Chianina Bull Festival

A festival dedicated to the king of the Valdichiana

The Chianina Bull Festival takes place in Montecchio Vesponi, a charming village in the municipality of Castiglion Fiorentino, in the province of Arezzo, in the heart of the Tuscan Valdichiana. The village, dominated by one of the best-preserved medieval castles in all of Tuscany, provides the setting for a festival that began in 2022 and has quickly become one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of late summer in the Castiglion Fiorentino area.

The star: Chianina bull prepared 'Castiglionese-style'

At the heart of the festival is the famous Chianina beef, the prized cattle breed that has grazed in the lands of the Valdichiana for centuries and made Tuscan cuisine world-famous. Here, the meat is prepared according to a secret locally-handed-down recipe: the Chianina bull is cooked over a large brazier, seasoned with spices, oil, and vinegar during the long cooking process, in what locals call 'Castiglionese-style' cooking. The result is a dish with an intense and unmistakable flavor, enjoyed alongside other traditional Tuscan dishes offered at the stands.

A community and sports celebration

The event is organized by U.S. Castiglionese 1919, the historic local football club, together with the Montecchio Vesponi sports club and with the support of the municipality, local districts, and clubs. This is why the festival combines dining with a passion for sports: evenings feature social gatherings, presentations of youth and senior teams, entertainment for adults and children, and plenty of music. It is a village festival in the most genuine sense, where the entire community gathers around the brazier.

When and where

The festival is traditionally held in September, spread over two weekends at the Montecchio Vesponi sports club area. Food stands generally open from 7:30 PM. The village is located just a few kilometers from the historic center of Castiglion Fiorentino and the motorway exit, making it easily accessible for those arriving from Arezzo, the Valdichiana, and nearby Umbria.

Why it's worth it

• To taste Chianina beef cooked according to a secret local recipe, right in its territory of origin.
• To experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan village festival, far from mass tourism circuits.
• To discover Montecchio Vesponi and its castle, a medieval jewel of the Valdichiana in Arezzo.