Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The new edition of Ottobrata Testaccina is underway. On Saturday, October 17, the Testaccio district will host Ottobrata Testaccina, a large, free neighborhood festival dedicated to Roman traditions, popular culture, and socializing. The event is supported by the Municipio Roma I Centro and is part of the Ottobre in Centro program, which promotes cultural and participatory initiatives throughout the city.
The event is also part of the Testaccio in Festa program. The initiative's goal is to relive the historic Roman October festivals, the celebrations marking the end of the grape harvest that since the 17th century have enlivened Rome with moments of celebration and conviviality. Among the most beloved destinations of Romans at the time was the area now known as the Testaccio district, known for its "wine catacombs": caves dug into the hillside that offered ideal conditions for preserving wine, the undisputed star of the October festivals.
Since 2019, Testaccio associations have revived this tradition with a day entirely dedicated to the neighborhood and its popular memory. Today, the Ottobrata Testaccina has expanded its scope, thanks to institutional support and an even richer program. Piazza Testaccio will be the heart of the event, enlivened by activities for all ages.
The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with sports activities organized by Ready Go: mini volleyball, artistic gymnastics, and kung fu, designed for children and teens. Simultaneously, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Casa dei Cocci offers a cultural walk through the neighborhood streets. In the afternoon, starting at 4:00 p.m., there will be games and entertainment for children. At 5:45 p.m., the 5th edition of "Testaccio in Rima," the Roman poetry festival, will take place, with awards for the best works, presented by Tiziana Fornari. At 6:30 p.m., the San Saba Senior Center will perform a tango performance in the square. At 8:15 p.m., the authorities will greet the crowds, followed at 8:30 p.m. by a free social dinner, a convivial occasion open to the entire neighborhood.
The evening concludes at 9:00 PM with "Incanto Romano," a concert dedicated to "Rome through its songs, between tradition and modernity," featuring Tiziana Fornari and Virginia Fabbri on vocals, Andrea Silvestri on guitar, Paolo Lozzi on accordion, Andrea Scordia on bass, and Filippo Anastasi on drums. The closing event will be karaoke, open to all attendees. "Supporting the Ottobrata Testaccina means investing in the value of the neighborhoods and neighborhoods and in the energy of the associations and individuals who contribute to bringing them to life every day. Testaccio preserves a strong history and identity, which deserve to be enhanced through opportunities for meeting and participation. With initiatives like this, we want to strengthen the bond between citizens and the local area, promoting authentic sociality and a community dimension that represents an asset for the entire historic center," said Lorenza Bonaccorsi, President of the Municipio Roma I Centro.
"The Testaccina Ottobrata is a concrete example of how culture can be born in neighborhoods, from the stories and traditions of the communities that inhabit them. Reviving the spirit of the ancient Roman October festivals means preserving a collective memory and, at the same time, making it alive and relevant through music, poetry, and expressions of popular culture. We want to support initiatives that enhance the identity of our communities and make culture a shared, accessible, and participatory experience," commented Giulia Silvia Ghia, Councilor for Culture of the Municipio Roma I Centro.
"A neighborhood festival is also an important opportunity for inclusion, creating spaces where people can meet, get to know each other, and feel part of the same community. The Ottobrata Testaccina, with its free and open activities, focuses on relationships, intergenerational exchange, and active participation. Our commitment is to promote initiatives that combat isolation and strengthen social bonds, so that no one feels excluded from the life of their neighborhood," said Claudia Santoloce, City Councilor for Social Policies.
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