Bisteccando – Dining with the White Giant

Bisteccando, the Chianina festival in the heart of the Val di Chiana

Bisteccando – Dining with the White Giant is one of the most beloved summer food festivals in the Arezzo area. It takes place in Manciano, a village in the municipality of Castiglion Fiorentino, in the province of Arezzo, right in the heart of the Val di Chiana—the historic home of the Chianina cattle breed. Organized by the Terziere di Porta Fiorentina, the event brings the "Emanuele Buracchi" Multipurpose Center to life for two weekends at the end of August, drawing families, food lovers, and visitors from across Tuscany and neighboring Umbria every evening.

The White Giant takes center stage

The true star of the festival is the "White Giant," the nickname for the Chianina cattle with their signature snowy-white coats, one of Italy's oldest and most prized beef breeds. Their famous steaks, cut into 500g or 1kg portions, are grilled over charcoal and served according to the strictest Tuscan traditions, paired with a glass of fine red wine. Alongside the Chianina, the festival also offers steaks from other parts of Italy to satisfy every palate.

A menu for everyone

Over the years, the culinary offerings have expanded to welcome all types of visitors, from children to those who prefer non-meat options:

• Chianina steaks and national beef steaks grilled to perfection
• Appetizers and first courses of authentic Tuscan cuisine
• Pizza baked on-site, perfect for kids and casual dining
• Local red wines and traditional desserts

Music, dancing, and village charm

Bisteccando is about more than just great food: every evening after dinner, the Multipurpose Center area turns into a dance floor with ballroom and revival orchestras, offering a night of music and traditional fun. The venue features covered seating in case of bad weather, ample parking, and a children's play area, highlighting the festival's family-friendly, community-focused spirit.

A Castiglion Fiorentino tradition

The event is hosted by the Terziere di Porta Fiorentina, one of the historic districts of Castiglion Fiorentino, a medieval village overlooking the Val di Chiana between Arezzo and the Umbrian border. Bisteccando is a staple of the town's summer calendar and a wonderful opportunity to discover the hospitality and community spirit of this corner of Tuscany.