Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola Festival 2027 – Italy

概要

Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola is the principal and most beloved popular festival of Caprarola, a charming hill town in the province of Viterbo in the Tuscia area of Lazio, renowned for its extraordinary Palazzo Farnese and for being surrounded by extensive hazelnut groves that produce one of the finest hazelnuts on the Italian market. Born in the 1950s and grown year after year into the flagship summer event of the entire Viterbo province, the festival has as its central mission the valorization of the local product par excellence, the nocciola, considered a true talisman for the local population. Since the 61st edition in 2017, the organization has been entrusted to the Classe of young people who turn 40 years old in that year, a tradition that has brought new energy, creativity and vitality while preserving the deep roots of this celebration. This generational handover has allowed the festival to evolve without losing its authentic community spirit.

The event is organized as a widespread popular fair that transforms the historic center of Caprarola into a stage of culture, folklore, music and gastronomy. The manifestation is completely free to access, a choice that underlines its inclusive and community character and that has contributed to its success, attracting thousands of visitors from Tuscia, Lazio and beyond. In March 2024 the festival received the prestigious Marchio Sagra di Qualità conferred by UNPLI at the Senate, recognizing the quality of organization, respect for tradition and cultural value. Recent editions have hosted nationally known artists such as Alex Britti, Irene Grandi, Coma Cose, Dargen D’Amico, Max Gazzè, Uccio De Santis, Gemelli di Guidonia, DJ Prezioso, Dado with Fantastici 4, journalist Riccardo Cucchi and world boxing champion Giovanni De Carolis, demonstrating the high artistic level achieved alongside the folkloristic tradition.

At its heart, Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola is much more than a food fair. It is a celebration of agricultural identity, of the bond between man and land, of craftsmanship and of conviviality, where every element from the parade to the food stands is designed to celebrate the hazelnut in all its forms.

What Makes This Food Event Special

A celebration of a DOP excellence: The protagonist is the Nocciola Romana DOP, specifically the Tonda Gentile Romana variety together with Nocchione and Tonda di Giffoni, cultivated in the volcanic soils around the Cimini Mountains. This hazelnut is prized for its aroma, crunchiness and high oil content, making it ideal for both fresh consumption and confectionery. The festival is the most direct way to understand why this product obtained the European DOP recognition and why Caprarola is considered one of the capitals of Italian hazelnut production.

The Grandiose Sfilata dei Carri Folkloristici ed Agresti: The cornerstone event of the festival is the spectacular parade of allegorical and rural floats, which takes place in two different processions at the beginning and at the end of the program. Each float is built by hand by local groups and associations with months of work, using hazelnut branches, shells, wood and natural materials, interpreting a theme that combines folklore, rural life and current events. During the parade there is free distribution of typical hazelnut products to the public, a moment of great participation and joy that brings together children and adults.

Completely free and community-driven: Unlike many festivals that require entrance tickets, the Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola is entirely free. Food areas, concerts, comedy shows, theatrical and circus performances, cultural events and sports events are accessible without charge. This is possible thanks to the work of the Classe organizers, volunteers, local associations and sponsors, and it preserves the original spirit of a village festival made by the people for the people.

A mix of tradition and contemporary entertainment: While maintaining strong ties to agricultural tradition, the program includes national-level concerts, stand-up comedy, theatrical shows, circus performances, sports tournaments and cultural talks. This balance between folklore and modern entertainment makes the festival attractive to families, young people and elderly visitors alike, with events from morning to late night.

Award-winning quality: The conferment of the Sagra di Qualità mark by UNPLI is a guarantee of seriousness, authenticity and respect for local heritage. It recognizes the festival not only as an entertainment event but as a cultural project that promotes sustainable tourism, supports local economy and safeguards intangible heritage.

Food, Cuisine & Specialties

The culinary identity of the festival revolves entirely around the hazelnut, explored in its extraordinary versatility, from sweet to savory, from traditional recipes to innovative creations, always starting from the Nocciola Romana DOP.

