Pelaghese Tortello Festival / Sports Festival

The Pelaghese Tortello Festival in Pelago

In the heart of the Florentine Valdarno, the town of Pelago (Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany) celebrates one of its signature dishes every summer with the Pelaghese Tortello Festival, paired with the Sports Festival promoted by the local sports club. The event takes place at the Giorgio La Pira Pastoral Center, at Via Vallombrosana 4, and is organized by U.S.D. Pelago, the amateur sports union that has managed the event for years with the help of dozens of volunteers.

Potato tortelli: the star of the table

The true star of the festival is the potato tortello, a symbol of the gastronomic tradition of the hills between the Valdarno and Casentino regions. Prepared by hand by volunteers from the Pro Loco and the sports club, it is served in three classic versions:

• with butter and sage, to fully enjoy the pure potato filling;
• with meat ragù, rich and savory;
• with tomato sauce, in its simplest and most fragrant form.

Alongside the tortelli, the menu features other Tuscan country dishes: homemade tagliatelle, appetizers with crostini, grilled meats, mixed roasts, and, for a sweet finish, the famous fried bomboloni.

When and where

The event spans two weekends in June, with food stalls opening every evening from 7:00 PM. The Pastoral Center facility is largely covered, ensuring the festival continues even in case of rain. The atmosphere is that of an authentic village fair: convivial tables, music, and the cheerful spirit of a community gathering around its own culinary heritage.

A village festival blending food and sport

The festival is more than just gastronomy: the pairing with the Sports Festival reflects the role of U.S.D. Pelago as a cornerstone of local community life. The event serves as a vital fundraiser for local sports activities and a meeting point for residents of the municipality and the surrounding areas.

Pelago and the Florentine Valdarno

Perched on the hills east of Florence, Pelago is one of the gateways to the famous Vallombrosa Abbey and the forests of Pratomagno. A trip to the festival is the perfect excuse to discover a corner of Tuscany that is less touristy but rich in nature, history, and culinary tradition, just a few kilometers from the regional capital.