The Nemi Strawberry Festival: Un’avventura alla Sagra delle Fragoline

Walking through Nemi during its Strawberry Festival was enchanting. The streets were alive with music and locals in traditional costumes, proudly showcasing baskets of their sweet, wild strawberries. The picturesque village, with its lush scenery and the mystical Lake Nemi as its backdrop felt like stepping into a fairy tale. And each bite of these…

Ancient Myths and Strawberry Fields Forever

Before setting foot in Nemi, I was obsessed by its history. I can’t remember how I came across the adorable village, but I think my curiosity was piqued by a mention in Sir James George Frazer’s “The Golden Bough,” which painted a mystical picture of a temple to Diana, encircled by a sacred grove. The image of Lake Nemi, dubbed “Diana’s Mirror,” shimmering in my mind with ancient myths. Coming here was instantly marked as a “must-visit” on my travel map.

A stone statue of Diana from behind. You see her chiton draped and a quiver for arrows on her back. She seems to be looking down the slope of the hill towards the lake.

Diana, goddess of the hunt, observes from her perch at the top of the hill.

My excitement only soared when I discovered Nemi hosts a Strawberry Festival every first weekend of June. Strawberries are my favorite fruit, so only added to the dream! Journeying from Rome, my expectations were high, but Nemi, with its quaint charm, exceeded them all.

A Symphony of Strawberries and Sound

The village, with its main street bustling with life and cute side streets, seemed to brim with joyous energy. As I savored a divine strawberry treat, the lively rhythm of a marching band filled the air, parading past me not once, but twice! The procession featured locals in traditional folk costumes of the strawberry harvesters, proudly carrying baskets laden with the star of the festival: le fragoline di bosco.

These aren’t the typical strawberries found at the grocery store, these are wild strawberries,and they are a little smaller than what we’re used to and much sweeter.

a quadtych of treats: Strawberry sangria, strawberry ice cream with shipped cream, some other delicious strawberry beverage, and strawberries and whipped cream.

Strawberry sangria, some other delicious strawberry beverage, strawberries and whipped cream, and strawberry ice cream with shipped cream, .

Perched above Lake Nemi, a volcanic crater lake, the village offers views that are nothing short of breathtaking. The lush greenery and serene ambiance make it easy to fall head over heels with this picturesque setting.

The Lake Mysteries

Amidst the festivities, I was drawn to explore the deeper historical roots of Nemi, which are as fascinating as the festival itself. If you know me, you know I love museums, so I absolutely had to go see Museo delle Navi Romane down the hill and on the lake.

A black and white photograph of one of Caligula's ships after it was recovered in the early twentieth century

A photograph of one of Caligula’s ships after it was recovered.

Descending towards the lake, the trail may be a bit challenging, but it leads to a fascinating destination – the museum built for two large ships from the early 20th Century, believed to be linked to Emperor Caligula and used in religious ceremonies. Although these historical vessels were lost to WWII, the museum remains a treasure trove, housing images of the ships and numerous artifacts from the region.

Word to the wise – if you’re visiting during the festival, a trip to the museum can be quite the expedition. The descent is manageable, but the return is steep. With roads closed for pedestrian safety, taxis are scarce, so be prepared for a hike if you’re up for it!

The face of the Fountain of the Gorgon with lilies in front of it.

The Gorgon makes flirty eyes from behind the lilies.

Also, a Flower Show

Back at the top of the hill, it was time to enjoy another one of Nemi’s secrets. In addition to the strawberry delights, Nemi’s flower show is a feast for the senses. One of the side streets transforms into a fragrant display of floral artistry, as visually stunning as they are fragrant.

A cobble stone street that leads up a hill and under a arch that connects two old buildings. — It’s just too cute here!

A New Tradition!

My visit to Nemi’s La Sagra delle Fragole was a blend of sensory pleasures and historical discovery (otherwise known as “heaven” to me). The Strawberry Festival’s energy and the unique sweetness of fragoline di bosco were unforgettable. Beyond the festivities, the view of Lake Nemi and the trek to the museum added depth to the experience. The vibrant flower show and the town’s rich history left a lasting impression, making Nemi a truly enchanting destination. This will now be my yearly tradition for as long as I live in Italy!

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