Gatto Nero Festival

A Ferragosto feast in the heart of the Garfagnana

The Gatto Nero Festival is the village celebration that brings the hamlet of Sassi, a small village in the municipality of Molazzana in the province of Lucca, to life every year on August 14th and 15th. Tucked away between the mountains of the Garfagnana and at the foot of the Apuan Alps Park, the event is one of the most cherished Ferragosto traditions in the region, attracting locals, vacationers, and visitors looking for a cool escape and the authentic flavors of the Apennine Tuscany.

A tradition spanning over twenty years

Organized by A.S. Sassi-Eglio, the association uniting the small communities of Sassi and Eglio, the festival has been running for over two decades. Originally started in Piazza del Grotto with a simple, genuine menu, it has evolved and expanded over time: today, lunches and dinners are held at the former elementary school, while the sports field hosts the recreational area and festivities. The original spirit remains intact, rooted in volunteerism, hospitality, and a love for local traditions.

The flavors of Garfagnana cuisine

The true star of the festival is traditional food. The food stalls offer the most iconic dishes of the Garfagnana, prepared according to time-honored recipes:

• Garfagnana spelt minestrone, a symbol of local cuisine
• Penne al gatto nero, the specialty that gives the festival its name
• Homemade maccheroni
• Mixed grills featuring sausage, pork ribs, and steaks, as well as large beef steaks
• Trout in foil, a dish tied to the valley's waterways
• Side dishes including potatoes, oven-baked local vegetables, tomatoes, and beans
• Local cheeses, traditional desserts, and gelato with blueberry and mixed berry syrup

Music, games, and conviviality

Beyond the excellent food, the Gatto Nero Festival offers two evenings of live music and entertainment. On Friday evening, after the food stalls open, the festivities continue through the village squares with music and DJ sets. On Ferragosto, in addition to lunch and dinner, the afternoon is enriched with traditional wooden games scattered throughout the village streets—a highlight especially loved by families and children—before the evening aperitif and dinner.

Sassi and Molazzana, a village to discover

Attending the festival is also an opportunity to explore Sassi and the Molazzana area, a gateway to the Apuan Alps Park and the hiking trails of the Garfagnana. The village, quiet and secluded for most of the year, transforms during Ferragosto into a warm and genuine meeting point where the community opens its doors to those seeking an authentic Tuscan village festival.