Strigliozzi Festival

A festival dedicated to traditional Sabina maccheroni

The Strigliozzi Festival is the most anticipated gastronomic event in Castel di Tora, a small town in the province of Rieti, Lazio, nestled on the shores of Lake Turano between the Sabina region and the Cicolano Mountains. Every year, on the last Sunday of September, the village comes alive to celebrate its signature dish: strigliozzi, a type of maccheroni created by "strigliando" (stretching) the dough by hand into thin strands.

Strigliozzi: handmade pasta

Strigliozzi are made from durum wheat semolina, kneaded and shaped by hand following ancient recipes passed down by the skilled women of the village. During the festival, they are primarily served with a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce that highlights their rustic texture. Alongside the star dish, other local specialties are available:

• wood-fired bread;
• veal stew with white wine;
• traditional Sabina pastries;
• full-bodied wine from local vineyards.

The village and the landscape

Castel di Tora is recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy: a maze of winding alleys, towers, and medieval vistas overlooking the waters of Lake Turano. During the festival, the narrow streets host stalls featuring local products and crafts, while visitors can admire the striking Monte Antuni castle and the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Regional Nature Reserve. The event perfectly blends great food, nature, and folklore, offering visitors a day immersed in the authenticity of the Rieti Sabina region.

Organization and hospitality

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Castel di Tora, which sets up a large covered area each year to serve the food, ensuring guests are protected from any inclement weather. A shuttle bus service from the parking area is available to make reaching the heart of the village easy. Food service begins around noon and continues throughout the afternoon until supplies run out, in a festive atmosphere that draws food lovers from all over Lazio.