Two things that Italians know how to do are have fun and eat. The genius of a sagra is that it combines both. 

A sagra is a small local festival that celebrates some aspect of the town where, it is being held. While most have their roots in old country fairs, today most sagre are oriented to bring in visitors from all over Italy. 

This is the Sagra di Porchetta, or roast pork. It is being held here Ariccia, a small town in the Castelli Romani, a group of picturesque towns nestled in the Alban hills just south of Rome. Overlooking both Rome and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Castelli region has always been a place for Romans to escape the city and, is a wonderful place to sightsee or enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. 

Porchetta is a slow-roasted pork spiced with hot pepper, wild fennel and a variety of other herbs. While it is made in other parts of Italy, the Porchetta from Ariccia is the most famous and arguably the best. 

But here at the Sagra di Porchetta there is much more than pork on offer. There are carnival games, market stands, sweets and some rides for the kids – and of course a bit of wine. A sagra is always a great change of pace from the bustling city life. If you have the time, try and get out of town and see one. 

Enjoy your Journey.