Locio Festival in Palaie

The Locio Festival, the heart of the Palaie tradition

In the village of Palaie, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Pelago, in the Province of Florence, the end of winter brings one of the most anticipated events of the calendar: the Locio Festival. This long-standing event, deeply rooted in the community, takes place in the welcoming setting of the Casa del Popolo di Palaie, along Via Casentinese Bassa, and attracts food lovers from neighboring towns and the entire Florence area every year.

What is "locio"?

The term "locio" is the Tuscan dialect word for duck (specifically, a young goose or duck). It is a humble ingredient of peasant cuisine, rich in flavor, which is celebrated here as a true local specialty. The festival was created specifically to showcase this traditional dish, passed down from generation to generation and now inextricably linked to the name of Palaie.

The festival cuisine

The food stands offer a menu that is a journey through the authentic flavors of the Tuscan countryside. Must-try specialties include:

• Duck tortelli, homemade pasta served with a rich duck ragù;
• Stewed locio, duck slow-cooked according to the traditional recipe;
• Snails in duck sauce, another historic dish of the festival;
• Grilled meat and classic Tuscan side dishes.

Everything is accompanied by local wines and the convivial atmosphere typical of village festivals, where community volunteers handle the cooking and table service.

A community celebration

More than just a food festival, the event is a gathering point for the residents of Pelago and its surrounding villages. The Casa del Popolo, a historic social hub, welcomes visitors in covered and climate-controlled spaces, ensuring the festivities can continue regardless of the weather, which can be unpredictable in the Florentine Valdarno hills during late March.

When it takes place

The Locio Festival is traditionally held over two weekends in March: the stands open on Saturday evenings for dinner from 7:30 PM onwards, and on Sundays for lunch from 12:00 PM. Given the popularity of the event, reservations are highly recommended. Pelago, easily accessible from Florence and the Valdarno area, is the perfect base for combining the festival with a walk through the villages and hills of this authentic corner of Tuscany.