Orentano August Festival / Cream Puff Festival

A sweet tradition in the heart of Tuscany

The Orentano August Festival, better known as the Cream Puff Festival, is one of the most distinctive summer events in the province of Pisa. It takes place in Orentano, a village within the municipality of Castelfranco di Sotto, Tuscany, and revolves around an absolute star: the cream puff, prepared in a thousand variations by local pastry chefs and Orentano natives who have emigrated to other Italian cities. The event has its roots in the 1970s, and 2025 marked its 55th edition, a sign of rare continuity for a village festival.

San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Orentano

The festival originated from celebrations in honor of San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Orentano. The first event is on the evening of August 10th, the saint's day, with Vespers and a religious procession through the village streets. Liturgical celebrations continue in the following days, with Mass and a procession dedicated to the Madonna around mid-August. The religious and popular dimensions thus coexist in one great community festival that involves the entire village.

The Dolcione: a cream puff sculpture

The most spectacular moment is the Dolcione parade, scheduled for the final evening of the festival. Created in 1987, the Dolcione is a massive allegorical float entirely covered in cream puffs, supported by structures provided by the Ente Carnevale dei Bambini Pro Loco di Orentano, the same association that organizes the village's famous carnival. Every year, the theme remains a secret until the very end: in the past, the Dolcione has been dedicated to characters and symbols of popular culture, from cartoons to football teams. It is, for all intents and purposes, a monumental sculpture made of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour—a true work of art worthy of the Guinness World Records.

A week of events in Piazza Matteotti

The beating heart of the event is Piazza Matteotti, where for about a week, evenings are filled with live music, dancing, entertainment, and activities for children. There is no shortage of food stands, market stalls, card tournaments, charity raffles, and the inevitable fireworks. Between concerts by the local philharmonic, 80s and 90s revival nights, and DJ sets, the Orentano August Festival offers a program designed for all ages.

Flavors and the Orentano atmosphere

The true common thread remains the gastronomy: in addition to cream puffs, the stands offer traditional Tuscan dishes, accompanied by wine and local products. The atmosphere is that of an authentic village festival, where the entire Orentano community comes together to welcome visitors. For those looking to discover a genuine and delicious side of the province of Pisa, the Orentano August Festival is an unmissable appointment.