Wild Boar Festival

The festival celebrating the king of the Cimini woods

In Soriano nel Cimino, a village in the province of Viterbo dominated by the Orsini Castle and surrounded by the beech forests of the Cimini Mountains, wild boar is more than just game: it is a piece of local identity. The Wild Boar Festival, organized by the Cimini Wild Boar Hunters' Team with the support of the Municipality of Soriano nel Cimino, transforms the Largo Enrico Berlinguer square (Piazzale Papacqua) into one of the most anticipated gastronomic celebrations in the Tuscia and Lazio regions for two weekends in July.

A tradition born from local hunters

Behind the festival's stoves are the hunters and volunteers of the boar hunting team, who prepare the meat according to ancient local recipes passed down through generations. This short and genuine supply chain—from the woods to the table—is what makes the difference compared to many other festivals: the meat is processed and cooked by those who truly know wild boar, using long marinations and slow cooking methods that enhance its flavor.

What to eat

The menu is a journey through the traditional cuisine of the Viterbo Tuscia:

• Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, the festival's signature dish
• Jugged wild boar (cinghiale in salmì), slow-cooked in red wine with aromatic herbs
• Wild boar stew and roasts
• Arrosticini (grilled meat skewers)
• Local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and pickles
• Traditional desserts such as ciambelle al vino (wine donuts)

Food stands open on Friday evenings only, while on Saturdays and Sundays they are open for both lunch and dinner; takeaway service is also available. Starting from the 2026 edition, gluten-free options are also offered.

Live music every night

Every evening of the festival is accompanied by concerts and live music, with bands, orchestras, and artists enlivening the square until late. During the event, the streets and squares of the village fill with stalls, folk group performances, and street artists: a genuine village atmosphere made of shared tables, laughter, and the joy of being together.

Soriano nel Cimino, a village to discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit Soriano nel Cimino, one of the most charming villages in northern Lazio. The mighty Orsini Castle, built in the 13th century, dominates the medieval historic center, while just a few kilometers away lies the Monte Cimino beech forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the event, guided tours of the historic center and the castle are often available. The town is also famous for the historic Chestnut Festival in October: two events that tell the story of the rural and woodland soul of this corner of Tuscia.

A well-established event

Reaching its 17th edition in 2026, the Wild Boar Festival is now a staple of the summer in the province of Viterbo, attracting visitors from all over the region and nearby Umbria. Entry to the festival area is free, and you only pay for what you consume at the stands: a simple formula that rewards the quality of the cuisine and the hospitality of the volunteers.