The Nemi Strawberry Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Castelli Romani area near Rome, and in 2025 it reaches a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of its very first edition. Nemi’s strawberries are renowned throughout Italy for their vibrant colour and rich flavour. But what should you know about 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 2025?
- Programme for the 2025 edition
- Nemi Strawberry Festival 2025 tickets
- How to get to Nemi: by car or public transport
- What to see in Nemi: top attractions not to miss
- 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. These events were typically held on 13 June in Campo de’ Fiori, also marking the Catholic feast of Saint Anthony.
The finest 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 2025?
In 2025, the official date of the Nemi Strawberry Festival is set for Sunday 1 June. The celebrations will continue into the following day, Monday 2 June, coinciding with Italy’s Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica). This creates the perfect opportunity for a long weekend filled with tastings, folkloric performances, and cultural events.
The theme for this special edition is particularly significant: “Let’s Protect Our Planet”. The festival will feature talks and initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and protecting the natural world.
Programme for the 2025 edition
The Municipality of Nemi, together with local associations, has put together a schedule of events that blends tradition, entertainment and innovation. The key highlights for Sunday 1 June include:
- Morning: Opening of the Flower Exhibition and the Historic Parade of the Fragolare, accompanied by the town’s marching band.
- Afternoon: Folk performances and traditional music, followed by the second Fragolare parade starting at 4:30 p.m.
- Early Evening: Award ceremony for the Fragolare, free strawberry tastings, and a live concert with evening entertainment.
On Monday 2 June, the programme features:
- A third Fragolare parade,
- A public show in the main square at 5:00 p.m.,
- A final concert held in the Church of the Crucifix,
- And at 6:30 p.m., a special talk with the well-known science communicator Mario Tozzi.
Nemi Strawberry Festival 2025 tickets
Entry to the Nemi Strawberry Festival 2025 is free of charge, including access to most cultural events, parades, and performances. However, certain guided tours, workshops, or tastings may require a small fee or prior booking. It’s recommended to check the official Comune di Nemi website or local tourism boards closer to the event for updates on any ticketed activities.
How to get to Nemi: by car or public transport
Whether travelling from Rome to Nemi or if you're coming from elsewhere, reaching the town to attend the Nemi Strawberry Festival is easy, both by car or by public transport. Here's how:
- By car: Nemi is located about 30 km south-east of Rome. The quickest route from the capital is via the Via Appia Nuova (SS7) to Genzano di Roma, then follow the signs for Nemi along the SP217 (Via Nemorense).
- By public transport: Nemi can be reached with a combination of train and bus. From Roma Termini, take a regional train towards either Velletri or Albano Laziale. From either station, Cotral buses run direct connections to Nemi.
What to see in Nemi: top attractions not to miss
Nemi is a hidden gem in the Castelli Romani, famous not only for the Nemi Strawberry Festival but also for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It’s widely regarded as one of the top 10 villages to visit near Rome. So, what are the must-see sights in this charming town in the province of Rome?
- Historic Centre of Nemi: Wander through narrow alleys and discover panoramic views over the lake. Don’t miss Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with historic churches and traditional buildings.
- Lake Nemi: A small volcanic lake nestled among woodlands, historically significant and even mentioned in Virgil’s Aeneid.
- Lovers’ Terrace (Terrazza degli Innamorati): One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Nemi, with access to the public gardens.
- Church of Santa Maria del Pozzo: One of the oldest churches in the village, known for its richly decorated interior.
- Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix of Nemi: Dating back to the 17th century, this peaceful sanctuary offers stunning views over the town and lake.
- Museum of Roman Ships (Museo delle Navi Romane): Home to significant archaeological finds, including remains of Roman ships recovered from the lake.
Nemi strawberries: health benefits and recipes to try
More than just a symbol of the town, the Nemi strawberry is renowned for its intense flavour, firm texture, and unmistakable fragrance. It’s also particularly rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and fibre, which supports healthy digestion.
Nemi strawberries are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote overall wellbeing—all while being low in calories. This makes them ideal for a variety of recipes, including:
- Homemade strawberry jam – perfect for breakfast or as a garnish for gourmet dishes.
- Fresh strawberry tart – a thoughtful gift or a delicious dessert for any occasion.
- Strawberry, rocket and balsamic salad – a refreshing and surprisingly original summer dish.
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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