Meeting Festival and Fried Dough Ball Festival

A local festival in the heart of the Valdera

In the summer calendar of the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari, in the province of Pisa, the Meeting Festival is a historic and deeply cherished event. It takes place in Quattro Strade di Perignano, a lively village overlooking the Valdera plain, and for over thirty years, it has brought residents and visitors together around dining tables and the dance floor. In 2026, the event marks its 36th edition, while its twin, the Fried Dough Ball Festival, reaches its 24th edition: two festivals that have grown together to form a single, great popular event.

The taste of fried dough balls and Tuscan cuisine

The gastronomic heart of the festival is dedicated to the palle fritte (fried dough balls), the specialty that gives the second event its name and evokes the most authentic flavors of the Tuscan peasant tradition. Alongside this treat, the festival restaurant offers a rich land-based menu and typical local dishes, served both in the indoor hall and in the spacious outdoor areas. The bar and restaurant open every evening at 7:30 PM, perfect for a dinner with friends before the music begins.

Dance evenings and live orchestras

After dinner, the party heats up: starting at 9:30 PM, the dance evenings kick off with orchestras, DJs, and shows designed for all ages. Ballroom dancing, group dances, Latin-Caribbean rhythms, and traditional dance hall music alternate over the four scheduled dates, in a format that has always made this festival a meeting point for dance enthusiasts in the area.

A tradition that unites the community

The event is organized by the Associazione Quattro Strade, with the patronage of the Municipality of Casciana Terme Lari, and represents one of the many events that enliven the local summer. More than just a simple food festival, the Meeting Festival is a moment of social connection that tells the story of the identity of a small Tuscan village: that of the Pro Loco, volunteer associations, and the festivals that, year after year, keep village life vibrant.

When and where

The 2026 edition takes place over two weekends in June: Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th, then Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st, always in Quattro Strade di Perignano. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that warm, familiar vibe of the best Tuscan village festivals.