San Vito Romano Polenta and Fritto Misto Festival

A young festival with the scent of tradition

Established in 2024 by the Pro Loco San Vito Romano APS, the San Vito Romano Polenta and Fritto Misto Festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated winter events in the Prenestini Mountains. The formula is simple and successful: on the last Sunday of Carnival, the town opens its historic center to serve the dishes that have warmed the hearts of local families on February Sundays for generations. The first edition took place in Piazza Marconi, known as "la Rocchetta"; from the second year onwards, the festival moved to the alleys of Borgo Mario Theodoli, the higher and most picturesque part of the old town, dominated by Castello Theodoli.

The San Vito fritto misto: a dish with identity

The undisputed star is the San Vito fritto misto, a symbol of local tradition: breaded meat cutlets accompanied by fried artichokes, golden fried ricotta, and crispy supplì. Alongside the fried dishes, polenta is offered in several varieties, served hot and creamy at the food stalls, all paired with wines from local wineries. There is also a menu designed for children, with hot dogs and chips, because the festival is, first and foremost, a village celebration for all ages.

More than just a meal: village, carnival, and shows

The festival coincides with the San Vito Carnival celebrations and captures its spirit: in the afternoon, the town streets are filled with a parade of floats and costumed groups organized by the San Vito Arte Association. In the morning, visitors can join guided tours of the historic center to discover the medieval heart of the village, while street bands, magic shows, and entertainment for the little ones accompany the entire day. In 2025, the Lestofunky band performed, while in 2026, the young street band SMILF took the stage, alongside the ever-present performances of Mago Parker.

San Vito Romano, balcony of the Prenestini Mountains

The festival is also an opportunity to discover San Vito Romano, a village of just over three thousand inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Rome, Lazio, nestled at about 650 meters above sea level in the Prenestini Mountains. Beyond Castello Theodoli, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Compigliano and the Castagneto Prenestino Natural Monument—166 hectares of ancient chestnut groves crossed by hiking trails—are well worth a visit. The Municipality of San Vito Romano actively supports the event, managing traffic in the historic center with specific ordinances and promoting the event as a showcase for the region.

Growing success

The 2026 edition, the third, was a complete sell-out, with turnout exceeding the organizers' expectations and visitors arriving from across the region. This success is thanks to an organizational machine that combines experienced volunteers with the young members of the Pro Loco, a free shuttle service from the parking areas, and a sunny day that filled the village alleys. It is a clear signal: the San Vito Romano Polenta and Fritto Misto Festival is now a consolidated tradition in the Lazio winter calendar.