Traditional hazelnut sweets of Caprarola: The town is famous throughout Lazio for its traditional sweets based on hazelnuts. Among the most iconic are tozzetti, crunchy double-baked biscuits with whole hazelnuts, similar to cantucci but more crumbly; amaretto or brutti ma buoni, soft and chewy meringues with hazelnut flour; pampepati, spiced cakes enriched with hazelnuts, honey and dried fruits; and ossetti da morto and mostaccioli, ancient confectionery linked to festive periods. These sweets are prepared according to recipes handed down in families and by local bakeries, using high percentages of hazelnut without palm oil or artificial additives.

Hazelnut creams and spreads: One of the most beloved products is the hazelnut cream to spread on bread or to garnish cakes, produced with high percentages of roasted hazelnuts, often 50 percent and more, gluten-free, lactose-free and palm oil-free, with an intoxicating scent that immediately recalls freshly processed hazelnuts. Visitors can taste different versions, from pure hazelnut paste to creams with cocoa or with extra virgin olive oil.

Gelato, pastries and street food: During the festival, local gelaterias produce artisanal hazelnut gelato, pastries filled with hazelnut cream, tarts, cakes and fried specialties. Food stands offer both sweet and savory dishes that incorporate hazelnuts, such as pici or gnocchi with hazelnut pesto, meats with hazelnut crust, and salads with toasted hazelnuts, demonstrating how the nut can enhance even savory preparations.

Free distribution and tastings: A cherished tradition of the parade is the free distribution of local hazelnut products directly from the floats, allowing everyone to taste fresh roasted hazelnuts, tozzetti and other delights. This gesture of generosity is a symbol of the festival’s agricultural roots, when farmers offered the fruits of their harvest to the community.

Wine and beverage pairings: Local wines from Tuscia, including white wines from the Cimini hills and red wines from Viterbo province, as well as hazelnut liqueurs, craft beers brewed with hazelnuts and coffee flavored with hazelnut cream, accompany the tastings, creating a complete gastronomic journey.

Chefs, Restaurants & Food Vendors

The food protagonists of Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola are not celebrity chefs from outside but the local community itself, supported by artisan producers and restaurant operators who embody the authentic taste of Tuscia.

Classe organizers and Contrada cooks: The organization by the Classe of 40-year-olds means that each edition brings together people who have grown up with the festival, many of whom are excellent home cooks, pastry makers and farmers. They coordinate the cene in piazza, dinners in the square, and manage the gastronomic stands where traditional dishes are prepared on the spot. Their approach is homemade, generous and deeply tied to seasonality.

Local bakeries and pastry labs: Historic bakeries and pasticcerie of Caprarola, such as those located along Via Nicolai and around Piazza del Comune, set up stalls offering tozzetti, pampepati, hazelnut creams, brutti buoni, crostate and torta di nocciole. These artisans work with Nocciola Romana DOP and often show live demonstrations of biscuit making and cream production.

Agriturismi and farms: Surrounding hazelnut farms and agriturismi participate with stands offering roasted hazelnuts in shell, hazelnut flour, hazelnut oil, honey with hazelnuts and other products directly from the groves. Many farms allow visitors to learn about hazelnut cultivation, harvesting techniques and the DOP certification process.

Restaurants and street food operators: Restaurants of Caprarola extend their outdoor seating during the festival, offering full menus with hazelnut-inspired dishes. In addition, food truck areas and beverage areas are set up in every event zone, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals, with options for families and children.

Artisans and craft vendors: Beyond food, local artisans display handcrafted wares related to woodwork, ceramics and textile arts inspired by hazelnut motifs, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Caprarola’s culture.

Food Experience

The food experience at Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola is designed to be immersive, participatory and continuous throughout the day, with no single formal tasting but a constellation of opportunities.

