Wild Boar Festival

A mountain festival in the heart of the Comino Valley

The Wild Boar Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events in Picinisco, a village perched at over 700 meters above sea level in the province of Frosinone, in the Lazio region. The town, included in the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and overlooking the Lazio side of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, is the natural hub of the Comino Valley: a green basin of pastures, beech forests, and trails where the culture of hunting and shepherding has shaped the local cuisine for centuries.

The event stems from this very identity. It is organized by the Picinisco-Montecorno Hunters' Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Picinisco, and takes place at Largo Montano, the square that fills up every year with long tables, stalls, and lights. July 2025 marked the ninth edition, a sign of its established success: for nearly a decade, the festival has brought together residents, locals returning for the summer, and visitors from across the Ciociaria region.

Wild boar, the star of the table

Wild boar is a constant presence in the woods of the Lazio-Abruzzo Apennines, and its flavorful, lean meat is the foundation of some of the area's most iconic dishes. The festival stalls offer classic preparations:

• Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, the event's signature dish
• Wild boar stew, slow-cooked with mountain herbs and red wine
• Grilled meats and roasts prepared outdoors
• Wild boar cured meats and sausages, processed according to local tradition
• Side dishes, local cheeses, and desserts

The event also highlights other products that have made the town famous: Picinisco is the home of the Pecorino di Picinisco DOP, the only cheese from Lazio to hold this designation, and it also hosts Pastorizia in Festival, an event dedicated to the world of shepherds. Those attending the festival will find a natural opportunity to sample mountain-made cheeses, cured meats, and wines from the Comino Valley.

Evenings of music and village life

The format is that of a traditional mountain festival: stalls open in the evening, usually around 8:30 PM, as the heat fades and the village comes to life. Tastings are accompanied by live music, folk bands, and traditional dances that continue late into the night, with the participation of local families and youth. Admission to the festival area is free: you only pay for what you eat, with affordable prices and freshly served dishes.

Why it's worth the trip

More than just a food festival, the Wild Boar Festival in Picinisco is an immersion into the life of an Apennine village in summer. The historic center, with its stone alleys, fortress, and valley views, can be explored in a few hours and provides the perfect backdrop for the evening. For those staying in the area, the event is part of a particularly rich summer calendar, which includes festivals in the nearby towns of Atina, Alvito, and San Donato Val di Comino.

Dates vary from year to year between July and August: we recommend checking the updated calendar before traveling.