Threshing Festival

On 1 and 2 August 2026 Leonessa, in the heart of the Rieti Apennines, is hosting the first edition of the Threshing Festival, an event dedicated to rediscovering rural culture, ancient agricultural traditions and rural heritage. Two days designed to celebrate the deep bond between the community and the land, through gatherings, folklore, gastronomy and moments of sharing.

The event kicks off on Saturday 1 August with “La memoria delle mani”, a gathering dedicated to the crafts of yesteryear, sheep farming, transhumance and the traditions that have shaped the history of the Leonessa area. In the afternoon and evening, Piazza 7 Aprile comes alive with music from the folk group Matru’, followed by the evocative Poetic Dinner, where gastronomy and poetry come together in a convivial atmosphere.

On Sunday 2 August, the festivities continue with the spectacular parade of vintage tractors and the symbolic arrival of the wheat in the historic centre, evoking one of the most important moments in rural life. The day continues with musical entertainment from the band Gli Alta Quota and a lunch showcasing traditional local flavours, offering visitors the chance to rediscover authentic recipes and typical local produce.

The Threshing Festival is a special occasion to get to know Leonessa through its agricultural history, folk traditions and cultural heritage, which still characterise this charming village in Lazio today. An event that celebrates the heritage of mountain communities and invites young and old alike to rediscover the charm of rural life amidst music, culture and conviviality.

Program

Saturday 1 August

• 10.00 am – The Memory of Hands: an event dedicated to crafts, traditions, sheep farming and transhumance at the Santa Lucia Auditorium.
• From 6.30 pm – Folk music with the Matru’ folk group in Piazza 7 Aprile.
• 7.30 pm – Poetic Dinner with poets performing impromptu.

Sunday 2 August

• 11.30 am – Parade of vintage tractors and arrival of the wheat in Piazza 7 Aprile.
• 12.00 pm – Musical entertainment by the band Gli Alta Quota.
• 12.30 pm – Traditional lunch.