Misericordia Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Alta Val di Cecina

In the municipality of Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina, a hilltop village in the province of Pisa overlooking the Colline Metallifere and the land of geothermal steam vents, the Misericordia Festival is one of the most cherished summer events. Now in its 32nd edition, the festival takes place at the Giardini Pubblici "il Piazzone", the green space in the heart of the village that transforms into a meeting point for the entire community for a few days.

Sweets and local specialties

The heart of the festival is the table. At the stalls set up among the trees of the Piazzone, you can enjoy homemade sweets and other local specialties, crafted by the volunteers and families of the village. It is a classic Tuscan community festival where people sit together, chat, and support a good cause: as per tradition, the proceeds from the event contribute to the activities of the Confraternita di Misericordia, the volunteer association that has provided assistance, rescue, and solidarity services in the area for generations.

The tradition of the Tuscan Misericordie

The Confraternite di Misericordia are a profound part of the Tuscan identity: founded centuries ago as lay charitable associations, they still play an essential role in small towns like Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina, where volunteering is a pillar of village life. The summer festival is therefore much more than just a food fair: it is a way for the community to rally around those who work on the front lines for the common good all year round.

A village to discover

Visiting the Misericordia Festival is also an opportunity to discover Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina and its territory, amidst the unique landscapes of Tuscan geothermal energy, the hamlets of Sasso Pisano and Montecastelli Pisano, and the trails of the Alta Val di Cecina. A corner of authentic Tuscany, off the beaten path, where village festivals keep their original spirit intact.