Battifolle Maccherone Festival

A tradition spanning over forty years

The Battifolle Maccherone Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Arezzo area of Tuscany. Held in the village of Battifolle, just outside the city of Arezzo, it has been organized since 1981 by the A.S.D. Polisportiva Battifolle, the sports and recreation association that has always kept the village's spirit alive. Nearly half a century of editions makes it a cornerstone of the festival calendar in the province of Arezzo.

The maccherone: a tagliatella with an Aretine accent

The undisputed star of the festival is the maccherone. In the local Aretine farming tradition, this isn't the short pasta the name might suggest, but rather hand-rolled and hand-cut egg tagliatelle, prepared by the skilled hands of the club's cooks. The classic topping is a meat ragù, prepared according to a traditional family recipe. This signature dish is the heart of the menu served under the marquee at the Battifolle Sports Zone.

Dinners, dancing, and conviviality

The festival spans two weekends and several consecutive evenings. The restaurant opens for dinner, while on holidays and Sundays, it is also open for lunch. Every evening after dinner, the dance floor comes alive with ballroom orchestras and DJ sets for younger guests. It is the classic, winning formula of Tuscan village festivals, where good food meets music, dancing, and community spirit.

The Maccherone Race

Not to be missed at the end of the event is the Maccherone Race, a running event organized by the Polisportiva Battifolle in collaboration with U.P. Policiano and the CSI of Arezzo. The route follows the historic Trofeo Sestini di Ruscello course through the Aretine countryside, featuring both a competitive version and a simpler, non-competitive fun run open to everyone.

Why it's worth visiting

The Battifolle Maccherone Festival represents the most genuine face of popular Tuscany: nothing artificial or touristy, just a community celebration run by volunteers, where you can eat well at honest prices and breathe in the authentic atmosphere of the Aretine villages. It is the perfect opportunity for those looking to explore the province of Arezzo far from the beaten path.