Tombolissima

The tombola that kicks off the year in Coreno Ausonio

There is a unique way to welcome the new year in Coreno Ausonio: gathering in the Sala Polivalente on Piazza Umberto I with bingo cards in hand, waiting for the first number to be drawn. This is Tombolissima, the great New Year's Day tombola that brings the center of Coreno Ausonio to life every January 1st. The village, home to just over 1,500 residents, is perched in the Aurunci Mountains, in the heart of the Ciociaria region at the southern tip of the province of Frosinone, in Lazio.

Reaching its 35th edition in 2026, Tombolissima is much more than just a game: it is a collective ritual that unites the entire community, from children to the elderly, for an afternoon of anticipation, called-out numbers, and prizes. Families sit at the tables, the youngest keep a close eye on their cards, and with every ambo, terno, quaterna, or cinquina, the room erupts in cheers and laughter. The most anticipated moment remains, of course, the tombola, when someone completes their card to win the grand prize.

A Pro Loco celebration

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Coreno Ausonio 'Antonio Lisi' APS, the association that has kept the village's social and cultural life vibrant for years with a busy calendar of initiatives throughout the year. Tombolissima is part of the local Christmas festivities, which also include events like 'Sapori e storia del borgo' (Flavors and History of the Village) in late December: a time when this small Aurunci town becomes a meeting point for residents, emigrants returning for the holidays, and visitors from neighboring towns.

Coreno Ausonio, the town of marble

Known throughout Italy for its Perlato Royal quarries—the prized marble that has made the area famous—Coreno Ausonio preserves a historic center of stone alleys and a strong sense of community. Events like Tombolissima tell this very story: the desire to be together, to share a simple and genuine tradition, and to start the year with a smile. For those visiting the Ciociaria and the Aurunci Mountains during the holidays, participating in the New Year's Day tombola is an authentic way to connect with the soul of a village that values hospitality.