Wild Boar Pappardelle Festival

One of the most beloved festivals in Alta Tuscia

The Wild Boar Pappardelle Festival is one of the most deeply rooted and cherished gastronomic events in the summer of the Viterbo Tuscia area. It takes place in Torre Alfina, a stunning medieval village and hamlet of the municipality of Acquapendente, in the province of Viterbo, at the northernmost tip of Lazio, just a stone's throw from the borders of Umbria and Tuscany. In 2025, the event celebrated its 30th edition, confirming its status as one of the region's longest-running and most popular festivals, drawing thousands of food lovers from across the Viterbo area and neighboring regions.

Wild boar pappardelle, a dish that tells the story of the land

Wild boar pappardelle are undoubtedly the most typical dish of Torre Alfina and the absolute stars of the festival. Their history is rooted in the ancient hare fettuccine that were once prepared in local kitchens. Over the years, due to the increasing presence of wild boar in the woods surrounding the village, hare meat was gradually replaced by wild boar in the ragù, giving rise to this specialty with its intense, bold flavor—now a symbol of the village's gastronomic identity.

Four evenings of food, music, and conviviality

Throughout the festival, the heart of the village comes alive with food stalls, outdoor tables, and live music. Alongside the essential pappardelle, the menu features traditional local dishes: mixed bruschetta, pasta and meat courses prepared by Pro Loco volunteers, grilled meats, side dishes, and desserts, all accompanied by local wine. Every evening captures the spirit of a great village celebration, where good food meets conviviality and musical entertainment.

Torre Alfina Castle opens its doors at night

One of the elements that makes this festival unique is its setting. During the evenings, the majestic Torre Alfina Castle opens its doors for evening guided tours, allowing visitors to admire the elegant historic rooms, frescoes, halls, and panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside. It is a precious opportunity to enrich your evening with a cultural and evocative experience before or after enjoying the pappardelle.

Torre Alfina and Acquapendente, in northern Lazio

Visiting the festival is also the perfect chance to discover Torre Alfina, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its neo-Gothic castle and the nearby Sasseto Wood, a natural monument of great charm. The village is part of the municipality of Acquapendente, an ancient stop on the Via Francigena overlooking the upper Paglia valley. It is an excursion that combines nature, history, and the finest food and wine traditions of northern Lazio.