Cockerel and Butese Soup Festival

A festival in the heart of Buti, in the province of Pisa

The Cockerel and Butese Soup Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Buti, a small hillside village in the Province of Pisa, Tuscany, resting along the Val di Vicchio at the foot of Monte Serra. The event takes place at Parco Danielli and is part of the long calendar of festivals that animate the town every weekend from mid-June to the end of September, with various local districts and associations taking turns in the kitchen.

The San Michele District and the red-and-green colors

The festival is organized by the San Michele District, representing the Castel di Nocco area, known for its distinctive red-and-green colors. It is one of the seven districts of the famous Palio of Buti, the horse race that ignites the town every January on the Sunday following January 17th, the feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot. As the smallest of the districts but a perennial favorite in historical pageants, San Michele brings the same community spirit and local pride to the table that one feels during the Palio.

The flavors of Butese tradition

The heart of the festival is, of course, the food. The signature dish is the cockerel, prepared according to tradition, accompanied by Butese soup and grilled meats, a true local art form. Butese cuisine is rooted in the high-quality local produce, starting with the extra virgin olive oil produced for centuries in the surrounding groves—a key ingredient in every dish. Alongside the cockerel, you will find classic Butese staples such as zuppa alla frantoiana, beans, grilled meats, and simple, traditional peasant desserts.

Atmosphere and conviviality

The food stand opens every evening for dinner, with covered seating that ensures the party continues even if it rains. The atmosphere is that of a typical Tuscan village festival: families, friends, district volunteers in the kitchen, and a cheerful, authentic vibe far from mass tourism. An evening at the Cockerel Festival is also a perfect opportunity to discover Buti and its surroundings, with its olive groves, trails leading up to Monte Serra, and the living traditions of the Palio.

When to go

The festival is traditionally held on the second and third weekends of June. Evenings are dedicated to dinner, with the stand opening around 7:30 PM. As this is a community-run event, the program may vary from year to year; it is recommended to follow the San Michele District's social media channels for updates.