San Sebastiano Polenta Festival

A tradition dating back to 1643

The San Sebastiano Polenta Festival is one of the oldest and most cherished folk traditions in southern Lazio. According to the Community Council records, the custom dates back to 1643, when the ancient ritual of the "people's feast" was born in Villa Santo Stefano: on the day of San Sebastiano, a warm dish of polenta was offered to the entire population. A gesture of charity and sharing that, between history and legend, has been passed down for nearly four centuries in this small Ciociaria village.

From the 1975 revival to the 50th edition

The custom was revived as a festival by the Pro Loco Villa Santo Stefano APS on January 19, 1975, transforming the ancient rite into a regular event that kicks off the town's annual calendar. The festival takes place on the Sunday closest to January 20th, the feast day of San Sebastiano, with the patronage of the Municipality of Villa Santo Stefano and the collaboration of the Parish. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the festival reached the historic milestone of its 50th edition, confirming its status as a true cultural heritage of the community.

Copper cauldrons and master polenta makers

The heart of the festival lies in the preparation of the polenta according to the ancient recipe of the "master polenta makers," guardians of a craft passed down through generations. From early morning, along Viale Guglielmo Marconi, cooks work in characteristic copper cauldrons under the supervision of the head polenta maker: the polenta is stirred with patience and care, while a delicious sauce with sausage and pork simmers separately. The result is the festival's signature dish: polenta with sauce and sausage, served steaming hot to residents and visitors alike.

Faith and devotion: Mass, procession, and blessing

The festival retains its religious dimension. A Holy Mass in honor of San Sebastiano is celebrated in the parish church, followed by a procession with the statue of the saint through the streets of the village and the solemn blessing of the polenta. Only after the blessing does the free distribution of the dish begin, while supplies last: a festive moment that brings together older and younger generations at the same table, each with their own stories to share.

Craft markets, music, and village atmosphere

Alongside the gastronomic and religious rituals, the day is enlivened by craft markets, open from the morning, and musical entertainment that accompanies the afternoon. The atmosphere is that of an authentic village festival in the Ciociaria hinterland: simple, warm, and genuine.

Villa Santo Stefano, the heart of Ciociaria

Villa Santo Stefano is a small hillside village in the province of Frosinone, Lazio, overlooking the Amaseno Valley. The San Sebastiano Polenta Festival is its most famous event and a fundamental tool for promoting the area: a great opportunity to discover the flavors and traditions of the most authentic Ciociaria in the middle of winter. The Pro Loco also organizes other events throughout the year, such as the Cecapreti Festival in early August.