Sagra · September 26, 2026 – September 27, 2026 · Velletri (RM)
September 26th and 27th, 2026 – Festa del Buttero Contemporaneo – 9th Edition. Via Crocetta Vivaro, 7 – Free Entry. The Castelli Romani region saddles up again on September 26th and 27th for the Festa del Buttero Contemporaneo. This unique event, promoted by the Equiazione social promotion association within the Castelli Romani Regional Park, is just half an hour from Rome. It offers two days dedicated to equestrian art, social projects, and rediscovering the local territory, highlighting the deep connection between rural traditions, biodiversity, and community. A 'buttero' is an Italian cowboy, a horseman who for centuries managed free-ranging cattle, especially in the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio. This tradition is still alive at Equiazione, where alongside horses, a herd of ten Maremmana cows are raised semi-wild – an ancient, rustic breed now protected in Lazio for its agricultural biodiversity value. The Festa del Buttero Contemporaneo explores the historical relationship between humans, horses, livestock, and the land. It reinterprets this rich heritage to create opportunities for education, social inclusion, and sustainable tourism. The 9th edition kicks off with a roundtable discussion on Saturday, September 26th at 11:00 AM, titled "Tradition and Territory: Rural Heritage, Biodiversity, and Community for Sustainable and Inclusive Local Development." The discussion will feature anthropologists, park presidents, local officials, museum directors, and third-generation butteri, sharing insights into this fascinating cultural legacy.
Activities include equestrian theater shows, workshops and games for children, local crafts, traditional products, Slow Food Earth Markets, and the first stage of the Mandriano Cup. The 9th edition opens with a roundtable discussion on the relationship between tradition and territory, scheduled for Saturday, September 26th at 11:00 AM. Speakers include Alberto Broccatelli, Ivan Boccali, Andrea Bizzarri, Roberto Libera, a representative from ASI Sport Equestri, Salvatore Stingo, Andrea Mecozzi, Marco Mariotti, Giuseppe Calicchia, Rossano Pannacci, Lia Paolacci, and Antonio Volpi.