Sausage and Pastarella di Magro Festival

A festival that tells the story of Gallese

In the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia region, not far from the Tiber River and the Umbrian border, the small town of Gallese (Viterbo province, Lazio) dedicates a weekend in late September to its most iconic culinary tradition. The Sausage and Pastarella di Magro Festival is more than just a food event: it is a time when the town reclaims its squares, narrow streets, and social fabric, with volunteers of all ages working at the stoves and stalls.

The two protagonists: sausage and pastarella

Grilled sausage is the star of the show, served in a classic sandwich or accompanied by side dishes and local specialties. Alongside the savory offerings lies the festival's true curiosity: the pastarella di magro, a local dessert whose recipe, as the organizers explain, remains a secret passed down from generation to generation within Gallese families. It is a unique product that cannot be found elsewhere, making the trip to the village well worth it.

More than just food stalls

The program of past editions has always combined gastronomy with a calendar of events throughout the historic center. Over the years, these have included:

• concerts and musical evenings with local bands, dance orchestras, and DJ sets;
• briscola tournaments and quiz games organized by local committees;
• traditional folk games for children and families;
• guided tours of the historic center and photography exhibitions hosted in the Marco Scacchi Museum;
• opening of spaces related to the Palazzo-Castello Altemps, the iconic monument of Gallese.

Organizers and the spirit of solidarity

The festival was born from the collaboration between the Centro Commerciale Naturale di Gallese, which brings together the village's businesses, and the local branch of AVIS, the blood donor association. This dual nature gives the event a character that goes beyond a simple party: it promotes local small businesses while raising awareness for blood donation and solidarity. The proceeds and the visibility of the event support local community activities.

The village of Gallese

Perched on a tufa spur, Gallese retains a clearly legible medieval layout: walls, entrance gates, and a network of alleys and small squares that open up unexpectedly. The Palazzo-Castello Altemps, of medieval origin and remodeled over the following centuries, dominates the town, while the Cathedral and smaller churches house works dedicated to the devotion of San Famiano, the town's patron saint. The festival is therefore also an opportunity for a stroll through a Tuscia village less beaten by mass tourism compared to nearby Civita di Bagnoregio or Viterbo.

When to go

The event traditionally falls on the last weekend of September or the first of October, with stalls open on Saturday evening and for lunch on Sunday. It is the ideal time to combine a visit with an autumn discovery of the Tiber Valley and the countryside separating Lazio from Umbria.