Wandering and tasting: Visitors can stroll through the historic center, moving from one food stand to another, tasting small portions, comparing different versions of tozzetti or hazelnut cream, and chatting with producers. The experience is informal and convivial, perfect for families who want to share plates and discover new flavors at their own pace.

Cene in piazza and stand gastronomici: A central element is the communal dinners in the squares, where long tables are set up under lights and decorations. These dinners offer traditional menus at popular prices, with first courses, second courses with Chianina and Cinta Senese meats, side dishes and hazelnut desserts, served with local wine. The atmosphere is festive, with live music and entertainment, and reservations are often not needed, encouraging spontaneous participation.

The parade tasting: During the Grandiosa Sfilata dei Carri Folkloristici ed Agresti, the food experience becomes a moving celebration. Floats distribute free hazelnut products to the crowd, creating a direct link between the agricultural display and the final product. Children run to collect sweets, while adults taste freshly roasted hazelnuts, creating a collective memory that defines the festival.

Educational and cultural tastings: Some editions include guided tastings of Nocciola Romana DOP, where experts explain how to recognize quality hazelnuts, how to store them in a cool place away from heat, light and humidity, and how to use them in pastry. Workshops for children teach how to make simple hazelnut biscuits, fostering transmission of knowledge to new generations.

Beverage experience: In addition to solid foods, visitors can enjoy hazelnut liqueur, hazelnut-flavored coffee, craft beers brewed with hazelnuts and refreshing drinks, making the experience complete from aperitivo to digestivo.

日程とスケジュール

イベント日程: August–September 2027 (Dates TBD)

Official Timing: The festival takes place in the last week of the summer period, spanning two weekends with events from morning until late night. The full program with exact days for parades, concerts and food areas will be published on the official website.

Typical Schedule Structure Based on Previous Editions:

Morning and Afternoon: Opening of artisan markets, hazelnut grove visits, cultural exhibitions at Palazzo Farnese, sports events and children’s workshops. Food stands begin service at lunch time.

Late Afternoon: Cultural events, theatrical performances, book presentations and talks about agriculture and DOP products.

Evening: Cene in piazza starting at 7:00 PM, opening of beverage areas, live music concerts with national artists, comedy shows and circus performances.

Parade Days: The Grandiosa Sfilata dei Carri Folkloristici ed Agresti takes place in two separate processions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the festival period, usually in the afternoon, followed by evening celebrations.

Late Night: DJ sets, dance events and social gatherings in the squares until late night.

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場所と会場

Caprarola is located in the province of Viterbo, in the Lazio region, in the heart of Tuscia, on the southeastern slopes of the Cimini Mountains, surrounded by green forests of hazelnut trees that produce one of the best qualities of hazelnuts on the entire Italian market. The town is famous worldwide for Palazzo Farnese, a masterpiece of Renaissance and Mannerist architecture, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola for the powerful Farnese family, with its extraordinary Scala Regia, frescoed rooms and circular courtyard.

The venue of the festival is the historic center itself, with its medieval streets, stairways, squares such as Piazza del Comune and Piazza della Vittoria, and viewpoints that open onto hazelnut groves. The parade route winds along the main street, Via Nicolai, and through the historic quarters, allowing spectators to admire floats up close.

The territory around Caprarola is rich in natural beauty, with Lake Vico, a volcanic lake surrounded by beech forests, the Faggeta del Monte Cimino, a UNESCO World Heritage beech forest, and numerous Etruscan and medieval sites. The entire area is easily walkable, although comfortable shoes are recommended due to slopes and cobblestones.

イベントへの参加方法

By Car: Caprarola is easily reachable by car from Rome via the Cassia Bis or via the A1 Autostrada, exiting at Orte and following signs for Viterbo and Caprarola. The distance from Rome is about 70 kilometers, making it ideal for a day trip or weekend stay. During festival days, parking areas are organized outside the historic center with shuttle services and clear signage. Arriving early is advisable to find parking.

