San Sosio Fair

A centuries-old fair in the heart of Ciociaria

The San Sosio Fair is one of the oldest and most cherished events in Castro dei Volsci, a village in the Province of Frosinone overlooking the Sacco Valley in southern Lazio. The event takes its name from the San Sosio district, the populous area where the fair has been held for generations, rooted in a rural tradition that blends commerce, devotion, and village life. Once, the fair occupied the Frosinone-Gaeta state road, causing long queues for motorists; today, it is held in a large space behind the church, opposite the sports facilities.

Two events a year: spring and autumn

The unique feature of the San Sosio Fair is that it takes place twice a year. The spring fair falls on the Tuesday after Pentecost, while the autumn one is linked to the liturgical calendar of September 23rd, the day of the saint's martyrdom. On both occasions, the San Sosio area transforms into a large open-air market, with stalls offering everything from clothing and agricultural tools to local produce and handicrafts.

Saint Sosius the Martyr and the patronal feast

Saint Sosius was a young deacon and follower of Saint Januarius, martyred in the 3rd century. His memory, celebrated on September 23rd, gives life to the patronal feast that accompanies the autumn fair: a solemn mass and a procession wind through the village streets, drawing faithful and visitors from across the Ciociaria region. The religious and commercial dimensions have always coexisted, testifying to the deep bond between the community and its protector.

Traditional flavors and products

The fair is also a triumph of Ciociarian gastronomy. Among the steaming pots, historic dishes like pecora al sugo and zappitt' stand out—pastoral specialties that tell the story of this territory's peasant soul. There is no shortage of typical local products, cheeses, cured meats, and the agricultural excellence of the Sacco Valley, creating a culinary journey that accompanies the visitor throughout the day.

• Market with hundreds of stalls
• Local agricultural products and handicrafts
• Traditional Ciociarian gastronomy
• Mass and procession for the September feast

The saltarello and the popular spirit

Alongside the market and devotion, the festival preserves its most authentic soul in the songs and dances of the square. The saltarello (also known as ballarella), a couple or group dance accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, tambourines, and accordions, enlivens moments of conviviality, bringing to life an ancient folk tradition that was even a court dance in the Middle Ages.

Castro dei Volsci, one of the most beautiful villages

Awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club, Castro dei Volsci is a charming hilltop village dominated by a medieval fortress and surrounded by rolling hills. Participating in the San Sosio Fair means immersing yourself not only in a popular event but also in the history and beauty of one of the most characteristic centers of the Ciociaria, where traditions are still alive and proudly guarded by the community.