ODISSEE – Multicultural Festival of Gaiole in Chianti

ODISSEE, the first multicultural festival in Gaiole in Chianti

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the village of Gaiole in Chianti, in the heart of the Sienese Chianti in the province of Siena, hosts the first edition of ODISSEE, a multicultural festival created by the Radici in Chianti association. The chosen title, "Every journey is everyone's journey," perfectly captures the spirit of the event: a path of discovery and exchange between local traditions and the many communities from other countries that now live in and enliven the village.

A collective local project

ODISSEE was born from the collaboration of the entire social fabric of Gaiole. Working alongside Radici in Chianti are the "Bettino Ricasoli" Middle School of Gaiole, the Parish of San Sigismondo, the Fondazione Musei Senesi, and the Circolo Società Filarmonica di Gaiole. It is a festival designed and built by the community for the community, where students, families, volunteers, and new residents become the protagonists of a shared story.

Culture, memory, and encounter

The day begins in the afternoon with a free guided tour of the Museum of the Origins of Chianti, part of the "Mizizi - Cultures in Dialogue" project promoted by the Fondazione Musei Senesi. It is the best way to start from the roots of this land before broadening the perspective to include the many stories of those who arrived here from afar. In the evening, the heart of the festival moves to the square in front of the San Sigismondo church, which becomes a place for flavors, stories, and music.

Flavors and traditions from around the world

The food stalls offer local traditional specialties alongside dishes prepared by Gaiole residents from other countries: a tangible opportunity to taste the cultural plurality of contemporary Chianti. The most moving moment of the evening is the interview with centenarian Galliano Pasquini, accompanied by testimonies from those who arrived, those who left, and those who stayed. The festival closes with Balkan dance and music, in a finale that unites generations and backgrounds.

Why visit

ODISSEE is not just a simple village fair: it is a great little community experiment that shows how a Tuscan village can transform differences into wealth. An authentic festival, free in its cultural aspects, perfect for those who want to discover the Sienese Chianti beyond the wineries and postcard landscapes, by connecting with the real life of Gaiole in Chianti.