Selci Porchetta Festival

A tradition spanning nearly seventy years

The Selci Porchetta Festival is one of the longest-running gastronomic events in the Rieti area. It has been held since 1956, typically on the second weekend of August, in the small town of Selci. Perched at an altitude of about 204 meters on the western slopes of the Sabini Mountains, in the province of Rieti, the village lies in the heart of the Lazio Sabina region. The 68th edition, held on August 9–10, 2025, reaffirmed the appeal of a festival that every summer fills the historic center's alleys with enticing aromas, music, and visitors from across the Tiber Valley and Rome.

The Selci porchetta: A Sabina delicacy

The undisputed star is the porchetta selciana, listed among the Traditional Agri-food Products (PAT) of the Lazio Region. Its preparation follows artisanal methods passed down through generations: the whole pig is seasoned with salt, black pepper, rosemary, and garlic, then slow-roasted for several hours in a wood-fired oven. The result is an unmistakable balance between the crispy, golden crust and the aromatic tenderness of the meat, which has made Selci—alongside Poggio Bustone—one of the recognized homes of Sabina-style porchetta.

Saturday night in the village alleys

The highlight of the evening turns the historic center into a culinary trail: from around 7:30 PM, stalls serve porchetta in sandwiches and platters, accompanied by other local specialties, street food, and regional beers and wines. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village festival, with long tables set among the ancient architecture and live music late into the night. The 2025 edition featured performances by the bands Pari e Dispari and Sangue Nomade, complete with dancing and entertainment for all ages.

The Sant'Eleuterio Market Fair

On Sunday, the festivities move in the morning to the Sant'Eleuterio area, home to the traditional Market Fair. Dozens of stalls featuring hobbyists, artisans, and local producers bring the area to life, offering the chance to purchase porchetta selciana directly from the source, along with other typical Sabina products.

Selci: A land of olive groves and farming traditions

The festival is also an invitation to discover Selci and its surroundings, located about 43 kilometers from Rieti and an hour from Rome. It is a landscape of hills cultivated with olive groves and vineyards, with a strong agricultural and livestock heritage that lies at the very root of the porchetta tradition. Strolling through the village alleys and the surrounding rural chapels, one can breathe in the authentic identity of the Sabina, one of the most renowned olive-growing areas in Lazio.

Organization

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Selci with the patronage of the Municipality of Selci. Admission is free; food and drinks are available for purchase at the stalls.