Sezze Artichoke Festival

The Sezze Artichoke Festival

The Sezze Artichoke Festival is one of the most historic and highly anticipated food and wine events in southern Lazio. Established in 1969, the festival takes place every April in the historic center of Sezze, a village perched on the Lepini Mountains in the province of Latina, paying tribute to the symbol of local agriculture: the Romanesco artichoke. Organized by the Municipality of Sezze with the support of the Lazio Region and the collaboration of local associations, producers, and restaurateurs, the festival is a cornerstone of the 'Primavera Setina' calendar and reached its 55th edition in 2026.

The Romanesco artichoke, 'green king' of the Lepini Mountains

The absolute star of the festival is the Romanesco artichoke, the most prized variety: round in shape, tender in texture, delicate in flavor, and thornless. In Sezze, it grows under ideal conditions thanks to a unique microclimate shaped by the proximity of the Lepini Mountains and the temperate breezes from the Pontine coast. It is no coincidence that the festival is not just a street fair, but a true showcase for the agricultural excellence of the Sezze area and the farmers who cultivate it.

A culinary trail through the historic center

During the festival, the squares of the historic center — De Magistris, Margherita, San Lorenzo, and Porta Pascibella — are filled with gastronomic stands where the artichoke is prepared in a thousand traditional recipes:

• Carciofi alla giudìa (Jewish-style artichokes), golden and crispy
• Golden-fried, grilled, and roasted artichokes
• Carciofi alla romana (Roman-style) with mint and garlic
• Artichoke lasagna and other traditional Sezze first courses
• Sezze-style bread soup, grilled meats, dry pastries, and local wine

Alongside the food stalls, you will find local farmers' stands selling freshly harvested artichokes, as well as a market featuring artisans and hobbyists.

Folklore, music, and culture

The festival is also a great moment of popular celebration: the folk parade with musical groups and majorettes winds through the streets of the center, concerts enliven the Parco della Rimembranza, and the program is rounded out by guided tours to discover the historic center, photography exhibitions, re-enactments of rural life, and conferences dedicated to innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Two competitions accompany the event: the Premio del Duca, which awards the most beautiful stand, and the 'Olio delle Colline a Sezze' Competition, dedicated to the best olive oil production in the Lepini area.

An identity-defining festival for Sezze and Lazio

More than just a food festival, the Sezze event is a collective ritual that tells the story of the Lepini Mountains' culture and the pride of an agricultural community. The transition to a two-day format, successfully tested in 2025 with over 35,000 attendees, has solidified the event as one of the main food and wine attractions in the province of Latina, capable of drawing visitors from all over Lazio and beyond.