Mezzestate Festival

The Mezzestate Festival in Cutigliano

In the heart of summer, when the days in the Pistoia Mountains invite you to head for the heights to escape the heat, the village of Cutigliano—located in the municipality of Abetone Cutigliano, in the province of Pistoia, Tuscany—celebrates one of its most cherished events: the Mezzestate Festival. Established in 1972 to promote the products and excellence of the mountain territory, it is now a permanent fixture on the summer calendar, drawing visitors from across the province and nearby spa and tourist towns.

A market exhibition in the heart of the village

The hub of the festival is Piazzale Sant'Antonio, the space that opens up just below the town's main square. For the occasion, the 45 garage units in the square are transformed into as many stalls: ranging from handicrafts to typical products, and from the promotion of Pistoia mountain specialties to stands dedicated to tourism and regional development. It is a true showcase of local craftsmanship, where you can browse through handmade creations, gastronomic specialties, and ideas for exploring the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Tradition, entertainment, and taste

The Mezzestate Festival is more than just a market: throughout the event, the village is filled with activities designed for all ages. Among the most anticipated highlights is the medieval parade, featuring the drummers of the Cutigliano historical group, flag-wavers, and musicians, who for a few hours transport the town's streets back to their historical roots. There is no shortage of dance evenings, workshops for children, and literary cafés, which enliven the nights with music, meetings, and moments of conviviality.

The gastronomic chapter is one of the most beloved: at the stalls set up for the occasion, you can taste the specialties of mountain cuisine, above all necci, the traditional chestnut flour waffles that are a symbol of the Pistoia Apennine food culture.

Saint Bartholomew and the town's identity

The festival takes place around August 24th, the feast day of Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of Cutigliano. For this reason, the event also carries a strong sense of identity and religious significance, intertwining the dimension of a popular festival with that of patronal tradition. Organized by the Pro Loco Cutigliano with the patronage of the Municipality of Abetone Cutigliano, the Mezzestate Festival represents a moment of strong cohesion for the mountain community and a precious opportunity for those visiting Tuscany to discover an authentic and less touristy side of the Apennines.