Malmantile Ficattola Festival

The Malmantile Ficattola Festival

Every June, the small village of Malmantile, a hamlet in the municipality of Lastra a Signa near Florence, comes alive for one of its most cherished traditions: the Ficattola Festival. For nearly fifty years, this event has drawn locals and visitors alike, all eager to sample a simple, authentic specialty that has become a true culinary symbol of the region.

What is a ficattola?

The ficattola is a classic fried dough from Tuscan folk cuisine. Made from leavened bread dough, it is rolled thin, deep-fried in hot oil, sprinkled with salt, and served piping hot. Born from peasant tradition as a way to create a nutritious dish from humble ingredients, it is enjoyed on its own or paired with regional delicacies like finocchiona, salami, and prosciutto. It is a close relative of the famous coccoli and donzelle found throughout Tuscany.

The Program

The festival takes place in Piazza Piave, in the heart of Malmantile, and is open from Thursday to Sunday evening throughout the duration of the event. The menu varies by day:

• Thursday and Friday: savory ficattole, assorted cold cuts, and pasta dishes;
• Saturday and Sunday: ficattole accompanied by a full menu and grilled meats;
• Every evening: live music to liven up the square;
• Closing night: village fair with bingo and a fireworks display.

A Community Celebration

The Ficattola Festival is organized by the AVIS chapter of Malmantile (the blood donors' association). It has always been a cornerstone of local volunteering and social life: proceeds support the association's activities, and the event serves as a wonderful opportunity for the community to gather in a convivial atmosphere. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Lastra a Signa.

Malmantile, a Walled Village on the Via Pisana

The festival is made even more evocative by the setting of Malmantile, one of the best-preserved fortified villages in Tuscany. Its walls, built in 1424 along the ancient road connecting Florence to Pisa, form a perfect rectangle with gates on the short sides. Strolling among the ancient stones of the village, with a ficattola in hand, offers a true glimpse into the most authentic side of Tuscany, just a few kilometers from Florence.