Fallow Deer Festival (Autumn Edition)

The Fallow Deer Festival of Pelago

In the heart of the Pelago municipality, in the province of Florence, the Fallow Deer Festival is one of the most cherished culinary events on the local calendar. The festival takes place twice a year: a spring edition in April and this autumn edition in September, which celebrates the flavors of the approaching cold season. Both are organized with passion by the La Banduccia team, a group of volunteers who have been enlivening the town's social life for years as part of the local Pro Loco initiatives.

Fallow deer, the star of the show

The heart of the festival is fallow deer meat, a prized game ingredient used in robust, flavorful dishes deeply connected to the traditions of the Valdarno hills and the nearby Vallombrosa area. The fixed, curated menu features classic Tuscan dishes reimagined with this meat: penne with fallow deer ragù, the famous fallow deer peposo stew—slow-cooked for a rich, aromatic finish—and oven-roasted leg of fallow deer served with seasonal sides. The meal concludes with a homemade dessert paired with vin santo, while water and wine are always served at the table.

A convivial, community atmosphere

The festival is held at the G. La Pira Pastoral Center on Via Vallombrosana, a spacious and welcoming venue that serves as a meeting point for residents, families, and visitors from the surrounding areas. The event kicks off with dinner on Saturday, while Sunday is dedicated to lunch: two opportunities to sit down together and enjoy dishes prepared by local volunteers. The atmosphere is that of a typical Tuscan village festival—simple, genuine, and centered on food as a means of bringing the community together.

Pelago and the Florentine Valdarno

Set within the rolling hills of Tuscany, just a short distance from Florence and the Casentinesi Forests National Park, Pelago is a village that carefully preserves its food and wine traditions. The Fallow Deer Festival is an authentic expression of local culture, offering a chance to discover a landscape of forests, vineyards, and ancient trades tied to the land and the hunting tradition.

Useful information

Participation in the dinners and lunches requires mandatory reservations, which should be made in advance with the organizers. The menu is offered at a fixed price and includes the full sequence of courses. For those preferring an alternative to deer, grilled steak is generally available upon request at the time of booking.