Saint Rita Feast and Fettuccina Festival

A festival blending faith and conviviality

At the end of May, as popular devotion celebrates Saint Rita of Cascia, the Villaggio Rinascita district of Valmontone transforms into a large festive space. The Saint Rita Feast, promoted by the Associazione Santa Rita and the Parish of San Sebastiano Martire with the support of the Municipality of Valmontone and the Pro Loco, is one of the most heartfelt events in the city's calendar. For over a decade, it has brought together families, the faithful, and curious visitors in a blend of religious celebrations, live shows, and popular cuisine that draws crowds from the nearby Monti Prenestini and Castelli Romani areas.

The Fettuccina Festival, queen of the table

The gastronomic heart of the event is the Fettuccina Festival, which reached its seventh edition in 2025. Every evening, starting at 7:00 PM, the food stand set up in Piazza Europa serves strictly handmade fettuccine, rolled and cooked before the visitors' eyes by parish volunteers. The pasta is offered in several varieties—with porcini mushrooms, meat ragù, or tomato and basil—alongside other traditional Lazio dishes, in an authentic neighborhood festival atmosphere where the scent of fresh pasta accompanies the evening entertainment.

The solemn procession and religious program

The most poignant moment remains the solemn procession in honor of Saint Rita, which winds through the district streets with the statue of the saint, accompanied by the town brass band and majorettes. During the festival days, masses and prayer moments dedicated to the saint of the «impossible» follow one another, culminating as tradition dictates around May 22nd, the day the Church remembers Saint Rita of Cascia. Fireworks mark the conclusion of the celebrations.

Evenings of music, theater, and cabaret

The festival stage alternates each year between concerts, cover bands, theatrical plays performed by the parish youth, rhythmic gymnastics and modern dance displays, and cabaret nights. Over the years, guests have included Maurizio Vandelli's Equipe 84 and comedian Martufello, alongside tribute bands dedicated to Vasco Rossi, I Nomadi, Lucio Battisti, and Renato Zero, as well as the folk group CAVESJA and the athletes of Ginnastica Valmontone. A popular and diverse program designed for all generations of the district.

Valmontone, between the Monti Prenestini and the gates of Rome

Valmontone, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital in the Lazio region, is best known for the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj and the large entertainment and shopping centers located in its territory. However, the Saint Rita Feast reveals the most authentic face of the town: that of the Villaggio Rinascita, a working-class district that, during these May days, rediscovers a sense of community around its saint and its table. For those visiting Lazio in spring, it is an ideal opportunity to discover a genuine village festival less than an hour from the capital.