Sagra dull'Acquata i dulla Callarosta Festival

An autumn tradition spanning over half a century

The Sagra dull'Acquata i dulla Callarosta is the most anticipated autumn event in Patrica, a small town in the province of Frosinone, Lazio, nestled on a ridge of the Lepini Mountains with sweeping views of the Sacco Valley. The event began in 1968 and has since drawn visitors from across the Ciociaria region and Rome. In 2025, it celebrated its 56th edition, a milestone that cements its status as one of the area's most historic festivals.

Acquata and callarosta: a taste of local dialect

The festival's name is a tribute to local tradition, best understood in the Patrica dialect. The callarosta is the chestnut, roasted in a traditional perforated pan and made using the local «camisella» variety, native to the surrounding chestnut groves. The acquata is a sweet, sparkling wine traditionally made by farmers from the pomace after pressing—a humble, low-alcohol drink that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of hot chestnuts. This pairing is the symbol of a rural culture that the Pro Loco continues to honor with authenticity.

The historic center as a stage

The festival takes place entirely within the historic center, winding through medieval alleys, arches, and stairways. The heart of the gastronomic festivities is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where roasted chestnuts and acquata are served in the afternoon. The celebration then spreads toward Porta San Rocco and the village squares, which host music, stalls, and performances. It is a diffuse event: visitors wander through the village, following the sounds and aromas.

Performances, folklore, and street artists

Beyond the food, the day features a packed schedule of entertainment. Recent editions have showcased aerial dance, Brazilian percussion by the Bateria Sambarato performing throughout the village, juggling, stilt walkers, soap bubble shows for children, and art and photography exhibitions. The event also highlights local identity through dialect poetry, folk theater, and traditional Ciociaria songs and dances performed by groups in costume.

«Waiting for the Sagra»

For several years, the Sunday festival has been preceded by the Saturday event «Aspettando la Sagra» (Waiting for the Sagra), an evening prelude featuring folk music, book presentations, local food tastings, and dancing in the square. It is the most intimate and cherished moment for the locals, when the festival still belongs primarily to the village.

Organizers

The event is managed by the Pro Loco of Patrica, with the support of the Municipality of Patrica and the Lazio Region. The organization relies heavily on the volunteer work of its members, who spend the days leading up to the event harvesting and selecting chestnuts, setting up stands, and preparing the village.

Why it's worth the trip

• An authentic festival, free from commercial trends, with over fifty years of history.
• A rare product like acquata, which is almost impossible to find elsewhere.
• A scenic medieval village that is beautiful to explore on foot in the October light.
• An opportunity to discover the inland Ciociaria and the Lepini Mountains away from mass tourism circuits.