Bombolone and Ficattole Festival in Anselmo

A village festival that smells of fried goodness

When spring arrives in the hills of Montespertoli, the small village of Anselmo lights up with one of the region's most beloved festivals: the Bombolone and Ficattole Festival. Organized by the Circolo Arci Anselmo APS in Piazza Ninni Cassarà, it has been the community's most anticipated event for over thirty years, drawing visitors from across the Province of Florence and throughout Tuscany.

The stars of the show: bomboloni, ficattole, and frittelle

At the heart of the festival are the fried sweets of the Tuscan peasant tradition. The stands tirelessly serve freshly made bomboloni (doughnuts), soft and sugar-coated, golden and crispy rice fritters, and above all, ficattole—the specialty that gives the festival its name: small bites of fried leavened dough, served plain or stuffed. For those who prefer savory snacks, the Circolo Arci also offers porchetta, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and crepes, while past editions have featured sandwiches with lampredotto, a symbol of Florentine street food.

More than just food: market, games, and music

The Bombolone and Ficattole Festival is a true community celebration. A small craft market winds through the square, while the wheel of fortune and a charity fair enliven the afternoon with prizes and fundraising. There is no shortage of prize-filled games for adults and children, musical performances, karaoke, and live entertainment, as well as book presentations and cultural events designed for all ages.

The tradition of fried sweets in Tuscany

Fried treats like bomboloni and ficattole are rooted in the Tuscan 'cucina povera', when frying was a simple and festive way to transform a few ingredients into something delicious. In Montespertoli, a land of Chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil, this festival renews the bond between the village of Anselmo and the authentic flavors of the hills every year. The event traditionally takes place between late March and April, spanning three days during the spring season.

An event for the whole family

Accessible, free to enter, and deeply rooted in village life, the Bombolone and Ficattole Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover the authenticity of the Florentine province, far from the main tourist flows. A day of warm pastries, smiles, and village atmosphere in the heart of the Florentine Chianti.