Torrice Grape Festival

The harvest celebration in the heart of Ciociaria

As summer gives way to the vibrant colors of autumn, Torrice—a small hillside village in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio—dedicates an entire weekend to the most iconic fruit of its countryside: the grape. The Torrice Grape Festival traditionally takes place on the first weekend of October along the tree-lined Viale Regina Elena and in Piazza Santa Lucia, transforming the town center into a lively, open-air rustic celebration with free admission.

A young festival, an ancient spirit

The event, which reached its sixth edition in 2025, is organized by the I Viandanti cultural association in collaboration with local districts and under the patronage of the Municipality of Torrice. Although the festival is relatively recent, it is rooted in a much older tradition: the harvest as a moment of shared labor and collective celebration, when Ciociarian farming families would help one another in the vineyards, concluding the work with singing, dancing, and communal feasts. The festival renews this community spirit every year, with local districts engaging in friendly competition through games and parades.

The flavors of the Torrice tradition

The heart of the festival lies in the food stalls managed by the local districts. On Saturday evening, visitors can enjoy focaccine topped with broccoli rabe, peppers, caramelized onions, and guanciale, while Sunday lunch features gnocchi with ragù, all paired with wine from local producers. These are the honest, hearty dishes of Ciociarian cuisine, a peasant tradition made of simple, genuine ingredients enjoyed in their most authentic setting.

Folk songs, parade floats, and Mister Grappolo

Beyond the gastronomy, the festival offers a program of popular entertainment that engages all generations:

• the Ciociarian folk song competition (stornelli), where districts challenge each other with improvised traditional songs in Piazza Santa Lucia;
• the parade of floats on Sunday morning, meticulously crafted by the districts on the theme of grapes and the harvest;
• the children's parade in traditional Ciociarian costumes, one of the most photographed moments of the event;
• traditional games in the afternoon, bringing back the pastimes of yesteryear;
• the election of Mister Grappolo, a fun award ceremony that closes the event;
• live folk music, featuring traditional Ciociarian groups such as I Brigallè and I Trillanti.

Torrice and its surroundings

Torrice sits on a hill just a few kilometers from Frosinone, in the heart of Ciociaria, a land of perched villages, olive groves, and vineyards. The town retains a compact historic center and a strong agricultural identity: the festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of Lazio, far from the major tourist crowds, where popular traditions—from folk songs to the distinctive ciocie footwear—are still very much alive. The Lazio Region and Ciociarian tourism portals regularly include the event among their recommended autumn highlights.

An event for everyone

With free admission, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a program that combines great food, music, and folklore, the Torrice Grape Festival is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a genuine Ciociarian village festival: you come out of curiosity, but you stay for the gnocchi, the folk songs, and the warmth of the people.