By Train and Bus: The nearest railway stations are Viterbo and Capranica-Sutri, served by regional trains from Rome. From Viterbo, Cotral buses connect to Caprarola in about 30 minutes. During the festival, extra bus services are often organized.

By Air: The closest airports are Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino, both about 90 minutes away by car. From the airports, rental cars or train and bus connections via Rome are available.

Local Mobility: The historic center is largely pedestrian during the festival. The town is small and walkable, with all event areas within a few minutes’ walk from each other. For those with limited mobility, assistance points and alternative routes are available.

近くの宿泊施設

Caprarola offers a range of accommodation options that allow visitors to experience the festival fully, including bed and breakfasts inside the historic center, family-run guesthouses and agriturismi surrounded by hazelnut groves.

Staying inside the center offers the advantage of walking to all events and enjoying the evening atmosphere without needing transportation. Many B&Bs are located in renovated historic buildings with stone walls and wooden beams, offering authentic charm.

Agriturismi just outside the town, immersed in hazelnut orchards and olive groves, offer tranquility, swimming pools, farm-to-table breakfasts with hazelnut products and cooking classes. These are ideal for families and for those who want to combine the festival with nature walks around Lake Vico and Monte Cimino.

Nearby towns such as Ronciglione, Viterbo, Sutri and Nepi offer additional hotels, spa resorts with thermal waters and boutique accommodations. Viterbo, the medieval capital of Tuscia, is only 15 kilometers away and provides a wide range of hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions, making it a good base for exploring the area.

Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, as the festival attracts thousands of visitors and accommodations fill up quickly, especially for the parade days.

イベントの前後にやるべきこと

Visit Palazzo Farnese: The undisputed symbol of Caprarola, this pentagonal palace is one of the most impressive Renaissance residences in Italy. Visit its frescoed halls, the Hall of Maps, the Scala Regia and the secret garden, with guided tours available.

Explore Lake Vico and Monte Cimino: Lake Vico is a volcanic lake surrounded by lush forests, ideal for hiking, kayaking and birdwatching. Monte Cimino, the highest peak of the Cimini Mountains, hosts the Faggeta, a UNESCO World Heritage ancient beech forest, perfect for trekking and nature photography.

Discover Tuscia villages: The area is rich in medieval villages such as Ronciglione with its carnival tradition, Sutri with its Etruscan amphitheater, Nepi with its Borgia castle and Viterbo with its Papal Palace and medieval quarter of San Pellegrino.

Hazelnut grove walks: Many local farms organize guided walks through hazelnut groves, explaining cultivation techniques, pruning, harvesting and DOP certification, offering a deeper understanding of the product celebrated by the festival.

Thermal baths: The Viterbo area is famous for its thermal waters. The Terme dei Papi, Bullicame and free hot springs of Saturnia-style pools in the countryside offer relaxation after festival days.

Local museums and churches: The Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and small local museums dedicated to rural life complete the cultural itinerary.

Restaurants & Local Food to Try

Caprarola and the surrounding Tuscia area offer outstanding trattorias, osterias and agriturismi where you can deepen your culinary journey beyond the festival.

Must-try dishes: In addition to hazelnut sweets, try acquacotta, a traditional vegetable and bread soup, pici or lombrichelli handmade pasta, gnocchi with potato and hazelnut, porchetta from Tuscia, abbacchio, grilled meats, and pecorino cheeses. For dessert, besides tozzetti and pampepati, taste ciambellone with hazelnuts, hazelnut tart and gelato alla nocciola.

地元産品: Tuscia is famous for extra virgin olive oil DOP Tuscia, chestnuts from Monti Cimini DOP, potatoes from Upper Tuscia, lentils, honey, and wines such as Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone and Grechetto. Pair hazelnut dishes with local wines for a complete experience.

