Chestnut Festival in Rivalto

For over half a century, the “Festa del Marrone – Chestnut Festival” has been held in Rivalto on the third weekend of October. The ‘marrone’ is a chestnut produced in limited quantities and is therefore highly prized. It has more pronounced flavour and aroma and is completely natural.

During the festival on 17–18 October, roast chestnuts and ‘ballotte’ (boiled chestnuts) are served at lunch and dinner, alongside wild boar, grilled meats and truffles. Then comes the highlight on Sunday, with falconry displays, children’s games and entertainment for all ages throughout the day.

As far back as the Middle Ages, the chestnuts from this area were renowned for their size and quality. In the land registry manuscripts of 1428, ‘the chestnut of Chianni and Rivalto’ is described as ‘a product of high quality and economic value’. As in other mountainous areas of Tuscany where growing wheat was difficult, here too the chestnut provided a substitute, supplying flour and sustenance to local families.

See the program on the poster below