Get closer to the foods of Florence and surroundings by heading to a sagra (local food festival) where you’re bound to find home cooked typical dishes, entertainment, and an evening spent immersed in the community.
Festa de L’unità
Until July 28, check out the community vibes at Fiesole’s popular Festa de L’unità. With talks, live music and even karaoke, there’s always a good gathering at the foodie fest.
Sagra del papero e del cinghiale
From July 4-21, the 27th edition of the duck and wild boar festival comes to the Circolo ARCI Luigi Rossetti in Cerreto Guidi. The festival was originally dedicated to duck, when it was cooked by housewives upon the completion of the wheat threshing. Wild boar was subsequently added due to the high numbers hunted in the Mantalbano area. Expect typically Tuscan dishes accompanied by good wine, finished off with cantuccini and vin santo. For reservations (required for groups of 8 and over) call T: 333 7730560. Open every evening from 7.30pm, closed on Mondays. If you happen to head out there on July 20 and 21, you’ll even catch the exhibition of vintage tractors.
Sagre dei Maccheroni Sillicagnana
From July 19-21, be immersed in the flavours of Garfagnana with the 47th edition of the festival dedicated to maccheroni pasta. Similar in shape to tagliatella but larger, food stands will serve various versions of the dish from 8pm each evening with lunch on Sunday from 12.30pm. Fun for all ages is also ensured, including tug-of-war, live music and a gymnastics performance.
Sagra della bistecca
Fucecchio focuses on steak from July 26 to 28, with a variety of typical dishes and pizza for those seeking something different. Live entertainment and music adds to the sense of occasion every evening. Reservations via WhatsApp: Marco T: 3398806495, Alessandra T: 3382191679.
Sagra del pollo fritto
On July 13, 14, 20 and 21, Fiano becomes home to the 8th edition of the Fried Chicken Festival. Live music and photography exhibitions form part of the line up, with food stands in piazza Gasparri every evening from 7pm.
