October Fair - Mushroom, Chestnut and Scorzone Truffle Exhibition

A day dedicated to the flavors of the forest

The October Fair - Mushroom, Chestnut and Scorzone Truffle Exhibition is one of the most cherished autumn events in Garfagnana, the mountain valley in the heart of the province of Lucca, Tuscany. Every year, on a Sunday in October, the medieval village of Castiglione di Garfagnana opens its walled gates to welcome visitors from across the valley and beyond to celebrate the most precious fruits of the Apennine woods.

Mushrooms, chestnuts, and scorzone truffles

At the heart of the fair are the three protagonists that give the event its name: porcini mushrooms foraged in the Garfagnana woods, chestnuts with their prized flour, and the scorzone truffle, the summer-autumn truffle typical of these mountains. Stalls from local farmers and artisans line the streets of the historic center, offering a chance to purchase local specialties and unique products.

The traditions of the valley

The day is about more than just gastronomy. The fair keeps its roots as a rural market alive, featuring a market and, in traditional editions, an exhibition of livestock from local breeders. The town hall hosts an evocative mycological exhibition, where local mushroom species are displayed and identified, accompanied by thematic and photographic exhibits.

The traditional lunch in the square

The highlight of the event is the traditional lunch served in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, under a covered structure, featuring a menu entirely dedicated to the flavors of the Garfagnana autumn: dishes based on chestnut flour, porcini mushrooms, scorzone truffles, mondine (roasted chestnuts), and necci (chestnut crepes). Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Organization and context

The exhibition is organized by the Pro Loco Castiglione di Garfagnana APS, in collaboration with local associations such as the Filarmonica Alpina, Atletico Castiglione, and AMA Cultura. Visiting the October Fair means discovering one of the most fascinating villages in the province of Lucca and immersing yourself in the authentic food and wine culture of the Garfagnana and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.