Italy’s rich cultural heritage is not only seen in its architecture, art, and history but also in its food festivals, or sagre. These community-centered events, often held in small towns and rural areas, provide a fantastic opportunity to explore authentic local cuisine and time-honored traditions. In the province of Pisa, located in the heart of Tuscany, you will find some of the best sagre that celebrate the region’s culinary prowess. Here are the most notable sagre in the Pisa province that you should not miss.
1. Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Festival) – Buti
Dates: October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2024
Location: Buti, Parco Danielli
Buti, a charming town nestled at the foot of Monte Pisano, hosts one of the most iconic autumn festivals: the Sagra della Castagna. For three weekends in October, the town celebrates its deep connection to chestnuts, a product that has been part of the local economy and culture for centuries.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes made from chestnuts, including caldarroste (roasted chestnuts), neccini (chestnut pancakes), frittelle (fried chestnut dough), and the traditional castagnaccio, a dense cake made from chestnut flour, pine nuts, and rosemary.
The festival takes place at Parco Danielli, where local producers sell their goods in covered food stands. In addition to the chestnut-themed treats, the festival serves other local dishes from Buti’s traditional cuisine. You can enjoy dinner on Saturdays from 19:30 and lunch on Sundays from 12:30, making it a perfect weekend getaway to experience the culinary richness of this beautiful Tuscan town(Visit Buti)(Terre di Pisa).
2. Sagra del Tartufo Bianco e del Fungo (White Truffle and Mushroom Festival) – Balconevisi, San Miniato
Dates: October 19-20, 2024
Location: Balconevisi, San Miniato
San Miniato is world-renowned for its white truffles, and the Sagra del Tartufo Bianco e del Fungo in the small village of Balconevisi is a must-attend event for truffle lovers. Held every year on the third weekend of October, this festival showcases the best of autumnal Tuscan flavors.
The highlight of the event is the white truffle from the surrounding hills, considered one of the most prized ingredients in Italian cuisine. The festival also celebrates the humble yet flavorful porcini mushroom, and both truffles and mushrooms are featured in a variety of dishes served at the festival’s food stands. Visitors can sample dishes such as tagliatelle with truffles, mushroom risotto, and truffle-flavored meats.
Beyond the food, the festival includes a mycological exhibition (dedicated to the study of mushrooms), and a popular dog parade where truffle-hunting dogs take center stage. For those wanting a more immersive experience, the Mangialonga walk takes visitors through the truffle-rich forests with food stops along the way, offering an unforgettable gastronomic adventure(SagreToscane)(SagreToscane)(Turismo Pisa).
3. Sagra della Polenta e del Cinghiale (Polenta and Wild Boar Festival) – Castelfranco di Sotto
Dates: September 21-22, 28-29, 2024
Location: Castelfranco di Sotto, Contrada San Bartolomeo
Polenta and wild boar are two staples of traditional Tuscan cuisine, and the Sagra della Polenta e del Cinghiale in Castelfranco di Sotto celebrates these delicious ingredients with a menu that will leave you craving more. Held in the Contrada San Bartolomeo, this festival highlights polenta, a cornmeal dish that is served in a variety of forms and flavors.
One of the signature dishes at the festival is polenta ”a palle”, which is a stone-ground polenta served with hearty toppings such as wild boar ragu, sausages, mushrooms, and pancetta. Another highlight is the fried polenta, a crispy version of the dish that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the Tuscan countryside. The festival also offers a gluten-free menu, making it accessible to all guests.
Aside from food, the festival includes live entertainment, including performances from local bands, ensuring a lively and welcoming atmosphere(SagreToscane)(Pisa in Video).
4. Sagra della Lepre e del Cinghiale (Hare and Wild Boar Festival) – Selvatelle, Terricciola
Dates: September 28-29, October 5-6, 12-13, 2024
Location: Selvatelle, Terricciola
Another festival that celebrates the richness of Tuscan game meats is the Sagra della Lepre e del Cinghiale. Located in the village of Selvatelle in the municipality of Terricciola, this festival draws crowds eager to taste traditional dishes made with hare and wild boar.
The standout dish at this festival is pappardelle al sugo di lepre, a pasta dish made with wide ribbons of pappardelle and slow-cooked hare sauce. Guests can also enjoy lepre in salmì (hare stewed in red wine), along with other wild boar dishes such as boar steaks and grilled game. The festival is held in covered venues, ensuring that guests can enjoy the event regardless of the weather(SagreToscane)(SagreToscane).
5. Sagra del Porcino e della Chianina (Porcini Mushroom and Chianina Beef Festival) – Castelfranco di Sotto
Dates: October 5 to November 3, 2024 (five weekends)
Location: Castelfranco di Sotto
For fans of mushrooms and beef, the Sagra del Porcino e della Chianina is a festival that combines two of Tuscany’s most prized ingredients: porcini mushrooms and Chianina beef. Chianina, one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world, is famous for its use in bistecca alla fiorentina, the renowned Florentine steak.
At this festival, held over five consecutive weekends, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes featuring porcini mushrooms and Chianina beef. From grilled beef to porcini-stuffed pasta, the festival offers a delicious exploration of Tuscany’s culinary treasures(SagreToscane).
Conclusion
The province of Pisa offers an array of sagre that celebrate the region’s rich culinary traditions and the bounty of the Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re a fan of chestnuts, truffles, wild boar, or porcini mushrooms, these festivals provide a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying some of the finest dishes Tuscany has to offer. Mark your calendar and be sure to experience these incredible sagre!