Canepari May Festival

The Canepari May Festival

In the heart of Lunigiana, at an altitude of 430 meters on the hills overlooking the Magra Valley, the village of Canepari celebrates its May Festival every year. Canepari is a small hamlet in the municipality of Fosdinovo, in the province of Massa-Carrara, in the far north of Tuscany, just a few kilometers from the border with Liguria and the city of La Spezia. The festival, which falls on the first weekend of May in conjunction with Labor Day celebrations, is one of the most cherished events for the local community.

A community celebration

The event is organized by the Circolo Ritrovarci a Canepari, the association that manages the Alberto Bernardini Social Center, the true beating heart of the village's social life. The May Festival was born from the spirit of a small but lively town, where neighbors and volunteers come together for two days of hospitality, good food, and opportunities to connect. It is the kind of festival that tells the story of the Apuano hinterland's soul better than any brochure: genuine, inclusive, and open to everyone.

What to expect

The event spans two days and offers a program designed for all ages:

• Local craftsmanship, with exhibitors, hobbyists, and artists enlivening the village streets;
• Vintage car show, usually held on Saturday afternoon;
• Pony rides for the little ones;
• Dog training demonstrations with working dogs;
• Food stand serving lunch and snacks featuring Lunigiana specialties.

The flavors of Lunigiana

The culinary experience is one of the festival's highlights. The cuisine is traditional Lunigiana, featuring dishes such as ravioli, testaroli, sgabei (the famous Lunigiana fried dough), cured meats, roast pork, and grilled meats. A straightforward and flavorful table, best accompanied by wines from the hills between Tuscany and Liguria.

Why it's worth visiting

The Canepari May Festival is the ideal occasion for those seeking an authentic experience away from the major tourist circuits. The village, nestled in the green hills of Fosdinovo, offers panoramic views of the Magra Valley and the Versilia sea, while the famous Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo is just a short distance away for those who want to complete their visit with a dive into the medieval history of Lunigiana.