The Nemi Strawberry Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Castelli Romani area near Rome. Nemi’s strawberries are renowned throughout Italy for their vibrant colour and rich flavour.
But what should you know about the 93rd edition of the Nemi Strawberry Festival? Here are the dates, the programme, and what not to miss in this charming village in the Castelli hills.
- The history of the Nemi Strawberry Festival
- When is the Nemi Strawberry Festival in 2026?
- Programme for the 2026 edition
- Saturday 6th June
- Sunday 7th June
- Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026 tickets
- How to get to Nemi from Rome: by car or public transport
- What to see in Nemi: top attractions near Rome
- Nemi strawberries: health benefits and recipes to try
- Living in Nemi
The history of the Nemi Strawberry Festival
Strawberries and wild strawberries from Nemi have been known since ancient Roman times, when they were traditionally eaten during the Ides of June, coinciding with festivities in honour of Adonis. This pagan tradition later continued into the Christian era, which is why celebrations such as the Triumph of the Strawberries were especially popular in Rome.
The best strawberries in the Roman countryside were undoubtedly those from Nemi, as documented many times over the centuries. They were even recognised as a national speciality in a list compiled in 1877.
The local community of the Castelli Romani decided to celebrate this prized product with a dedicated festival, first held in 1922. The symbol of the celebration is the figure of the fragolare—women who traditionally offered strawberries to passers-by in baskets and woven trays.
When is the Nemi Strawberry Festival in 2026?
In 2026, the official date of the Nemi Strawberry Festival is set for Sunday, 7th June.
The theme for this edition is Italian cuisine as UNESCO heritage, following its recognition in 2025 as the first national culture to be inscribed on the UNESCO list.
Programme for the 2026 edition
Throughout the day, Nemi’s historic centre will be filled with floral installations, folklore, music and tasting routes showcasing local products and culinary identity.
Saturday 6th June
Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
10:00 | Set-up of the Flower Exhibition | Historic centre |
16:00 | Opening of the artisan market | Historic centre |
17:00 | Musical walk through the old town | Departing from Piazza Roma |
18:30 | Opening of the photography exhibition “Images of the Festival from 1925 to Today” | Cantina del Passato – Piazza Roma |
Throughout the day | Filming of the short film “Il fazzoletto rosso” | Various locations |
Sunday 7th June
Time | Event |
|---|---|
10:00 | Holy Mass |
11:00 | Opening of the Flower Exhibition |
11:30 | Historic Parade of the Fragolare |
12:30 | Institutional greetings with Antonio Giuliani |
15:30 | Folklore in the Old Town |
16:00 | Music workshop performance “Dionigi Percussion” |
16:30 | Historic Parade of the Fragolare |
18:00 | “Nemi Tells Its Story” |
18:30 | Nemi School Music Ensemble |
19:00 | Free distribution of strawberries |
21:00 | Evening concert |
23:00 | Fireworks display – Grand Finale |
Nemi Strawberry Festival 2206 key highlights
The event will be hosted by actress and presenter Metis Di Meo, guiding visitors through the day’s main moments and guests.
Food on offer will include:
- Artisanal strawberry gelato from Fattoria La Frisona
- Blanche Nemorensis craft beer thanks to Podere 676 Brewery
Events not to miss:
- Official opening ceremony with inaugural guest Antonio Giuliani
- The Flower Exhibition 2026, inspired by Italian cuisine as a cultural heritage, features themed floral scenographies and artistic installations.
- The traditional Parade of the Fragolare in historic costume, alongside performances by the Terra Nemorense group and the Compatrum band.
- Show cooking sessions with guest chef Alessandro Circiello.
- Free distribution and tastings of Nemi’s native strawberries throughout the day.
- Presentation of the underwater-aged wine Caligola – Abissi Lacustri and the updated GinCosta wild strawberry gin.
- Evening concert and final fireworks display, bringing the 93rd edition to a close.
Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026 tickets
Entry to the Nemi Strawberry Festival 2026 is free of charge, including access to the Flower Exhibition, parades, performances and the main entertainment programme.
Tastings of Nemi’s strawberries are traditionally offered free while supplies last. Certain specific activities, presentations or guided experiences may involve limited access depending on capacity. For the most up-to-date practical information, it’s best to consult the official Comune di Nemi channels closer to the event date.
How to get to Nemi from Rome: by car or public transport
If you're planning a day trip to the Nemi Strawberry Festival, or simply exploring the Castelli Romani, getting to Nemi from Rome is fairly straightforward.
Driving is the simplest option, especially during major events such as the Nemi Strawberry Festival in June. Take the Via Appia Nuova (SS7) out of Rome towards Genzano di Roma. From Genzano, follow signs for Nemi along the SP217 (Via Nemorense).
- The journey usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Reaching Nemi by public transport involves a regional train plus a local bus connection. From Roma Termini, take a regional train to Velletri or Albano Laziale. From either station, Cotral buses connect to Nemi.
- Travel time varies between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on connections. On festival days, buses can be busy, so allowing extra time is sensible.
What to see in Nemi: top attractions near Rome
Beyond the Nemi Strawberry Festival, this small hilltop town in the Castelli Romani Regional Park has a surprising amount to see for a day trip from Rome or a weekend visit. Its setting above a volcanic lake gives it a slightly theatrical feel, particularly in the late afternoon light.
Historic Centre of Nemia - Corso Vittorio Emanuele street runs through the heart of the village, lined with old stone buildings, small food shops selling wild strawberry products, and viewpoints over the lake.
Lake Nemi - a volcanic crater lake surrounded by thick woodland. In Roman times, it was associated with the cult of Diana, and it appears in classical literature, including Virgil’s Aeneid.
Terrazza degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Terrace) - the main panoramic viewpoint over the lake. It’s just off the historic centre and gives one of the clearest views of the water and surrounding forest.
Church of Santa Maria del Pozzo - one of the village’s oldest religious buildings. Inside, you’ll find richly decorated chapels and artwork linked to Nemi’s ecclesiastical history.
Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix of Nemi - dating back to the 17th century, the church sits slightly apart from the main flow of visitors.
Museo delle Navi Romane (Museum of Roman Ships) - displays archaeological finds linked to Emperor Caligula’s ceremonial ships, which were recovered from the lake in the 20th century.
Nemi strawberries: health benefits and recipes to try
More than just a symbol of the town, the Nemi strawberry stands out for its intense flavour, firm texture and unmistakable fragrance. Grown in the volcanic soil around Lake Nemi, these small, sweet berries have a depth of taste that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Nutritionally, they’re rich in vitamin C and contain a good amount of fibre. They’re also packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals, and they’re naturally low in calories.
A few local-inspired ideas worth trying:
- Homemade strawberry jam – Slow-cooked with a squeeze of lemon, it keeps the flavour bright.
- Fresh strawberry tart – A crisp pastry base filled with vanilla custard and topped with glossy Nemi strawberries.
- Strawberry, rocket and balsamic salad – Peppery rocket, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of aged balsamic bring out the sweetness of the fruit.
Living in Nemi
Those who choose to live in Nemi find themselves surrounded by breathtaking landscapes: the volcanic lake, lush woodlands, and strawberry-covered hills create a truly unique setting. Despite being immersed in nature, the town is well connected to Rome and to other major destinations in the Castelli Romani.
Many people see Nemi as the ideal place to raise a family or to strike a balance between working in the city and enjoying a better quality of life in the countryside. All essential services are available, and everything is within easy reach.
If you're considering relocating to this charming town, have a look at the latest homes for sale or rent on idealista:
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