Santopadre Squid Festival

A seaside festival at 750 metres

The Santopadre Squid Festival is one of the most charming gastronomic curiosities of the summer in Ciociaria: a small mountain village in the province of Frosinone, perched 750 metres above sea level, dedicates its main square for one evening to a true star of the sea: the squid. The organisers proudly present it as the 'only squid festival in lower Lazio at 750 metres above sea level', and it is precisely this contrast between the aroma of fried seafood and the hilly landscape of the Liri Valley that makes it so special.

Calamarata and fried squid: the festival menu

The heart of the festival lies in the food stalls set up in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, in the town centre. There are two signature dishes: calamarata, the classic pasta shape tossed in a rich squid sauce, and fried squid, served crispy and fresh, accompanied by chips and cold beer. It is simple, direct cuisine typical of village festivals, designed to be enjoyed at long, communal tables. In previous editions, it was also possible to book a table to ensure a spot during peak hours.

Live music under the stars

True to the tradition of Ciociarian festivals, dinner is accompanied by live music. In the 2025 edition, held on Saturday, July 26th, the stalls opened at 8:00 PM, and from 9:30 PM, the stage hosted a concert by the CantAutori, creating an evening that continued late into the night with the fresh, festive atmosphere typical of summer in the mountains. The formula is the tried-and-tested one of a popular feast: eating, listening to good music, and chatting in the square, far from the stifling heat of the cities.

Santopadre, the balcony of Ciociaria

The village of Santopadre is worth the trip alone: just over a thousand inhabitants, stone alleys, and a panoramic position overlooking the middle Liri Valley, between Arpino, Arce, and Roccasecca. The town is known to motor enthusiasts for the historic 'Slalom Città di Santopadre' and to food lovers for events dedicated to summer truffles and wild asparagus. The Squid Festival completes a surprisingly rich calendar of events for a small mountain town in the Lazio region.

A festival signed by the Pro Loco and the Municipality

The event is organised by the Pro Loco of Santopadre in collaboration with the Municipality and is considered by the promoters themselves to be the most anticipated event of the Santopadre summer. Admission to the square is free: you only pay for what you consume at the stalls, following the classic formula of Italian festivals.

2026 Edition

At the moment, the date for the 2026 edition has not yet been officially announced. Based on tradition, the festival takes place on a weekend in the latter part of July. For confirmation, it is best to follow the social media channels of the Pro Loco of Santopadre and the announcements from the Municipality.