A cena di mangiare

A cena di mangiare: a culinary journey in Marliana

A cena di mangiare is the nocturnal gastronomic stroll that every summer turns the medieval village of Marliana, in the province of Pistoia, into an open-air itinerary of flavors. The concept is simple and irresistible: instead of sitting at a table, guests wander through the alleys of the historic center, finding a different course of traditional Tuscan cuisine at every stop, paired with water and wine. It is a formula that blends fine dining with a walking tour of the village, amidst medieval vistas, charming squares, and ancient stone walls.

A village in the Pistoia Apennines

Marliana is a small town in the Valdinievole, perched on the hills rising toward the Apennines in Tuscany. Its historic center, quiet and secluded for most of the year, lights up with energy, voices, and aromas during this evening. Walking from course to course means crossing the heart of the village, from Piazza del Popolo to the most hidden lanes, and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of a mountain town opening its doors to residents and visitors alike.

Traditional flavors

The menu is a tribute to Pistoia's peasant cuisine: Tuscan appetizers, cold spelt salad, pappa al pomodoro, polenta with local wild boar ragù, traditional soup, grilled sausages with the famous Marliana beans, and classic desserts like the local castagnaccio or cantucci with vinsanto. Each dish tells a story of the territory, from garden-fresh produce to the game from the surrounding woods.

Music, artists, and crafts

The stroll is about more than just gastronomy. Along the route, you will find live music, dancing, performances by street artists, and a craft market that enlivens the village streets. It is a village festival in the most genuine sense: an opportunity to gather, chat, dance, and savor the moment under the summer Apennine sky.

Organization and spirit of the event

A cena di mangiare is organized by the Pro Loco of Marliana, with the patronage of the Municipality. It is an event curated by local volunteers who renew the appointment every year to promote local traditions and welcome those traveling up from the Valdinievole plain or from outside the province. It is a small but significant example of how, in Tuscany, conviviality and food remain at the heart of community life.