Autumn in Tuscany: the best food festivals not to miss

While autumn has arrived, Tuscany opens its doors to visitors and tourists looking for exceptional food festivals and gastronomic traditions. Since the agenda is full of appointments throughout the months, we selected the top five for you. And your mouth, of course... 

1. Bird Thrush Festival

Accounting for 58 editions, this colorful event has become familiar for the town of Montalcino (SI): according to the tradition, the last weekend of October, running between the 24th and the 25th, locals and visitors will gather in the beautiful city center to enjoy what people say to be the oldest festival in the whole region of Tuscany [discover the best hotels in Montepulciano]. Dating back to 1958, the event frames a medieval atmosphere shaking Montalcino's 4 main neighborhoods with costume parades, music and live shows, while testing typical recipes such as the popular roast thrush. A great entertainment for people of all ages!

2. Marrone and Porcino Festival

You have time until the end of October to experience the lively and colorful atmosphere of the Marrone and Porcino Festival, in the town of Scarlino (GR) [looking for a hotel in Scarlino? This is our selection. At the centre of the little village you will encounter a giant pan in which chestnut are fried:  all around, flavors and colors of the Maremma Region almost melt together, among typical dishes, delicious sweets, musical shows and traditional open markets.

3. Chestnut Festival

People from Montemurlo (PO) celebrate a full day for the return of the chestnut, the traditional protagonist of the Tuscany's autumn: sunday 8th of November everyone is invited to the Castle's Square, at the very centre of town, where one can see the beautiful sights of Montemurlo's most important buildings, such as the fortified Castle and the Pieve of San Giovanni Battista Decollato. Prepare yourselves to taste the local autumn products such as fettunta and castagnaccio, best served with some good fresh wine and, last but not least, Montemurlo's chestnuts of course.

4. Porcino and Chianina Festival

Every weekend until the 1st of November,  the town Castelfranco di Sotto (PI) welcomes visitors to the renowned Festival del Porcino e della Chianina, inspired by the desire to preserve local specialties such as the Chianina livestock, an ancient tradition perpetrated in the plane of the Arno. To celebrate the event, the Provinnciale Francescana Sud 30-32 is punctuated by gastronomical stands in which any taste will be satisfied: from typical first dishes like handmade tortellini with ragu', to hearty meat-based second dishes like famous rosticciana and trippa. Among the classical side dishes, one cannot miss the majestic porcine mushrooms, which give name to the event.

5. Hare Festival

If you haven't tasted pappardella with hare' sauce, it's your time to do it: next weekend, in the township of Terricciola ( PI), marks the 28th edition of the Hare Festival. Visitor meet on Saturday from 19:00 onwards or Sunday at lunch, in order to share a delicious meal. All around there is plenty of entertainment such as showrooms, music, balls and small open markets of traditional utensils and objects.

[Photocredit: Rossella]