Chestnut Festival of San Mauro di Saline

The Chestnut, Gold of Lessinia

Every late October, San Mauro di Saline, a tiny municipality in Lessinia, province of Verona, transforms into the capital of the chestnut tree. The Chestnut Festival, now over fifty years old, celebrates the chestnut, a fruit that has marked the economy and culture of this mountain territory for centuries. The chestnut groves surrounding the village are the stars, both on the table and during the excursions that accompany the festival.

Between Food Stalls and the Chestnut Competition

The heart of the festival is Piazza degli Alpini, where stalls offer roasted and raw chestnuts alongside traditional Lessinian specialities, such as tripe alla veneta. Among the most anticipated events is the "Marrone San Mauro" competition, which awards the best fruits, accompanied by a conference on the role of the chestnut tree in the traditional economy of Lessinia. There is also ballroom dancing with an orchestra, a true classic of Venetian festivals.

Mountain Excursions and Flavours

The event also features a guided cycling excursion through the chestnut groves, on dirt roads, an opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Veronese mountains. Admission is free, and on peak days, a shuttle service connects the car parks to the town centre. Organized by the Pro Loco of San Mauro di Saline, the festival is a genuine popular celebration, where the community preserves and passes down the culture of the chestnut.