Gallettino Festival

A young festival already at the heart of Staffoli

The Gallettino Festival is one of the most anticipated spring culinary events in Staffoli, a village in the municipality of Santa Croce sull'Arno, located in the heart of the Tuscan leather district. Launched in 2018 as a spin-off of the well-established Hare Pappardelle Festival, it has quickly become a local tradition, attracting food lovers from across the Valdarno Inferiore and the Leather District.

Grilled cockerel: the star of the show

The dish that gives the festival its name is the grilled cockerel, a specialty that is particularly popular during the warmer months. Alongside this star attraction, volunteers offer a hearty menu rooted in traditional Tuscan peasant cooking:

• Tuscan appetizer with cold cuts and crostini;
• Homemade pasta with meat sauce;
• Mushroom and sausage risotto;
• Grilled cockerel, the festival's signature dish;
• Sausages with 'uccelletta' style beans, a classic Tuscan side dish.

Everything is served under the historic festival marquee, set up by dedicated volunteers, with a convenient bar service available to guests.

A festival with a charitable purpose

The Gallettino Festival is organized by the Pro Loco Staffoli in collaboration with the AVIS Comunale Staffoli blood donors. Beyond being a moment of community conviviality, the event supports the activities of the blood donor association: dining at the festival means supporting an organization that has been active in the area for years. Admission is free, as is participation in the side events that enliven the evenings.

Village atmosphere

Staffoli offers a genuine festival experience, characterized by long communal tables, the scent of charcoal grills, and a friendly atmosphere. Past editions have featured entertainment such as karaoke and live music, capturing the authentic spirit of traditional Tuscan village fairs. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover the "lesser-known" Tuscany—the one made of small villages and hamlets, far from the crowded tourist circuits but rich in flavors and traditions.

When and where

The festival typically takes place in mid-May, spanning three days from Friday to Sunday, at the AVIS Center on Via Ugo Foscolo in Staffoli. Food stalls are open for dinner on Friday and Saturday, and for lunch on Sunday. Due to high attendance, reservations are recommended as seating under the marquee is limited.