We’re still on the hunt for our permanent home here in Italy, but in the meantime, we’ve just moved into a new apartment—only two blocks away from our last one. This time, we chose a spot a little further from the “center,” and we’re already sleeping better. Believe it or not, the old place was too loud—and it’s not even summer yet! There was a bar right on the corner, and every night there was loud music blasting until at least 2 a.m. One thing Italians are definitely good at? Partying!
But life isn’t all noise—sometimes it’s sweet and slow too. This week, we had the joy of welcoming two familiar faces from the U.S.: Jackie and Jamie, a lovely couple who used to be among our most loyal customers. Over time, we built one of those special connections that go beyond business, marked by respect, kindness, and shared appreciation for good food and warm conversation.
They arrived in Italy a few days ahead of their group tour and made time to meet us in Rome. We started with a classic caffè e cornetto at Piazza Navona, watching the fountains sparkle in the morning light. Then we wandered through the cobblestone streets, chatting and soaking up the timeless beauty of the city. We ended the day with a hearty plate of pasta and, naturally, a gelato near the Vatican.
It was a day filled with simple joys—the kind that make travel, and life, feel a little fuller.
“Sometimes it’s the small moments that stitch our days together with joy.”
And speaking of joy… let’s talk about Sagra season! These traditional festivals are one of our favorite parts of life in Italy. Every comune seems to be hosting one, and they are big—we’re talking closed roads, giant communal tables, overflowing plates of food, local wine, music, and plenty of reasons to smile.
Festa del Polentone – Castel di Tora
Fermín kicked things off by attending the Festa del Polentone in the picturesque village of Castel di Tora. This celebration centers around polenta served with ragù, sausage, or mushrooms. The parade was canceled due to rain, so everything moved indoors—but the mood was festive, warm, and full of traditional flavors.
Sagra del Frittello – Poggio San Lorenzo
Next was the Sagra del Frittello, where we enjoyed crispy, savory fried dough made fresh in the heart of Poggio San Lorenzo. The town filled with delicious smells, laughter, and shared tables. A true small-town celebration with big heart.
Festa della Liberazione – Poggio Moiano
April 25th brought us to Poggio Moiano for the Festa della Liberazione, honoring the end of WWII in Italy. Music rang out in the piazza well into the night—only stopping when the rain finally arrived. Until then, there was dancing, food, and heartfelt celebration of peace and freedom.
Sagra dell’Asparago Selvatico – Poggio Moiano
Then, we returned to Poggio Moiano for the Sagra dell’Asparago Selvatico, dedicated to wild asparagus. There was plenty of food—risottos, frittatas, and more—and the big surprise was a boxing event right in the piazza! It brought a fun twist and lots of energy to the day.
And just when we thought we’d reached peak sagra-season joy, the following weekend brought us to Frasso Sabino for the Sagra della Pecora—a celebration of one of the region’s most traditional dishes: pecora alla cottora, a rich, slow-cooked sheep stew simmered with wine, garlic, wild herbs, and history. The aroma alone was worth the trip. We ate under the stars, surrounded by locals who welcomed us like old friends. One man, a retired shepherd, told us that “la pecora non è solo cibo, è memoria”—sheep is not just food, it’s memory. And there it was again: that feeling that we weren’t just attending a festival, but becoming part of something deeper—a community, a tradition, a way of life that still lives here, plate by plate and story by story.
These celebrations have a way of bringing people together—locals, newcomers, and the occasional lucky traveler. And for us, they’re a vivid reminder of why we’re here: for connection, for community, and for these beautiful, unexpected moments that feel like home.
I want to apologize for being lazy in writing this blog. I promise I will be more consistent doing it!
Stay tuned for the next one, it will be all about the infiorata!
Con affetto,
Sandra, Fermín, and Fabian