Strawberry Festival and Flower Show
A century of wild strawberries and flowers overlooking Lake Nemi
About Nemi Strawberry Festival
A tradition spanning over a century
The Strawberry Festival and Flower Show in Nemi, located in the Metropolitan City of Rome, is one of the longest-running popular events in Lazio. The first edition dates back to 1925, and since then, the small town overlooking the volcanic lake has continuously celebrated its signature product: the wild strawberry, grown in the fertile lands sloping down toward the water, once sacred to the goddess Diana. In 2025, the festival celebrated its centenary; in 2026, it reached its 93rd official edition, dedicated to Italian Cuisine as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Fragolare, the heart of the festival
The most anticipated moment is the parade of the Fragolare: the women of Nemi wear traditional Nemorense costumes and walk through the village alleys carrying baskets of strawberries on their heads, which are distributed for free to the public at the end of the procession. They are accompanied by the Compatrum brass band, the Terra Nemorense folk group, and local schoolchildren involved in the Piccoli Fragolari Crescono (Little Strawberry Growers Growing Up) project, which ensures the tradition is passed on to new generations.
Flowers, gastronomy, and local products
Running alongside the festival is the Flower Show, which transforms the squares, balconies, and staircases of the historic center into a path of themed floral installations. The village streets host an artisan market and stalls from Castelli Romani producers, featuring guided tastings and show cooking sessions dedicated to local excellence.
- Wild strawberries from Nemi, fresh or in artisanal gelato
- The Quercetto mushroom from the woods surrounding the lake
- Blanche Nemorensis craft beer, flavored with wild strawberries
- Wild strawberry gin and Castelli Romani wines
- Cakes, tarts, and strawberries with whipped cream served in the village cafes
From morning to fireworks
The main day begins with Holy Mass at the Santa Maria del Pozzo parish, continues with the inauguration of the Flower Show and the first Fragolare parade, and comes alive in the afternoon with folk performances and a second procession. In the evening, the free distribution of strawberries precedes the concert in the square and the fireworks display that closes the festival, illuminating the lake crater—the image that stays with visitors more than any other.
Nemi, the village of strawberries
With just over two thousand inhabitants, Nemi is one of the smallest and most scenic villages in Lazio. The town overlooks the Speculum Dianae (Mirror of Diana) from above, where the famous ships of Emperor Caligula were discovered, now showcased at the Museum of Roman Ships. Palazzo Ruspoli, the steep alleys, and the panoramic terraces provide a natural backdrop for the festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors from Rome and the entire region every year.
Why it's worth the trip
The Strawberry Festival is not a manufactured event; it is a village celebration that grew around real cultivation and a community that has made it its identity. Those who come to Nemi find the conviviality of an authentic festival, the landscape of the Castelli Romani at its greenest time of year, and a historic center that dresses itself entirely in flowers and red for a day.
Nemi Strawberry Festival — edition 2026
An edition dedicated to Italian cuisine
The 93rd edition of the Strawberry Festival and Flower Show in Nemi chose as its theme Italian Cuisine as a UNESCO World Heritage site, expressed both in the Flower Show arrangements and in the gastronomic events held in the historic center.
The event began on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 with the setup of floral installations, the artisan market, musical walks through the village, and the inauguration of a photo exhibition. Sunday, June 7 was the main day, from the morning Holy Mass to the fireworks over the lake crater.
Guests of the 2026 edition included comedian Antonio Giuliani, presenter Metis Di Meo, and chef Alessandro Circiello, who led a show cooking session on local products. Alongside the wild strawberries, the Quercetto mushroom, artisanal strawberry gelato, Blanche Nemorensis beer, wild strawberry gin, and Castelli Romani wines—including wine aged underwater in the lake—were featured.
Programme Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026
Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Setup of the Flower Show in the historic center
- Artisan market and local producer stalls
- Musical walks through the village alleys
- Inauguration of the photo exhibition
Sunday, June 7, 2026 — main day
- 10:00 — Holy Mass celebrated by Mons. Vincenzo Viva at the Santa Maria del Pozzo parish
- 11:00 — Inauguration of the Flower Show dedicated to Italian Cuisine as a UNESCO Heritage site
- 11:30 — First Fragolare parade with the Compatrum brass band, the Terra Nemorense folk group, and the Piccoli Fragolari Crescono school group
- 12:30 — Institutional greetings from Mayor Alberto Bertucci with Antonio Giuliani
- 15:30 — Folk performances in the historic center
- 16:30 — Second Fragolare parade
- 18:00-19:00 — Cultural presentations and free distribution of wild strawberries
- 21:00 — Evening concert in the square
- 22:00 — Final fireworks display over the lake
Throughout the day: show cooking by chef Alessandro Circiello and tastings of Castelli Romani products.
Highlights Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026
- Two parades of the Fragolare in traditional Nemorense costume
- Free distribution of Nemi wild strawberries
- Flower Show dedicated to Italian Cuisine as a UNESCO Heritage site
- Show cooking by chef Alessandro Circiello on local products
- Guests: Antonio Giuliani and Metis Di Meo
- Evening concert and fireworks over the lake crater
- Tastings of Blanche Nemorensis beer, strawberry gin, and Castelli Romani wines
Prices Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026
Practical information — Nemi Strawberry Festival
How to get there
Nemi is about 30 km from Rome. By car: Take the Via Appia or Via Tuscolana to the Via dei Laghi (SP217) toward Velletri, then follow signs for Nemi. By public transport: Take the FL4 train to Velletri or Metro A to Anagnina, then a Cotral bus to the Castelli Romani.
Parking and shuttles
During the festival, the historic center is closed to traffic. Dedicated parking areas are set up along Via dei Laghi and Via Nemorense, connected to the village by a shuttle service running from morning until late evening.
Costs
Admission to the festival, the Flower Show, and the performances is free; the distribution of strawberries by the Fragolare is complimentary. Only purchases at producer stalls and local restaurants are paid.
Tips
Arrive in the morning to find parking and catch the first parade. Wear comfortable shoes: the village is on a slope and everything is done on foot. Combine your visit with the Museum of Roman Ships and the viewpoint over the lake.
Information
Municipality of Nemi, Piazza del Municipio 9 — tel. +39 06 9365011 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Nemi Strawberry Festival
Centro storico di Nemi
Piazza del Municipio, 9, 00074 Nemi