Papata Fest

A village festival that smells of summer

Papata Fest has become an unmissable summer appointment in the Arezzo Valdarno. It takes place at the Ponticino Sports Field, in the municipality of Laterina Pergine Valdarno, in the province of Arezzo, gathering residents, vacationers, and curious visitors from all over the valley for ten days. In 2026, the festival reaches the milestone of its 20th edition, scheduled from June 26th to July 5th: an important anniversary for an event born from the passion of a group of friends that has grown to become a landmark for the local area.

The meaning of "papata"

The very name of the festival tells the story of its soul. In the local dialect and Tuscan convivial tradition, a papata is a grand feast shared with friends: generous tables where grilled meat is never lacking and wine flows freely. This is the true spirit of the festival, organized by the ASD Papata Group, the local amateur sports association that has been enlivening the Ponticino community for twenty years through soccer and this summer event.

What to expect

The heart of Papata Fest is the food stand, where you can taste the flavors of Tuscan and Valdarno cuisine, from grilled meats to traditional dishes, all accompanied by local wine. Surrounding the table is a program of evenings dedicated to popular entertainment:

• Cuisine and refreshments with table service, ranging from grilled meats to traditional side dishes and desserts
• Music and dance evenings, with orchestras and bands enlivening the open-air dance floor
• Village festival atmosphere, designed for families, groups of friends, and all ages

Like many festivals in the Valdarno, Papata Fest combines gastronomy with social life: it is an opportunity to gather outdoors on summer evenings, support the association's activities, and experience the convivial tradition of the most authentic Tuscany.

Ponticino and the Valdarno

Ponticino is a lively village in the municipality of Laterina Pergine Valdarno, located along the route connecting Arezzo to Florence. The Arezzo Valdarno is a land of hills, vineyards, and historic villages, where summer festivals mark the calendar of community life. Participating in Papata Fest means coming into contact with this lesser-known, generous Tuscany, far from the major tourist circuits but rich in flavors and hospitality.