On Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, the picturesque village of Nemi nestled amidst the greenery of the Castelli Romani Park and overlooking the Lake Nemi will host the 91st edition of its renowned Strawberry Festival and Flower Show. This annual event offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of Nemi, a village recently designated as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. (I Borghi più Belli d’Italia 2023).
Legend attributes the origin of Nemi’s wild strawberries to the tears of Venus, transformed into crimson hearts upon the death of Adonis. These strawberries were once believed to possess the power to ward off serpents. Since 1922, the Strawberry Festival has celebrated this unique fruit with historical re-enactments and captivating folk dances, held annually on the first Sunday of June.
The 91st edition promises a delightful culinary experience. Local chefs will prepare a menu featuring delectable first courses, game meat main dishes, and irresistible desserts. Nemi’s renowned strawberries will be the star of the show, incorporated into a diverse range of dishes and local products, including sweets, liqueurs, and even a newly launched strawberry-flavored beer – Birra alla Fragola Blanche Nemorensis.
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival offers a vibrant flower show and a captivating parade featuring the “Fragolare,” local women dressed in traditional costumes. Visitors can expect a day rich in history, culture, and the unique flavors of Nemi.
PROGRAM
- 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving Mass at the Parish S. Maria del Pozzo.
- 11:00 AM: Ribbon cutting and inauguration of the Flower Show, celebrating 70 years of Rai and 100 years of radio, at Via Salita della Chiesa.
- 11:30 AM: Parade of the beautiful Strawberry Girls in traditional costume, starting from Piazza Umberto I. They’ll be accompanied by the “Compatrum” band and the “Terra Nemorense” folk dance group.
- 12:30 PM: Greeting from Mayor Alberto Bertucci and other authorities, celebrating Nemi’s entry among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
- 3:30 PM: Folk dances and music in the historic center and at the courtyard of Palazzo Ruspoli.
- 4:00 PM: Second parade of the Strawberry Girls.
- 6:00 PM: “Let me tell you about Nemi”: poems, readings, and songs in Piazza Umberto I with “I Passi della Tradizione,” “Terra Nemorense,” and the A.C. “Il Flauto Magico.”
- 6:30 PM: Performance by the school of Nemi, winner of the 1st prize Ensamble Body Percussion directed by Professor Paola.
- 7:00 PM: Free distribution of the tasty strawberries of Nemi in Piazza Roma.
- 8:30 PM: Live music concert with the band “Figli delle Stelle” in Piazza Umberto I.
- 9:00 PM: Cabaret show with Alessandro Serra directly from Kolorado and Zelig.
