Lari PGI Cherry Festival

The cherry-scented festival in the heart of the Valdera

As late May arrives, the historic village of Lari—part of the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari in the province of Pisa—dresses up for the Lari PGI Cherry Festival. It is one of the most cherished events in the Valdera region and all of Tuscany: a celebration that has honored the area's iconic fruit for decades, set beneath the imposing walls of the charming Castello dei Vicari, which overlooks the hills between Pisa and Lucca.

The Lari PGI Cherry, queen of the territory

The undisputed star is the Lari PGI Cherry, recognized at the European level and grown on the sandy-loam hills surrounding the village. The area is home to numerous local varieties—Crognolo, Precoce di Cevoli, Papalina, Marchiana, Morella, and Durone—prized for their glossy skin and firm, juicy flesh, with a minimum sugar content of 14° Brix. During the festival, visitors can buy fresh cherries directly from producers or enjoy them transformed into jams, pastries, and specialties ranging from savory to sweet.

What to eat

The food stalls are the heart of the festival. Offerings include bronze-drawn fresh pasta, local meats and sausages, goat and pecorino cheeses, appetizers featuring cherry jam, and a surprising cuisine that plays with sweet-and-savory contrasts. There is no shortage of cakes, tarts, cookies, gelato, and the famous cherry fritter, a specialty created right here in Lari. Prices for dishes typically range from 8 to 15 euros, while cherry tastings cost about 3-5 euros per portion.

Markets, music, and shows

Beyond the gastronomy, the village streets are filled with around thirty stalls offering local products, handicrafts, and regional specialties. The program features live music, street performances, cooking demonstrations, and guest entertainers. The highlight is the awarding of the Golden Cherry, a prize given to the best producers and most exquisite varieties, which attracts the attention of local institutions and enthusiasts alike.

The Castello dei Vicari

Rising above the town is the Castello dei Vicari, the ancient seat of Medici power. During the festival, it is open to visitors on weekends and holidays, offering a museum tour, the Hall of Torments, underground chambers, double-circuit walls, and breathtaking views of the Valdera. A visit that adds historical charm to a day of taste and tradition.

An unmissable event

With thousands of attendees each year and an authentically Tuscan atmosphere, the Lari Cherry Festival is much more than a village fair: it is a journey into the flavors and rural traditions of the province of Pisa, best experienced by strolling through the village alleys with a basket of cherries in hand.