Amatrice to host first edition of International Amatriciana Day.
The world will celebrate the inaugural International Amatriciana Day on 6 March 2026, in a global event dedicated to one of Italy’s most iconic pasta dishes.
Launched by the Associazione dei Ristoratori e degli Albergatori di Amatrice (ARAM), this first edition aims to transform a local tradition into a worldwide movement.
Although considered a Roman staple along with Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, the true home of the Amatriciana is still the small Lazio town of Amatrice, located about two hours north-east of Rome.
Every year, at the end of August, the town holds the Sagra dell’Amatriciana, a festival to celebrate the dish which is most commonly served with bucatini pasta. But now the town has the world in its sights.
The mission is designed to protect the authentic recipe of the Amatriciana Tradizionale and to send a message of rebirth of Amatrice, which has been rebuilding since it was devasated by an earthquake 10 years ago.
Why 6 March?
The date was chosen to honour a major milestone in Italian culinary history. On 6 March 2020, the European Union officially recognised Amatriciana Tradizionale as a Specialità Tradizionale Garantita (STG).
This prestigious status ensures that only dishes following the strict, original recipe—using specific ingredients such as guanciale from Amatrice and Pecorino Romano—can bear the name.
As part of the 2026 celebrations, ARAM and the town of Amatrice are highlighting the essential components that distinguish the real deal from the “fake” versions found abroad:
Guanciale (cured pork jowl), never pancetta or bacon.
A specific Pecorino cheese that is savoury but not overly salty.
No-go list: The official recipe strictly forbids the use of garlic, onions, or cream.
2026 event highlights
While the official day is 6 March, the festivities in 2026 will extend through the weekend (6-8 March) with a series of high-profile events.
There will be a formal presentation in Rome featuring the new International Amatriciana logo, as well as a symposium on food as an intangible heritage at Roma Tre University.
Amatrice is host a massive open-air kitchen serving thousands of plates to visitors and “gastronomic pilgrims.”
Restaurants across the globe are invited to feature a dedicated “Amatriciana STG” menu for the day.
Beyond the food
International Amatriciana Day is seen as key to giving an economic boost for the Rieti province.
By encouraging tourism and global awareness, the festival will also help to ensure that the culture of Amatrice thrives year-round, not just during the peak summer months.
