Vendemmiale Capenate (Grape and Wine Festival)

The Vendemmiale Capenate: A Century of Tradition

The Vendemmiale Capenate, also known as the Grape and Wine Festival, is one of the oldest and most cherished folk events in the territory north of Rome. Established in 1927, it traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of October in Capena, a village in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the heart of Lazio. Every autumn, the festival celebrates the end of the harvest and the community's deep bond with farming culture, attracting visitors from across the province and beyond.

The Allegorical Float Parade

The highlight of the Vendemmiale is the parade of allegorical floats which, on Sunday afternoon, travels through the streets of the historic center. The floats, often pulled by agricultural tractors and decorated with motifs inspired by grapes and rural life, are accompanied by performers in traditional folk costumes who offer grapes and wine to the public. The parade concludes with the traditional and joyful "grape assault," a collective celebration involving both adults and children.

The Decorated Town and the Lion's Mouth

During the festival, Capena dresses up for the occasion: laurel garlands and bunches of grapes are hung between house windows, while the Sant'Antonio staircase transforms into a natural stage. One of the most evocative rituals is the wine tasting from the Bocca del Leone Capenate, the marble mask from which wine flows all afternoon to be offered to participants: an identity symbol that tells the authentic soul of the village.

Local Flavors and Products

The Vendemmiale is also an opportunity to discover the flavors of the Roman countryside. Along the streets and in the squares, you will find:

• Food stalls and food trucks with local specialties;
• Wine tastings and typical local products;
• Artisan markets in the historic center;
• Exhibitions, creative workshops, and food and wine activities for all ages.

An Event for the Whole Community

Organized by the Pro Loco Capena with the support of the Municipality of Capena, the event combines entertainment, live music, and conviviality. Concerts, dance performances, and themed evenings accompany the days, making the Vendemmiale a fixed appointment in the Lazio autumn. In 2025, the festival celebrated its 100th edition, confirming itself as one of the longest-running and most beloved traditions in the province of Rome.