Sagra del Frittello Festival

A village festival that smells like spring

In the heart of the Sabina region, just over an hour from Rome, the town of Poggio San Lorenzo (Rieti province, Lazio) dedicates a Sunday in March to one of its most beloved culinary traditions: the frittello. Despite the name, which might sound like a dessert to outsiders, this is a simple and incredibly delicious savory treat: broccoli florets dipped in a leavened batter and fried in Sabina extra virgin olive oil, one of the most prized in Italy.

The frittello, a taste of peasant memory

The recipe is passed down through generations, carefully guarded by the local women who prepare the batter the night before to let it rise. On the day of the festival, the batter meets the broccoli and hits the hot oil, resulting in a golden bite that is fragrant on the outside and soft on the inside—best enjoyed piping hot. Some locals even argue that the frittello is better cold the next day, a small gastronomic debate that repeats itself every year.

Alongside the broccoli fritters, the stalls have expanded over the years to offer other local specialties: zucchini flowers, anchovies, fried pizza, and other Sabina delicacies, always paired with local wine.

A festive day in the village

The festival is more than just a culinary event. From the morning, the streets of the historic center, particularly Via Quinzia, host a market of local products and handicrafts, while live music fills the air. In recent editions, the Amaseno Marching Band has paraded through the village with a repertoire ranging from traditional tunes to modern hits. Food stalls open around noon and remain active throughout the afternoon.

The atmosphere is that of an authentic village festival: communal tables, Pro Loco volunteers frying non-stop, families arriving from neighboring towns, and visitors from Rome taking advantage of the Sunday to discover an off-the-beaten-path corner of Lazio.

Poggio San Lorenzo and the Sabina region

Poggio San Lorenzo is a village of a few hundred inhabitants overlooking the hills of Sabina, along the ancient Via Salaria. It is a land of centuries-old olive groves, gentle landscapes, and small medieval towns, where the culture of extra virgin olive oil is part of the collective identity—it is no coincidence that the oil is what gives the frittello its character. The festival, organized by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the Municipality, is one of the key events that mark the village's year, alongside the summer Sagra dei Piringhilli and the patronal feasts of San Lorenzo.

What to expect

• Broccoli frittello fried on the spot, the heart of the event
• Other Sabina specialties offered at the food stalls
• Market featuring local products and handicrafts along the village streets
• Live music with a roaming marching band
• Free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase

An event that, edition after edition, has spanned over forty years and continues to attract those in search of the true cuisine of the Lazio villages.