Fior di Cascia Acacia Flower Fritter Festival

A festival that smells of acacia

The Fior di Cascia Acacia Flower Fritter Festival takes place every year in early June in Sambuca Val di Pesa, a village in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle, in the heart of the Florentine Chianti, in the province of Florence (Tuscany). Now in its 39th edition in 2026, it is one of the most deeply-rooted and cherished local festivals, attracting visitors from across the Val di Pesa and beyond.

The Fior di Cascia fritter, queen of the festival

The undisputed star is the Fior di Cascia fritter, prepared with acacia flowers—called "cascia" in the local dialect—gathered in the woods surrounding Sambuca. The flowers are dipped in batter and fried on the spot, offering a flavor that combines the crunch and delicacy of the flower with a surprising balance of sweet and savory. The recipe, jealously guarded in the pantries of Sambuca families, is passed down from generation to generation and represents an authentic local product tied to the seasonality of the spring acacia bloom.

Four days of community celebration

For four days, the festival brings the Sambuca sports field on Via Sangallo to life, with a food stand open every evening serving freshly fried fritters alongside other specialties. Surrounding the food is a packed calendar of shows, sports competitions, and moments of collective celebration: music, motors, performances, and entertainment for all ages. The event, based entirely on local volunteer work, also involves the younger generations in its organization, confirming it as an appointment that enhances the identity and territory of the Chianti region.

Between Miss Italia, sports, and entertainment

In recent years, the festival has also hosted a regional selection for Miss Italia, which draws a large crowd on the final evening. There is no shortage of dog training demonstrations, sports exhibitions, and events dedicated to the youth, all within the familiar and welcoming atmosphere typical of Tuscan village festivals.

In the heart of the Chianti

Attending the Fior di Cascia Acacia Flower Fritter Festival means experiencing the most authentic Chianti, far from mass tourism circuits: a genuine celebration, brought to life by the inhabitants of Sambuca, which combines good food, tradition, and conviviality among the hills of Barberino Tavarnelle.