Montecchio Vesponi Chestnut Festival

A rural celebration at the foot of the Montecchio castle

The Chestnut Festival is one of the most cherished autumn events in Castiglion Fiorentino, in the province of Arezzo. It takes place in Montecchio Vesponi, a small hamlet in the Aretine Valdichiana dominated by the famous medieval castle that once belonged to the Tarlati family and later to the Florentines. Here, in mid-October, the community gathers to celebrate the chestnut, a fruit that for centuries was a vital resource for the farming families of the Tuscan hills.

Culinary specialties

The heart of the festival is its gastronomy. At the stalls set up in the local sports center, you can enjoy roasted chestnuts, but above all, traditional dishes made with chestnut flour: baldino (the local sweet chestnut flour cake, known elsewhere as castagnaccio) and crispy, fragrant fried ciacce. The menu also features classic Tuscan dishes for convivial dinners: Tuscan appetizers, rustic pasta dishes, grilled meats, and seasonal sides.

More than just food: a festival for the whole family

Alongside the food stalls, the Chestnut Festival offers a program designed for all ages:

• Distribution of chestnuts, baldino, and fried ciacce
• Games, bouncy castles, and activities for children
• Performances and folk entertainment
• Exhibition-market and village activities
• Music and folklore events

A renewed village tradition

Organized by CAS Montecchio Vesponi APS, the festival is the result of the voluntary work of the village residents and represents one of the most important community gatherings of the year. In 2026, the event reaches its 42nd edition, confirming its status as one of the most deeply rooted autumn festivals in the Castiglion Fiorentino area and the entire eastern Tuscany. For those visiting the Valdichiana in autumn, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the genuine flavors of the Aretine hills and the hospitality of an authentic Tuscan village.