Porcini Mushroom and Polenta Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Lucca Plain

The Porcini Mushroom and Polenta Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Lucca Plain. It takes place in Massa Macinaia, a village in the municipality of Capannori, in the green area next to Piazzale Monica del Grande, along Via dei Sodini. For over thirty years, it has drawn thousands of food lovers every summer from the province of Lucca and across Tuscany, all attracted by the undisputed star of the show: the porcini mushroom.

Garfagnana porcini: the star of the table

The festival's signature dish is polenta, prepared with stone-ground cornmeal just like in the old days, served with Garfagnana porcini mushrooms. Alongside the polenta, the kitchen offers the great classics of Lucchese and Tuscan tradition:

• Fried polenta crostini with porcini mushrooms
• Penne with porcini mushrooms and penne all'amatriciana
• Zuppa alla frantoiana, a local peasant soup
• Grilled meats, roast beef, and oven-baked pork shank
• Beans with onions and seasonal side dishes
• Torta coi becchi, the typical Lucchese dessert

The dishes are paired with local wines, starting with those from the hills of Montecarlo, just a few kilometers from Capannori.

A charitable community celebration

The event is organized by the Misericordia of Massa Macinaia and San Giusto di Compito and has a strong focus on solidarity: proceeds support the association's local volunteer and assistance activities. The festival is entirely run by volunteers, from the kitchen to table service, and represents one of the most cherished community gatherings in the village.

Music and evening atmosphere

Every evening, alongside the food stalls, the green area hosts live music: ballroom orchestras, cover bands, and themed DJ sets liven up the summer nights of the festival. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is the informal, family-friendly one typical of Tuscan village feasts, where you sit at long outdoor tables under the stars.

When to visit

The festival is held for five consecutive weekends between late June and late July, every Saturday and Sunday, with food stalls opening at 7:30 PM. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the genuine cuisine of the Lucca Plain in an authentic and convivial setting, just minutes from the center of Capannori and the city of Lucca.