Tiber Celtic Fest

A gateway to the Celtic world in the heart of the Roman Sabina

Established in 2022 by the O.N. Oltre Nazzano association, the Tiber Celtic Fest has quickly become one of the most recognizable events in the lower Tiber Valley. It takes place in Nazzano, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region, perched above the Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve: a natural and scenic setting that becomes an integral part of the show.

The festival is spread across Piazza della Rocca, the historic center, and the Casaletto area, which hosts the re-enactment camp, play area, and campsite. The common thread is Celtic culture, explored without rigid philological constraints but with a focus on education: bilingual lectures on Celtic history, craft workshops, live music, and participatory dance.

Live music, from folk to Celtic punk

The musical lineup is the heart of the festival. Each evening, the stage hosts Celtic folk, Celtic rock, and Celtic punk bands, with concerts continuing late into the night. Past editions have featured Italian Celtic scene bands such as Fiddleheads, Conairi, and Bards from Yesterday, followed by public folk dances. Those who have never tried an Irish dance circle can start with the Irish, Scottish, and Breton dance workshops, led by the ROIS school and designed for absolute beginners.

Re-enactment, games, and workshops

Alongside the stage, the re-enactment and gaming soul of the event unfolds, having expanded its scope over the years well beyond the Celtic world:

• Multi-era encampment with re-enactors in historical attire, demonstrations of ancient crafts, and daily life
• Historical archery, open to beginners and children
• LARP arena and gaming area, with collectible card game tournaments and role-playing sessions
• Craft workshops: mosaic, traditional crafts, medieval cooking
• Craft markets with historical and fantasy-themed producers and artisans
• Guided tours of the historic village of Nazzano and its fortress

Tavern, beer, and conviviality

The tavern is one of the festival's defining features: craft beer, mead, and period-inspired drinks accompany dishes served in the evening, with a special focus on medieval-inspired cuisine. The audience is diverse, ranging from local families and historical re-enactment enthusiasts from across Lazio to travelers taking advantage of the free, equipped campsite, open for the entire duration of the event.

Why it's worth the trip

Nazzano is less than an hour from Rome and is easily accessible via the Via Salaria and the A1 motorway. The Tiber Celtic Fest is one of those events that captures the most authentic side of Lazio's villages: small in scale, generous in hospitality, and built almost entirely on the volunteer work of a local association. Entry is free and no booking is required, making it an ideal stop for a late August outing among nature, music, and history, just a stone's throw from the Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve.