According to local legend, the wild strawberries that are the festival’s heart were born from Venus’s tears for Adonis’s death, transforming into red hearts. Strawberries are also said to repel all pests, including snakes. Every year, as if reminding these legends, Nemi sends messages of love, unity, and power to the world.

The event has been repeated every first Sunday in June since 1922; the protagonists are Nemi’s strawberries and wild strawberries, small red fruits that are a source of pride for Castelli Romani. Nemi is filled with flowers and strawberries for a Sunday and full of historical re-enactments, folk dances, and tastes. On the occasion of the event, the Nemorensis Blanche Strawberry Beer will also be presented.

There will be no shortage of surprises this year, too. In fact, everything will begin with the Holy Mass of Thanksgiving at the church of the Madonna del Pozzo, animated by the “Incanto” choir of Amatrice and Accumoli.

After that, there will be time for music and good food, and, like every year, tons of tasty strawberries will be distributed free of charge to all present. During the festival, Nemi transforms into a natural spectacle for the senses, with its traditional Roman cuisine enriched by delicious local strawberries. Visitors can savour delicious first courses, game second courses and irresistible desserts, all prepared with care and passion by local chefs. Nemi strawberries, famous for their vibrant colour and intense flavour, are the undisputed stars of this gastronomic festival. They are used in various dishes and regional products, including desserts, liqueurs, and beer.

The dedication with which the inhabitants of this beautiful town carry on the tradition is a spectacle that deserves to be seen; think of the parade of the “fragile”, who with their black bustiers, red skirts and white lace “mandocello”, will lead the procession through an explosion of colours.