Hare Festival

The Hare Festival in Palaie

In the heart of the countryside sloping from Pratomagno toward the Arno, the village of Palaie in the municipality of Pelago (Province of Florence, Tuscany) hosts one of the most authentic local festivals every autumn: the Hare Festival. Organized by the Casa del Popolo Palaie, a historic local social club, the event attracts game-cuisine enthusiasts and curious food lovers every year in search of the authentic flavors of the Florentine rural tradition.

The flavors of Tuscan game

The undisputed star is the hare, prepared according to the typical dishes of the simple yet flavorful cuisine of these hills. The menu features tortelli with hare sauce and pappardelle with hare sauce, first courses that capture the full depth of wild game ragù, followed by jugged hare, slow-cooked according to family recipes. For those who prefer, there is also the essential grilled meat of the Tuscan tradition. Dishes are accompanied by local wines and served within the spaces of the Casa del Popolo.

A cozy, indoor village feast

The festival's food stalls are set up in covered and climate-controlled areas, ensuring the event can be enjoyed comfortably even in the event of autumn weather. The atmosphere is that of a classic village feast: communal tables, club volunteers in the kitchen, and the warmth of the Palaie community, which opens its doors to residents and visitors from across the Valdarno and the Florence area.

Where and when

The Hare Festival is held at the Casa del Popolo in Palaie, on Via Casentinese Bassa, about two kilometers from Pontassieve along the road leading up to Consuma. It traditionally takes place on the weekends of October, opening on Saturday evenings for dinner and on Sundays for both lunch and dinner. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a trip into the Pelago countryside with a culinary stop dedicated to Tuscan tradition.