Ciaffagnone Festival

The festival of the signature dish of San Casciano dei Bagni

In the thermal village of San Casciano dei Bagni, in the province of Siena, the Ciaffagnone Festival returns every June, standing as one of the most cherished food and wine events in the Sienese Valdichiana. The absolute star is the ciaffagnone, an ancient dish that sits somewhere between an omelet and a rustic crêpe: a simple batter of eggs, water, and flour, cooked thin in a pan with a pinch of lard and served hot, fresh from the stove.

What is a ciaffagnone?

The ciaffagnone has its roots in humble peasant cooking and was originally created as a Carnival treat. At the festival, it is offered in several variations that highlight its dual savory and sweet nature:

• Savory version with grated Maremma pecorino, the most traditional;
• Truffle version, fragrant and richer;
• Sweet version with sugar or hazelnut cream.

Alongside the ciaffagnone, the Pro Loco stands offer a traditional menu that grows richer every year: among the highlights of recent editions are the handmade tagliatelle, a signature dish of Tuscan home cooking.

Three days of flavor and music

The event takes place at the "A. Goracci" Municipal Stadium and combines dining with a village fair: every evening, the food stands open for dinner, while on Sunday the festival expands to include lunch and lasts all day, featuring live music, dance evenings, and entertainment for children. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of a small town in southern Tuscany, far from the most crowded tourist routes.

San Casciano dei Bagni and its thermal springs

San Casciano dei Bagni has always been linked to its hot springs, frequented since Roman times and recently brought back into the spotlight by the extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the thermal sanctuary. Just a few kilometers from the center, the famous free thermal baths flow—natural springs that are free and always accessible. Pairing a plate of ciaffagnone with an outdoor hot soak is one of the most beautiful ways to discover this corner of the Sienese Valdichiana.