in the Sabina area, attracting visitors from Rieti, Rome, and across the Lazio region every year. In 2025, the festival reached its 40th milestone, confirming the success of a formula that blends popular cuisine, music, and folklore. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Scandriglia Association with the support of the Municipality of Scandriglia.

Typical festival program

The festival traditionally takes place over two evenings, on the Friday and Saturday of late August, with food stands opening in the late afternoon. In addition to tasting the sagne, the program includes:

• Food stands serving sagne with sauce, bruschetta with Scandriglia extra virgin olive oil, and local wine;
• Dance evenings featuring live orchestras, such as the Colorado Band and the Allegrini & Trebiani Band in recent years;
• Roman folk music and traditions, with performances by groups like the Stornellatori Romani led by maestro Fabrizio Masci and the Casperia Majorettes;
• Artisan markets lining the streets of the historic center;
• Children's entertainment and family-friendly activities;
• Live demonstrations of how to prepare sagne according to the traditional recipe.

Scandriglia and the Sabina region

Scandriglia is a small hilltop village in the Sabina region, a land of ancient olive groves and towns that retain their timeless charm. The local extra virgin olive oil is among the most prized in Lazio, and the festival is the perfect opportunity to discover it, along with the village's historic center, its churches, and the trails of the nearby Monti Lucretili Park. Its location, about an hour's drive from Rome along the Via Salaria, makes it an ideal destination for a summer evening getaway.

An authentic popular celebration

Unlike many modern events, the Sagne Scandrigliesi Festival has preserved the genuine spirit of a village feast: you eat at communal tables, dance in the square to the sound of orchestras, and rediscover the pleasure of Sabina conviviality. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that warm, welcoming vibe typical of Lazio's villages, where food is, above all, a community affair.