Alpi Apuane in Festa

A village festival at the foot of the Apuan Alps

Perched at an altitude of over 880 meters in the heart of the Apuan Alps Regional Park, the small town of Careggine (in the province of Lucca, Garfagnana) hosts Alpi Apuane in Festa every year, one of the most heartfelt and iconic events in the entire Serchio Valley. For a full weekend at the end of August, the stone village transforms into an open-air stage where gastronomy, folklore, nature, music, sports, art, and tradition blend into a unique experience.

The Palio del Tiro alla Forma

The most anticipated moment is the Palio del Tiro alla Forma, a challenge between the village districts—the historic center and the hamlets of Capricchia, Isola Santa, and Capanne. Dressed in period costumes, following a historical pageant that starts from the ancient Curtis di Bosa, the participants roll a 30-kilogram wheel of cheese down the main street: the winner is the one who first gets it to pass under the arch, winning the prestigious "Cencio" (the prize banner). A spectacular race rooted in the pastoral culture of these mountains.

Witches, spirits, and the magic of the Apuan Alps

When the sun sets behind the mountains and night falls over the houses, the magic begins in Careggine. From the nearby woods, the "paure" return: witches, "buffardelli" (goblins), and "macconecci" roam the village alleys serving delicacies. It is the folkloric heart of the festival, tied to the legends of a village as splendid as it is mysterious. In the evening, the ancient ritual of the Macconeccio is re-enacted, designed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a good chestnut harvest.

Market, ancient crafts, and family activities

• The Ancient Crafts Market in the medieval village of Bosa, featuring forgotten trades, educational workshops, and traditional games
• The Children's Olympics, with games and competitions for the little ones
• "The Wonderland," an area dedicated to children with entertainment, shows, jugglers, and soap bubbles
• Guided excursions on Mount Sumbra and throughout the Park territory
• Food stalls featuring typical Garfagnana products

Fine dining and local products

Gastronomy is the absolute star: the village stalls offer the authentic flavors of Garfagnana, from bread baked in wood-fired ovens to mountain cheeses and traditional peasant dishes. An opportunity to discover a territory where cuisine is still tied to the rhythms of the land and shepherding.

An event of the Apuan Alps Park

Alpi Apuane in Festa is promoted by the Municipality of Careggine together with the Monte Sumbra Association, the Union of Garfagnana Municipalities, and the Apuan Alps Regional Park Authority. The event has free admission and represents a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most authentic corners of the Tuscan mountains, far from the most beaten tourist paths.