La Castagna racconta

The chestnut that tells the story of Lunigiana

La Castagna racconta is one of the most cherished autumn events in Lunigiana, held in the heart of Licciana Nardi, in the province of Massa-Carrara, in northern Tuscany. It is more than just a food festival: it is a historical and cultural re-enactment that transports the entire medieval village back in time, reconstructing the peasant life of the early 1900s, when the chestnut was the foundation of the Apennine valleys' diet and economy.

History of the event

The festival began in 1999 on the initiative of Giuseppe Malaspina, then deputy mayor, as an autumn fair designed to unite the community around the chestnut tree. Over the years, it has grown into a recognized event, celebrating its twenty-fifth edition in 2024. It is included in the Tuscan regional calendar of historical-cultural events and is organized, on a non-profit basis, by the Comitato della Castagna with the patronage of the Municipality of Licciana Nardi and the collaboration of the Pro Loco Malaspina; proceeds are traditionally donated to public works in the village.

What to see and taste

Along the streets and squares of the village, scenes of chestnut harvesting, drying, and processing come to life, featuring original tools and costumed performers. The common thread is taste: visitors can savor traditional chestnut-based dishes, accompanied by local wines.

• Pattone (castagnaccio cooked between chestnut leaves)
• Mondine and roasted chestnuts
• Cian and castagnacci
• Soladelle, fritters, and focaccette

Entertainment and atmosphere

Beyond the gastronomy, every edition offers a rich calendar of entertainment: storytellers, stilt walkers, live music and folk dancing, theatrical performances, cooking shows, book presentations, and themed conferences. It is an event designed for the whole family, where entertainment intertwines with the memory of rural traditions.

A village in the heart of Lunigiana

Licciana Nardi, dominated by the Malaspina castle, is one of the most characteristic villages in Lunigiana, a land of castles, Romanesque churches, and ancient pilgrimage routes. The event is also the ideal opportunity to discover this lesser-known corner of Tuscany, amidst Apennine landscapes and a gastronomic culture deeply rooted in the woods and the chestnut tree.