THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE ON THE OUTSIDE OF ROME IS PREPARING TO CELEBRATE ONE OF THE TYPICAL PRODUCTS OF ITS LAND. NEMI CELEBRATES LA “STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL”, A FRUIT ON WHICH LOCAL CULTURE AND TRADITION BLEND, HALFWAY BETWEEN HISTORY AND LEGEND. THE FIRST WEEKEND OF JUNE IS COLORED RED IN THE ROMAN VILLAGE, BETWEEN CULINARY DELICACIES AND A DIVE INTO CULTURAL TRADITION
Ask for it it is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic and enchanting villages of the Castelli Romani. Perched on a precipice over the lake, which bears the same name as the small urban centre, it is characterized by sensational scenery. And it is precisely here that since 1922 the first weekend of June one of the most important and significant anniversaries in the history of this location is celebrated. It’s about the “Strawberry Festival” and, more particularly, the Nemi strawberries.
The picturesque village, in fact, is transformed for just one day almost into a brightly colored painting, with graceful floral decorations and cultural celebrations. It is an annual event, a favorite destination for people tourists who come from all over the world to taste this delicacy for the palate.
The legend around Nemi strawberries
The strawberries of Nemi have made this location famous. It is a fruit with a bright color and an intense flavour. With a heart-shaped, conical or elongated shape, they differ from normal strawberries for their minute dimensions, as well as for the fresh flavour e wildwhich allows pairings with both sweet and savory dishes.
The legend It is said that wild strawberries were born from the tears shed by Venus for the death of Adonis, which then turned into red hearts. This fruit, therefore, was already known in ancient Rome, having been consumed annually on the occasion of the festival in honor of Adonis, on the ides of June.
The tradition it has been rigorously handed down, up to the Rome of the Popes. The celebrations were known as the Triumph of the Strawberriesin Campo de’ Fiori every year on June 13th.
During the event the so-called “strawberry”, that is, the women responsible for harvesting this fruit. These, in fact, prepared large baskets full of strawberries which, at the end of the festival, they used to distribute to all the citizens present. Indeed, legend has it that these particular wild fruits had Magic powersincluding that of removing snakes present in the woods.
The celebrations for the Nemi strawberry festival
The tradition has not been lost over the years. In fact, in addition to passing on the celebrations, which are fixed for the first weekend of June, also the folklore shows have been preserved.
One of the most anticipated moments of the party is precisely that of parade from the “strawberry”. For the occasion, some local girls wear the ancient costume consisting of a red skirt, black corset, white blouse and lace of the “mandrucella” ahead.
In addition to the parades, the event also has no shortage of them exhibitions of fiori. In fact, for the occasion, local nurserymen create floral compositions that decorate the corners of the town, giving a magnificent life-sized painting, as well as a spectacle for the eyes of every visitor. At sunset, an unmissable event closes fireworks display.
Even for the typical places in the streets of the town “Strawberry Festival” generates new lifeblood every year, increasing visits and stays on those days tourists. Strawberries are displayed everywhere, in all their forms.
In addition to fruit baskets, in fact, themed desserts are made and restaurants renew their menus by virtue of the traditional celebrations. Among the typical products most sold on this occasion is the Fragolino.
It is a liqueur that enhances the qualities of this fruit but the secret that makes its aroma sweet and fragrant is the fact that the strawberries used for its preparation are rigorously picked by hand. A celebration that deserves to be experienced as a real one sensory experienceas well as cultural.