Boccaccesca

Boccaccesca: A Taste of Boccaccio's Village

Boccaccesca is one of Tuscany's most beloved food and wine festivals, hosted every October in the enchanting medieval village of Certaldo Alto, in the heart of the Valdelsa, near Florence. Founded in 1999, the event has become a staple for lovers of fine cuisine, wine, and local products, drawing thousands of visitors to Certaldo from across Tuscany and beyond. The name itself pays homage to Giovanni Boccaccio, the author of the Decameron who lived and died in Certaldo: the red-brick village, its towers, and cobblestone alleys provide the perfect backdrop for a festival that blends gastronomy, culture, and tradition.

Culinary Excellence along Via Boccaccio

The heart of Boccaccesca is the market of gastronomic excellence that winds along Via Boccaccio and through the squares of Certaldo Alto. Here, the festival's historic stalls offer products born from a continuous search for quality within Tuscany and beyond: cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, honey, sweets, and artisanal specialties, with local crafts framing the food scene. The absolute star is the Cipolla di Certaldo, a Slow Food-recognized product, which serves as the city's gastronomic symbol and a key ingredient in traditional local dishes.

Wines, Cooking Shows, and Experiences

• Boccaccesca Wine Bar: Tastings of great Tuscan wines using the festival's official glass, hosted in the Church of SS. Tommaso e Prospero.
• Cooking Shows in Piazzetta Branca: Chefs and restaurateurs perform live on themes that change annually, often linked to Certaldo's international twinning programs.
• Street Food and Specialties: A selection of gourmet treats to enjoy while strolling through Piazza SS. Annunziata and the village streets.
• Children's Workshops: Activities like "Oggi cucino io" (Today I Cook) introduce the youngest visitors to the world of cooking.

Twinning and Culture

Boccaccesca is also a meeting point for different cultures: the Municipality of Certaldo hosts delegations from its twin cities, including Kanramachi in Japan, which has been linked to Certaldo for over forty years, as well as various other Italian and international towns. Ceremonies, awards, and themed tastings make each edition a dialogue between Tuscan tradition and that of our partner countries, all in the spirit of friendship, tolerance, and respect.

An Event for All of Tuscany

Organized by the Municipality of Certaldo in collaboration with Confesercenti Firenze and Claridea 2, Boccaccesca stands as one of the highlights of the Tuscan autumn calendar. Admission is free, and the event takes place entirely in the historic center of Certaldo Alto, reachable on foot or via the funicular that connects the lower part of the city to the village. It is an unmissable stop for those looking to discover the authentic flavors of the Valdelsa and the Tuscany region in a setting of rare beauty.