Sorrisi e Sapori

A tasty evening in the 'suspended village'

Sorrisi e Sapori is the winter event that warms up Vitorchiano, the famous 'suspended village' of the Tuscia region, perched on a volcanic rock cliff in the province of Viterbo, Northern Lazio. The formula is simple and successful: long tables set as they were in the past inside the Sant'Agnese complex, a traditional menu made with local, farm-to-table ingredients, and the joy of chatting over a good meal. It is a well-established event that perfectly combines local gastronomic excellence with quality entertainment.

Who organizes it

Behind the scenes and in the dining hall is the Sant'Antonio di Padova Festival Committee of Vitorchiano, a group of volunteers who bring the community to life and renew the spirit of traditional folk festivals with this evening. The event, which debuted in 2024, reached its third edition in 2026, a testament to its growing success among the residents of Vitorchiano and visitors arriving from across the Viterbo province and Rome.

The traditional menu

The heart of the evening is the home-style menu, served at the table in generous portions:

• Antipasto del Santo: small polenta with white meat sauce, potato and bean soup, bruschetta, and local cured meats;
• Pasta all'amatriciana, a great classic of Lazio cuisine;
• Stew with aromatic herbs served with green beans;
• Zuppa inglese (trifle) to end on a sweet note.

The raw materials come from local producers: the farm-to-table products of Tuscia are the absolute stars of the table, from polenta to cured meats, in a culinary journey that tells the story of the rural identity of this corner of Lazio.

The atmosphere of village festivals

More than just a food festival, Sorrisi e Sapori is a moment of community: everyone dines together, laughs, sings, and reconnects, with entertainment designed to accompany the evening without ever stealing the spotlight from the meal. It is the kind of experience that allows you to live Vitorchiano from the inside, alongside its inhabitants, far from the most beaten tourist paths.

Vitorchiano, the 'suspended village' of Tuscia

The evening is also the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most evocative villages in Lazio. Vitorchiano stands on a spur of peperino stone overlooking the Vezza valley, just a few kilometers from Viterbo: medieval walls, stone alleys, 'profferli' (external staircases), and small squares that offer glimpses of rare beauty in winter. Before or after dinner, it is well worth a stroll through the historic center to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and look for the famous Moai statue carved by artisans from Easter Island, an unusual symbol of the village.

Useful information

The dinner takes place on an evening in late January starting at 8:00 PM at the Sant'Agnese complex. Seats are limited, and booking is highly recommended by contacting the organizers.