Nozza Festival

The Nozza Festival in Calcinaia

In the heart of the Valdera area, just a few kilometers from Pisa, the town of Calcinaia (Province of Pisa, Tuscany) celebrates one of its most cherished traditions every year: the Nozza Festival. For nearly fifty years, on the third weekend of May, the historic center comes alive with scents, flavors, and music to honor the community's signature pastry.

The festival marks the opening of the Maggio Calcinaiolo, a rich series of events that, over three weeks, weaves together gastronomy, religion, folklore, and community spirit in honor of the patron saint, Saint Ubaldesca.

The nozza, a unique pastry

The star of the show is the nozza, a thin wafer, barely three millimeters thick, flavored with anise and rosolio. Its characteristic cone shape comes from an ancient technique: the warm dough is wrapped around the necks of bottles and left to cool, resulting in its typical elongated form. Once the traditional wedding pastry of Calcinaia—from which its name is said to derive—it is now a true local institution.

The festival program

The official opening takes place on Saturday evening in Piazza Indipendenza, with food stalls along Via Buozzi and live music. The evenings feature bingo, concerts, and social gatherings that bring the whole town together. The festivities continue on Sunday, offering the chance to sample the nozza and classic Tuscan dishes.

The Maggio Calcinaiolo also offers some of the most heartfelt events in the region:

• Palio Remiero: a rowing competition between the town's three districts — La Nave, Montecchio, and Oltrarno — on the waters of the Arno;
• Solemn Procession with the Relic of the Arm of Saint Ubaldesca through the town streets;
• Historical Regatta in honor of the patron saint, preceded by a historical costume parade of the three districts and performances by dance schools from twin towns.

A tradition that unites the town

Organized by the Deputazione di Santa Ubaldesca with the patronage of the Municipality of Calcinaia, the Nozza Festival is much more than a food event: it is a moment when the community reconnects with its roots through religious devotion, historical re-enactment, and the pleasure of a pastry that tells centuries of local history. An authentic experience, far from mass tourism, perfect for those wanting to discover the most genuine side of Tuscany.