The Countryside Festival at Cascina di Sotto

The Countryside Festival: A fun-filled village in Boccea

The Countryside Festival is a popular, widespread event that made its debut in Rome in May 2026 within the expansive green grounds of Cascina di Sotto, at via di Boccea 922. Organized by the Young and Old Association in the heart of the 14th Municipality, the event offered a two-day program designed for all ages: children, young people, families, and groups of friends, as well as those simply looking for a bit of relaxation in the open air. It was a way to rediscover a green, peripheral corner of the Capital, often overlooked by those who only know Rome's historic center.

Cascina di Sotto, a green corner in the Roman outskirts

The festival's stage was Cascina di Sotto, a space immersed in greenery along via di Boccea, in the western area of the Municipality of Rome, in Lazio. The site also preserves the archaeological memory of the ancient Via Cornelia, the old consular road that crossed this territory: right here, during the festival, the Cornelia Antiqua Association guided visitors in discovering ancient Cornelia, on a journey through the millennial history of the district.

Traditional games, sports, dancing, and good food

The heart of the event was the Traditional Games, which took adults and children back to the days when people played in the streets: wheelbarrow races, jump rope, and tug-of-war. Music was also a highlight, with the Colorful Disco animated by DJ Paola Botticelli and the Balera (dance hall) featuring the rhythms of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Rhythmic gymnastics performances by young athletes from the Edoardo Antonelli Sports Center opened the festival, while the Farmer's Restaurant offered genuine culinary specialties throughout the day.

Culture, nature, and outdoor well-being

Alongside games and music, the program intertwined culture and nature: yoga lessons with Veronica Bencivenga, dedicated first to children aged 8 to 12 and then to adults, a nature hike with an obstacle course and awards, and the aforementioned guided tour of the archaeological area. A balance of fun, sport, well-being, and local discovery that made the festival truly suitable for every type of audience.

A successful first edition

Blessed by two sunny days and the first warmth of the season, the first edition of the Countryside Festival attracted hundreds of visitors between Saturday and Sunday. A convincing debut for an event that aims to become a permanent fixture of the Roman spring and to enhance Cascina di Sotto as a new gathering space for the 14th Municipality and the entire city of Rome.