Montefioralle Fritter Festival

The Montefioralle Fritter Festival

In the heart of the Chianti Classico region, perched on a hill in the municipality of Greve in Chianti (Province of Florence), the medieval village of Montefioralle hosts one of the area's most beloved festivals every year: the St. Joseph's Fritter Festival. Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Montefioralle comes alive for two days with scents, music, and rural traditions, welcoming visitors from all over Tuscany and beyond.

Rice fritters: the undisputed stars

The famous St. Joseph's rice fritters are the heart of the celebration. The recipe, passed down for over half a century, uses simple, genuine ingredients from rural cuisine: rice, sugar, milk, lemon, and Vin Santo. The most spectacular detail is the cooking process: the fritters are fried in a massive pan with a diameter of two meters, requiring about 250 kilograms of extra virgin olive oil. Served hot, they are accompanied by wine and Vin Santo, as well as a selection of sandwiches and crostini.

A festival born in 1972

The festival has been held since 1972 and is dedicated to St. Joseph, following a popular tradition deeply rooted in local rural culture. Over the years, the event has grown into a fixed date on the Chianti calendar, attracting thousands of food lovers. The 2026 edition marks the 54th anniversary: a milestone that testifies to the vitality of a community that, through its volunteers, keeps an ancient village custom alive.

More than just fritters: music and the Gourmet Walk

Alongside the fritter tastings, the festival offers live music in the village squares and the Gourmet Walk, a walking route of about 6 kilometers through the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti—a perfect opportunity to discover the hilly landscape before indulging in the fritters. On Sunday, a convenient free shuttle service is available, connecting Greve in Chianti to the village.

Montefioralle and the Chianti region

Visiting the festival is also the perfect occasion to explore Montefioralle, with its walls, concentric alleys, and the church of Santo Stefano. The event ideally marks the beginning of spring and the tourist season in Chianti, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. An authentic event organized by the Montefioralle Tourist Committee in collaboration with the Municipality of Greve in Chianti.