From April 25 to May 3, Campagnano di Roma becomes the setting for the 66th edition of the Festa del Baccanale: ten days of immersion in historical roots and authentic flavors, just 30 kilometers from the capital.
Between a monumental “Scarciofata, “ a procession of 350 participants in Renaissance costumes, and the anachronistic Palio delle Contrade on donkeyback, this is the alternative to the usual tourist circuits that no algorithm could suggest with such precision.
The Campagnano di Roma Bacchanal: the perfect plan for the upcoming long weekend
Had enough of the noise from the Concertone and looking for a different atmosphere for May 1st? The answer is this medieval town nestled in the Veio Regional Park. Just a few minutes’ drive along the Cassia Bis and you’ll find yourself in another world: the scent of burning wood, neighborhood banners fluttering in the wind, and music echoing through the alleys of the town center.
The April 25 debut was a success, amid the smoke of the monumental “Scarciofata” and the buzz of the San Marco Fair.
The Campagnano festival is now in full swing with the most anticipated and spectacular events of the May 1st long weekend. From April 30 to May 3, the village just outside Rome is getting ready to show off its best, featuring culture, gastronomy, and the unmissable neighborhood challenge.
April 30: Identity in a Vegetable
On April 30, the focus shifts to regional analysis. A conference will be dedicated to promoting Campagnano’s flagship product, the artichoke, exploring its potential as an economic driver and symbol of local identity.
May 1st: an event blending the sacred and the spectacular
While Piazza San Giovanni prepares for the chaos of May Day, in Campagnano the pace is solemn. The morning will be marked by the Blessing of the Contrade and the official presentation of the cencio, a fundamental ritual for the community.
In the evening, the atmosphere will be even more enchanting: a nighttime procession will wind through the heart of the village amid torches and period costumes. The finale will feature a fireworks display that will paint the sky above the medieval walls.
May 2, the heart of the festival: the Night of the Contrade
On May 2, there will be an event not to be missed for food lovers. The historic center of Campagnano will become an open-air tavern: food stands will open , you’ll be able to sample local specialties, and the squares will fill with street performers.
It is in this setting that the draw for the race heats will take place: the competitive tension between the districts will become palpable. Winning the Palio in Campagnano is a matter of honor.
May 3, the grand finale: donkeys and nobility
On Sunday, May 3, the festival reaches its peak. The afternoon features the Historical Parade: 350 reenactors—including standard-bearers, nobles, guards, and commoners—celebrate the visit of Prince Paolo Giordano I Orsini and Isabella de’ Medici.
The attention to philological detail is surprising for a town of this size.
Next up, the most anticipated event: the Palio delle Contrade on donkeyback. Don’t be fooled: this isn’t a folkloric spectacle, but a fierce, spirited, and unpredictable competition.
How to get to the 66th Campagnano di Roma Bacchanal Festival
- By car: Cassia Bis (SR2bis), Campagnano exit. It takes less than 45 minutes to get there from the main areas of Rome.
- Public transportation: FL3 railway (Rome-Viterbo) to La Storta, then local shuttle (check the Pro Loco website for updated schedules).
Is the Campagnano Festival worth attending?
Absolutely. In addition to the food stalls, the village is worth a stroll. If you have time, visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo or walk a stretch of the Via Francigena within Veio Park: it’s one of the most beautiful and least celebrated green spaces in the metropolitan area.