Recommended restaurant styles: Family-run trattorias along Via Filippo Nicolai and around Piazza del Comune offer rustic, generous portions at reasonable prices, with menus that change according to seasonality. Agriturismi outside town offer farm-to-table experiences with ingredients from their own fields and hazelnut groves. Enotecas and wine bars offer aperitivo with hazelnut appetizers and local wine tastings.

Food shopping: Local shops sell packaged tozzetti, hazelnut creams, roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut oil and other products that make excellent souvenirs and gifts, allowing you to bring the taste of Caprarola home.

Dietary & Food Allergy Information

The festival is attentive to dietary needs, although it takes place in traditional open-air settings with communal kitchens.

Vegetarian and vegan options: Many food stands offer vegetarian preparations such as bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, vegetable soups, grilled vegetables, salads with hazelnuts and pasta with tomato sauce. Vegan options are available but more limited, as many traditional sweets contain eggs, butter or honey. Some stands offer vegan hazelnut creams made without dairy.

Gluten-free: Traditional sweets are often made with wheat flour, but some producers offer gluten-free versions using hazelnut flour, rice flour or almond flour. Roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut creams without added biscuits, polenta, grilled meats and cheese platters are naturally gluten-free. It is advisable to ask vendors directly.

Nut allergies: Since the festival is entirely dedicated to hazelnuts, it is not suitable for individuals with severe nut allergies. Hazelnut particles, dust and oils are present throughout the event area, in food, on surfaces and in the air during roasting and processing. Visitors with nut allergies should exercise extreme caution and consider avoiding food areas.

Other allergens: All authorized food points are required to display allergen information in accordance with EU regulations. However, since preparation takes place in open-air kitchens and in crowded conditions, cross-contact cannot be fully excluded for severe allergies. Speak directly with vendors, carry personal medication if needed and contact organizers in advance for specific guidance.

チケット情報

The Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola is completely free. There is no entrance ticket to access the historic center, parades, concerts, comedy shows, theatrical and circus performances, cultural events and sports events. This free-access model is a fundamental principle of the festival, ensuring inclusivity and community participation.

Food and beverage costs: While entry is free, food and drinks at stands and cene in piazza are paid separately at popular prices. Based on previous editions, typical costs converted to USD are: roasted hazelnuts bag USD 6 to USD 9, tozzetti pack USD 7 to USD 10, hazelnut cream jar USD 9 to USD 13, porchetta sandwich USD 8 to USD 11, full dinner in piazza with first course, second course and dessert USD 22 to USD 32, draft beer USD 6, glass of local wine USD 5 to USD 7. Prices are set by individual vendors and may vary slightly.

Lottery and fundraising: To support the organization, the Classe organizes a Grande Lotteria with tickets at USD 3 each, offering prizes such as fuel vouchers, jewelry, dinners and products from local businesses. Purchase is optional and contributes to the realization of the festival.

予約: No reservation is needed for general access and parade viewing. For cene in piazza, early arrival is recommended to secure tables, especially on weekends and parade days. No advance booking is required for most events.

公式イベント情報

Title: Sagra della Nocciola di Caprarola Festival 2027 – Italy

主催者: Comitato Sagra della Nocciola Classe 87 – With support of Comune di Caprarola, Pro Loco Caprarola, Regione Lazio and local associations

公式ウェブサイト: https://sagranocciolacaprarola.it/

Contact E-mail: sagradellanocciola@gmail.com

会場: Historic Center of Caprarola, Province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy – Main areas: Via Filippo Nicolai, Piazza del Comune, Piazza della Vittoria

Social and Updates: Full program, parade themes, artist line-up and food area maps are published on the official website and on social media channels. Information points are set up during festival days in the historic center.

Recognition: Marchio Sagra di Qualità conferred by UNPLI in March 2024 at the Senate, recognizing quality, authenticity and cultural value.

Notes: The event takes place regardless of weather conditions, with covered areas available. Visitors are asked to respect the historic center, use recycling bins and support local producers by purchasing authentic products.

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