Sagra dell Fritello at Roccantica
The Sagra dell Fritello, or fritter festival, is held every year in Roccantica on the sunday following the Saints day of San Guiseppe (19th of March), in 2016 that should be 20th March.
The fritelle are cauliflower florets, dipped in batter and rapidly fried in enormous vats of oil set up in the piazza.
It’s a very popular local festival, and with good reason, the fritelle are absolutely delicious! You might not think fried cauliflower sounds too appealing but believe me they are, especially eaten straight from the pan on a sunny afternoon in early spring (accordions optional).
As well as the food the Sagra normally features local craft and food stalls and performances by the local medieval drumming group.
Villa degli Armeni – private rental villa near Rome
Video: A Sabina olive mill
I recently came across a treasure trove of promotional videos for the Sabine Hills, made by Viaggio in Sabina. Some really well made, (and subtitled in English!) videos showcasing the region, its sights, festivals and food.
With the olive oil harvest just about finishing up here in the Sabina I thought it would be a good moment to show how a typical olive farm and press works. The Sabina has been famous since Roman times for its olive oil and this is still the main agricultural production here. Sabina oil was the first olive oil in Italy to receive DOP status – meaning the name Sabina Olive Oil is protected and the production regulated to very high standards.
The olives are grown on small family farms scattered over the rolling hills. In November and December people get together for the olive harvest and then take the olives straight to local pressing mills.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Sabina olive oil why not take an olive oil tour with local expert Johnny Madge.
Villa degli Armeni – villa rental near Rome