Gota Cotta Festival

Bada che Gota: the festival of local 'gota cotta'

In the heart of the Sienese Valdelsa, the Gota Cotta Festival — known to everyone as Bada che Gota — is the autumn food and wine event that brings the historic center of Colle di Val d'Elsa, in the province of Siena, Tuscany, to life every October. For an entire day, the cobblestone streets of Colle Alta, from the Ponte del Campana to the Baluardo and through Piazza del Duomo, transform into a grand gastronomic trail dedicated to a unique product found nowhere else.

Gota cotta, a cured meat saved from oblivion

Gota cotta is a local specialty that embodies Tuscan peasant wisdom: it is made from pork cheek, boiled and seasoned with spices. Its origins date back at least to the post-WWII era, and local tradition attributes its spread to Angiolino Gozzi, an artisan who moved to Colle in the 1950s and taught the process to local butchers. After years as a niche product, 'gota cotta' was saved from extinction by a small group of local butchers; the festival was created specifically to introduce it to the general public and preserve its gastronomic heritage.

What to expect at the festival

The format combines flavors, culture, and conviviality. Along the route, you will find:

• over twenty local restaurants offering 'gota cotta' in both traditional and revisited versions;
• wineries from the Valdelsa and craft breweries for perfect pairings;
• themed corners dedicated to spritz, sparkling wines, gin, amari, and coffee;
• live music and DJ sets scattered throughout the historic center;
• demonstrations of crystal craftsmanship, the excellence that made Colle famous worldwide;
• craft markets and activities for children.

A growing event

Launched in 2023, the festival has quickly won over the public: the 2025 edition recorded over 5,000 attendees, confirming its status as one of the key food and wine events of the Sienese autumn. The organization is the result of a collaboration between the Municipality of Colle di Val d'Elsa, the Gota Cotta Association, APS Equilibrio, and the Pro Loco, with the involvement of local musicians and associations.

Colle di Val d'Elsa, the city of crystal

Visiting Bada che Gota is also a great opportunity to discover Colle Alta, a charming medieval village perched on a hill, home to historic palaces, narrow alleys, and scenic views of the Valdelsa. Known as the city of crystal, Colle di Val d'Elsa is an ideal stop between Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti region.