Olive Oil and Olive Festival in Piano del Quercione

A village festival in the heart of Versilia

The Olive Oil and Olive Festival in Piano del Quercione is one of the longest-running and most beloved gastronomic events on the hills of Massarosa, in the province of Lucca, in the heart of the Tuscan Versilia. Every year, throughout the month of June, the small village of Piano del Quercione becomes a meeting point for residents and visitors alike, drawn by the aroma of home-style cooking seasoned with extra virgin olive oil produced on the surrounding hills.

Extra virgin olive oil, the absolute star

The theme of the festival is clear from its name: local extra virgin olive oil and table olives, the fruits of a hillside landscape dedicated to olive growing for centuries. All the dishes served at the stalls highlight this product, a symbol of the agricultural identity of inland Versilia. Alongside the oil, local olives accompany aperitifs and appetizers, offering a taste journey that tells the story of the area's rural traditions.

Traditional cuisine

The strength of the festival lies in its genuine, popular cuisine. Among the most sought-after specialties are:

• Tagliarini co' fagioli (tagliarini with beans), the festival's signature dish, featuring fresh, hand-rolled pasta seasoned with beans according to the local village recipe;
• Baccalà (salt cod) prepared according to the Versilia tradition;
• Appetizers and bruschetta enhanced by fresh extra virgin olive oil;
• Tuscan main courses, seasonal side dishes, and homemade desserts.

The food stalls open every evening for dinner, complemented by a bar service, aperitifs, and cocktails.

Music, dancing, and tombola

The Olive Oil and Olive Festival is about more than just food: every evening is accompanied by live music with ballroom and Latin dance orchestras, getting both young and old out on the dance floor. Completing the village festival atmosphere is the traditional tombola with prizes, a moment eagerly awaited by families. The setting is simple, convivial, and captures the authentic spirit of Tuscan village celebrations.

An event organized by the Misericordia

The event is organized by the Misericordia Brotherhood of Piano del Quercione, whose volunteers have dedicated their efforts to this festival for decades. Proceeds support the association's assistance activities within the Municipality of Massarosa. Attending the festival therefore also means contributing to a volunteer organization deeply rooted in the community.

Where and when

The festival takes place in the Ex Zoo-Parco area of Piano del Quercione, a hamlet of Massarosa, every weekend in June (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) starting at 7:30 PM. The area features a large, free parking lot, convenient for those arriving by car from the Versilia coast or the Lucca plain.