Velletri Porcini Mushroom Festival faces criticism over traffic and safety

The Porcini Mushroom Festival in Velletri has faced significant criticism following its opening night due to severe traffic congestion and organizational concerns. High attendance, bolstered by a performance by singer Serena Brancale, led to long queues and blocked roads, particularly because the event area is accessed via two narrow streets.

Citizens and social media users have raised alarms regarding public safety, specifically questioning whether emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and firefighters, could access the site during a crisis. Local political figures, including City Council President Salvatore Ladaga, have also expressed doubts regarding the choice of venue.

Velletri Mayor Ascanio Cascella addressed the issues, noting that the event is a private initiative organized by an association that utilized its own technical staff. While the Mayor emphasized that the event had received favorable reviews from the Public Spectacle Commission and that local police were present, he expressed regret for the delays and the impact on residents and attendees.