Certaldo pays homage to fine food and one of the town‘s most famous residents with the return of Boccaccesca, from October 7 to 9, now in its 18th year. Dedicated to Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the Decameron, local native and leading example of “the art of good living,” the festival highlights the area’s best food (including its famous onions), wine and live entertainment. Events take place across both the upper and lower town. In light of difficult economic times, festival organizers have given this edition a ‘60s and ‘70s theme—widely considered “golden years” for economic growth as well as music, art and culture.
This edition’s key guest is Gualtiero Marchesi, renowned the world over and frequently called the founder of modern Italian cuisine. Among the international events is an exhibition paying homage to French artist Alain Bonnefoit at Certaldo Alto’s Palazzo Pretorio. Borgo Basso will play host to Boccaccesca Old Fashion and Street Food: visitors can dig into traditional street eats while exploring a vintage and collectors’ market, packed with vinyl records, books, fashion finds and home goods.
All events offer free entry. For the full program, see the website.