Fried Potato Festival
Celebrating the Patata Tosca in the medieval village of Santa Maria a Monte
About Fried Potato Festival
A fifty-year tradition in the heart of Tuscany
The French Fry Festival is one of the most beloved summer events in the Pisan hills. It takes place in the medieval village of Santa Maria a Monte, in the Province of Pisa, Tuscany. Its roots date back to 1972, when a local committee decided to celebrate a humble yet iconic local product: the potato. Since then, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated and well-attended festivals in the entire Lower Valdarno and Leather District area.
The Tosca Potato, queen of the festival
The heart of the festival is the Tosca Potato, an indigenous yellow-fleshed variety grown on the Cerbaie hills surrounding Santa Maria a Monte. Every evening, these potatoes are fried in the famous "padellone": a giant frying pan introduced in 1973 that has become the true symbol of the event, drawing the curiosity of thousands of visitors. Frying begins every afternoon and continues throughout the evening, filling the village streets with an unmistakable aroma.
Food stalls
The stalls offer two distinct menus: one entirely dedicated to the Tosca potato, ranging from classic fries to more elaborate recipes, and another showcasing typical Tuscan cuisine. There is also a wine bar featuring local wines. The stalls open every evening and remain active until late, with tables set up throughout the squares and gardens of the historic center.
Music, entertainment, and gatherings
Every evening features live music and entertainment for all ages: past editions have hosted national artists, comedians, tribute bands, and dance music nights. The festival also hosts vintage car and motorcycle rallies (Vespa, Harley Davidson, Ape car, and Ciao), pyromusical shows, and the traditional bingo game that closes the festival.
A village to discover
The festival is also the perfect opportunity to explore the charming medieval village of Santa Maria a Monte, with its characteristic spiral streets, the Carducci House Museum, the Beata Diana Giuntini Museum, and the "La Rocca" archaeological park, home to Etruscan and Lombard artifacts. A journey through history, gastronomy, and tradition in the heart of the most authentic Tuscany.
Fried Potato Festival — edition 2026
Fried Potato Festival 2026
The 2026 edition will be held from August 19 to 24, 2026 in the historic center of Santa Maria a Monte (Pisa), with evening openings starting at 7:00 PM. The event's classic ingredients are confirmed: frying the Patata Tosca in the giant pan, the two food menus (potato and Tuscan cuisine), the wine bar, and evenings of music and entertainment.
The detailed program of the evenings and the names of the guest artists will be announced by the organizing committee in the weeks leading up to the event. Free admission.
Programme Fried Potato Festival 2026
The detailed lineup of artists and musical performances for the 53rd edition (from August 19 to 24, 2026) will be announced by the Fried Potato Festival Committee in the weeks leading up to the event. We will publish it here as soon as it becomes available.
Confirmed details for the 2026 edition (source: local press, July 2026):
- Giant frying pan starting at 6:00 PM in Piazza della Vittoria;
- Live music and entertainment every evening from 9:30 PM, featuring live concerts, comedy shows, and family-friendly performances;
- Six nights of festivities, from Wednesday, August 19, to Monday, August 24;
- Free admission; food and drinks from the stalls are paid for upon consumption.
Highlights Fried Potato Festival 2026
- Frying the Patata Tosca in the legendary giant pan
- Six evenings of live music and shows with free admission
- Two food menus dedicated to potatoes and Tuscan cuisine
Prices Fried Potato Festival 2026
Practical information — Fried Potato Festival
Getting there
By car: take the Pontedera exit on the FI-PI-LI highway, then follow signs for Santa Maria a Monte. By train: Pontedera-Casciana Terme station, then by bus. In previous years, a free evening shuttle service was provided from the parking lot in the Ponticelli stadium area.
Hours
Evening opening; food stalls are active from the evening, while frying in the giant pan begins in the late afternoon. Musical performances generally start at 9:30 PM.
Admission
Free entry to the event.
Contact
French Fry Festival Committee — tel. +39 3201143001 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Fried Potato Festival
Centro storico e Piazza della Vittoria
Piazza della Vittoria, 56020 Santa Maria a Monte