Tacchie with Porcini Mushrooms Festival

The signature festival of Bellegra

In the "city of panoramas," as Bellegra is affectionately known for its sweeping views over the Prenestini Mountains and the Aniene Valley, autumn has an unmistakable scent: that of freshly picked porcini mushrooms and hand-rolled tacchie. The Tacchie with Porcini Mushrooms Festival is the most iconic event in this town in the province of Rome, Lazio, drawing thousands of visitors to its historic alleys and squares during the first two weeks of October every year.

Tacchie: a traditional first course

The heart of the festival is the tacchie, a handcrafted pasta made from water, flour, and eggs, kneaded and cut strictly by hand. Its intentionally irregular shape creates thick, rustic rectangles—a true 'maltagliati' style that perfectly holds the sauce. The curious name refers to the "tacchie," small wooden wedges once used to stabilize wobbly tables. The most famous pairing, which gives the festival its name, is with the porcini mushrooms that the woods around Bellegra provide in abundance during this season.

Two weekends of celebration

The event spans two consecutive weekends. Food stalls set up in the town's main squares, such as Piazza del Municipio, Piazza Giovanni Paolo II, and Piazza della Libertà, offer tacchie and numerous other mushroom-based dishes for both lunch and dinner. The dining experience is complemented by artisan markets, live music, folk shows, and dedicated areas for children.

Culture, history, and territory

Beyond gastronomy, the festival weaves together rural heritage and historical re-enactment. Among the most evocative highlights is the Gens Vitellia historical pageant, which parades through the village streets in costume, and the "Sentieri Gastronomici" gourmet evening, dedicated to the excellence of Lazio cuisine. During the festival, visitors can also explore the nearby Grotte dell'Arco caves, just a few kilometers from the town, combining culinary delight with natural discovery. Supported by local authorities, the event is the perfect opportunity to experience the identity of a Prenestini Mountains village that finds its wealth in tradition.

Why attend

• Taste handmade tacchie topped with local porcini mushrooms.
• Experience the authentic atmosphere of a historic Lazio village in autumn.
• Stroll through markets, enjoy live music, and watch folk performances.
• Witness the Gens Vitellia historical pageant.
• Combine the festival with a visit to the Grotte dell'Arco.