Sheep Festival

The Sheep Festival, the pastoral heart of Ciciliano

Every year, towards the end of August, the small village of Ciciliano, perched in the Prenestini Mountains in the province of Rome, celebrates its most authentic traditions with the Sheep Festival. Established in 2015, the event has grown with each edition to become one of the most anticipated gastronomic appointments in the Lazio hinterland, attracting visitors from Tivoli, the Aniene Valley, and the entire Prenestini area.

A festival born from pastoral culture

Here, sheep is not just an ingredient, but a symbol of a civilization: that of transhumance and shepherding, which for centuries has shaped the economy and cuisine of these villages. The festival pays homage to an agropastoral heritage that resists the passage of time, bringing the robust and honest flavors of peasant tradition back to the square. The organization is entrusted to the Ciciliano Festival Committee, which collaborates annually with the De Luca Farm to ensure local ingredients and preparation faithful to ancient recipes.

Traditional dishes

Along Corso Umberto I, food stalls line up, offering the specialties that have made the festival famous:

• Gnocchi with sheep ragù, a rich and flavorful first course;
• Pecora alla callara, slowly cooked in a large copper cauldron according to shepherd custom;
• Arrosticini and grilled meat skewers;
• Sausage sandwiches and other street food options;
• Local wine, cold beer, and water to round off the meal.

The 'callara' style of cooking, in particular, is the festival's signature dish: once prepared outdoors during the long stops of shepherds, it still represents the most genuine soul of this simple yet generous cuisine.

Music and conviviality

Alongside the gastronomy, the Sheep Festival offers live music and entertainment every evening: from ballroom and pop groups to singer-songwriter concerts, the atmosphere remains that of a simple, warm village where families gather in the square, sharing tables and enjoying the scents of the grill. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Lazio, among medieval alleys, panoramic views of the Prenestini Mountains, and the hospitality of a community proud of its roots.

Ciciliano, a village to discover

Located in the heart of the Lazio Region, a short distance from Tivoli and its famous villas, the town of Ciciliano preserves a compact and charming historic center. Attending the Sheep Festival means combining the pleasure of good food with the discovery of a fascinating territory where pastoral tradition is still a living and deeply felt reality.