Maccherone Festival

The heart of the Sassofortino festival

The Maccherone Festival is the summer event that draws crowds of locals and tourists every year to Sassofortino, a small hillside hamlet in the municipality of Roccastrada, in the province of Grosseto. Established over forty years ago, the festival is now one of the longest-running and most iconic food and wine events in the Tuscan Maremma: in 2025, it reached its 46th edition, a testament to a tradition renewed from generation to generation thanks to the commitment of the local community.

Where it takes place: Parco Fonte di Vandro

The heart of the event is the Parco comunale della Fonte di Vandro, the green space located at the entrance to the village. Here, under the characteristic chestnut trees surrounding the town, food stalls, a bar, and a stage for performances are set up. It is a cool, shaded setting, ideal for August evenings, giving the festival that authentic village atmosphere that is becoming increasingly rare to find.

The star: Maremma cuisine

The festival's name pays homage to its signature dish: handmade maccheroni, a traditional Maremma peasant pasta prepared according to old-time recipes. However, the menu, curated by the volunteer cooks of the Pro Loco Sasso&Forte, goes far beyond pasta: the table features Maremma tortelli (ravioli), wild boar stew, tripe, beans in tomato sauce, grilled meat, and homemade desserts. Everything is prepared with local products, following the simple, genuine recipes of Maremma cuisine that have made the 'cucina povera' of this part of Tuscany famous.

Music, dancing, and conviviality

The Maccherone Festival is not just about good food. Every evening after dinner, the program offers live music, shows, and dance nights with free admission, transforming the park into a large open-air square where friends and families can gather. This is the festival's winning formula: the combination of local cuisine and popular entertainment, set in a typically welcoming Maremma atmosphere.

A festival that tells the story of Maremma

Visiting the Maccherone Festival means discovering an authentic corner of the Grosseto hinterland, far from the most beaten tourist paths. Sassofortino and the entire Roccastrada territory offer forests, medieval villages, and a gastronomy with a strong character: the festival is the perfect opportunity to savor them while supporting the work of the Pro Loco and the entire community. A date to mark on the calendar for those looking for the most authentic side of Tuscany.