The Sheep Festival of Fabrica di Roma is celebrating its first ten years, the event dedicated to promoting one of the oldest forms of economic activity ever carried out by Man. Practiced in Lazio for thousands of years, sheep breeding has always provided essential goods for the life of the populations of the Viterbo hinterland. It is no coincidence that the word "sheep" has the same root as "pecunia", money, derived from the Latin pecus "livestock", the only true wealth and currency of exchange in the primitive shepherding economy.
The sheep and goat sector of Lazio is the third in Italy and has 3.000 companies for a total of between 750/770 thousand heads. Viterbo is the undisputed leader. In Tuscia there are 1.500 active sheep farms with a consistency of just under 300 heads and an annual milk production of 40/43 million litres.
At Fabrica di Roma, the sheep is the protagonist of a great celebration during the last two weekends of August. In the main square of the Market, (Piazza Madre Teresa di Calcutta, Vallette locality), at the foot of the historic center of Fabrica, the Committee of the Celebrations of SS. Matteo and Giustino, the organizer of the initiative together with the culture councilorship of the municipality of Fabrica di Roma, will renew the formula - which has never been interrupted in recent years and with the utmost respect for the distancing measures and health regulations in the Covid emergency period - which combines a multiple themed gastronomic proposal to live music entertainment.
This year on the plate, novelty of the Festival, sheep meatballs with sauce and fried ribs, which will make up the rich menu (à la carte and at the diners' choice) together with the classic proposals such as the shepherd's maxi appetizer, gnocchi with mutton and all 'amatriciana, sheep ravioli, grilled sheep, pork and sheep sausages and the most renowned.
Admission to the event is free upon presentation of the green pass or swab carried out within 48 hours in advance. Reservations are recommended by calling + 39 366 2356728 or by email scaren_78@yahoo.it
Sheep festivals in this period are also held in various Italian locations. Particularly interesting is the Festival of the Black Sheep of Pitzinurri in Ingurtosu in Sardinia organized by the Black Sheep Breeders Association of Arbus, in collaboration with the Municipality of Arbus.
The event celebrates the qualities of this typical Arburese animal with moments of information and visits to local sheepfolds, exhibition stands, workshops and of course tastings of products made from sheep.
The black sheep represents one of the main biodiversity present in the Arbus area and more generally in Medio Campidano. This species, which had been set aside for a long time and risked extinction, has recently regained its importance thanks to the commitment of local breeders who have increased its presence in the Arbus sheepfolds. Of particular interest is its natural coat: a wool which, felted with milk, olive oil, honey and lye, furnishes the house, embellishes jewels, beautifies wood, iron, rightfully entering the "beauty line" of local products. In addition, it has thermal, acoustic and air purification capabilities.
Another sheep festival, it has been celebrated for 32 years in the Ploaghese area in the province of Sassari. The festival was born in the eighties from an idea of the shepherds of Ploaghe, eager to promote some products of the local gastronomy.
For the festival, food and wine stands are set up, all accompanied by the music of folk musical groups, which enliven the dinners of visitors with Sardinian folk songs.
Also worth mentioning is the Sheep Festival in Ponte a Signa in Tuscany, included in the program of the Feast of Sant'Anna and the Patron Saints Feast and Sheep Festival in San Piero A Ponti, in the Florentine municipality of Campi Bisenzio.
