Monte San Savino Pici Festival

The Monte San Savino Pici Festival

In the heart of the Arezzo Valdichiana, the Renaissance village of Monte San Savino dedicates eleven evenings each summer to the most beloved dish of the local tradition: pici. The Pici Festival, organized by the Amici del Monte Association, takes place at the sports field along the Viale Diaz parking area, attracting families, food lovers, and curious visitors from across the province of Arezzo and nearby southern Tuscany every year.

What are pici?

Pici are a type of homemade pasta typical of south-central Tuscany, prepared with only water and flour and rolled by hand to create long, thick, and irregular spaghetti. Their rustic texture is perfect for holding the most flavorful sauces: at the festival, they can be enjoyed in the most classic local versions, from 'aglione' (garlic sauce) to meat ragù, as well as seasonal toppings offered by the volunteers. The handmade process, which is still proudly maintained today, is the hallmark of the Savinese event.

A charity-focused village festival

More than just a food festival, the event is a true community gathering. The entire organization relies on the volunteer work of the Amici del Monte, and the proceeds are entirely donated to projects and initiatives supporting the Municipality of Monte San Savino. This spirit of solidarity has accompanied the festival for over ten years, making it a cornerstone of the Savinese summer.

Atmosphere and entertainment

In addition to the food stalls, the festival enlivens the evenings with a beer garden, a dance floor hosting live orchestras and dance music every night, and games and entertainment for children. The evening opening of the stalls, the large outdoor space, and the conviviality typical of village festivals create a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for dining under the stars of the Valdichiana.

Monte San Savino, a Renaissance jewel

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Monte San Savino, an elegant village in Tuscany and the birthplace of the sculptor Andrea Sansovino. In the historic center, you can admire the 16th-century Logge dei Mercanti in pietra serena, the Town Hall attributed to Antonio da Sangallo, and churches that bear witness to the town's medieval and Renaissance past. A stroll through the village alleys, before or after dinner, is the ideal way to complete your visit to the festival.