The Castagna in Festa di Arcidosso is not a simple Chestnut Festival, as there are many.
Arcidosso is a small town that rises on the slopes of Mount Amiata in the province of Grosseto. This municipality mainly bases its gastronomic economy on the cultivation of chestnuts, which thanks to the very favorable climatic conditions has been awarded the PGI quality mark (protected geographical indications).
With regard to all this, for years, in October the famous Chestnut Festival has been celebrated, now in its XXX edition, which in its realization sees the complete participation of the Amiata citizenship and the rush of many visitors from most of the region.
Personally I landed for the first time in Arcidosso on the occasion of the XXVIII edition of La Castagna in Festa, at the request of a university colleague originally from the place.
It was the last weekend of October and I thought that I would take part in the usual village festival, but as soon as I arrived in the city center where the holiday was already in full swing, all my prejudices were demolished. At the foot of the climb that leads directly into the historic center of the town, the artisans displayed their creations that went from small wooden creations to others, which offered a wide range of gastronomic products, creating that mix of typical smells that only in rare occasions I was able to find again.
From there, parties and banquets extended practically all over the country, from door to door and in every corner you could taste local wines, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sweets and so on; no centimeter remained unused. All the ancient cellars, rigorously managed by locals who included mostly young people, were reopened to accommodate the various kitchens that, from the first to the last day, would have prepared typical local dishes, ranging from bruschetta to piadine – delicious – from grilled meat dishes to roast, all purchasable at a popular price, to be consumed also in the streets of the town.
The setting was truly suggestive, reminiscent of the ancient village festivals in which all participate in a carefree, simple atmosphere, totally dedicated to the passion and pride for their land, to ensure that the beating heart of tradition never stops beat; all mixed with the performances of various musical groups, songs and attractions of all kinds to add that intoxicating touch that must never be missing.
A real experience that I recommend to all lovers of good food, the landscape – unquestionable protagonist – of fun and simplicity or for anyone who wants to dive into the wonderful colors that autumn Tuscany has always offered.
I would describe it as a party for all for all and what can I say, my warmest congratulations to the organizers. I will definitely be back again this year!
I remind you that La Castagna in Festa takes place on the second and third weekend of October.
