Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Festival at La Gulfa

A festival that tastes of the Versilia woods

When the evenings turn crisp in August and the hills of Lucca begin to yield their first porcini, it is time for the Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Festival in Montramito. The event takes place in La Gulfa, a hamlet within the municipality of Massarosa, in the province of Lucca—the heart of the inland Versilia region, where villages, pine forests, and rural traditions coexist just a few kilometers from the sea.

This is the kind of festival that captures the true spirit of Italy: no polished stages, just a large open-air space with tables under marquees, the aroma of charcoal grills and fried mushrooms, orchestras playing after dinner, and generations gathering at the same table. Organized by ASD Piano di Conca, the event brings La Gulfa to life for nearly two weeks, standing as one of the most beloved summer gastronomic highlights in the area.

The star: the porcini mushroom

Everything revolves around the porcini mushroom, featured in every course. The crowd favorite remains the fried porcini—crispy and golden—but the menu spans from appetizers and pasta dishes with mushroom sauce to main courses and fresh pizza. Alongside the porcini, the truffle, a precious treasure of these hills, takes center stage, complemented by a rich selection of traditional Tuscan dishes, including tordelli, the typical Lucchese stuffed ravioli served with meat ragù.

The service is warm and generous, typical of local village festivals: hearty portions, affordable prices, and a bar with draft beer to round off the evening. Everything is managed by the association's volunteers, who set up the kitchens, long tables, and dance floor every year.

Music, dancing, and nightly entertainment

The La Gulfa Festival is about more than just food. Every evening after dinner, the dance floor lights up with orchestras playing ballroom and Latin-American music. There is also karaoke, music, and the unmissable tombola, which brings both young and old together. It is a program designed for locals and the many tourists vacationing in Versilia, turning a dinner with friends into a full-blown festive night.

Where and how

The festival area is located at La Gulfa in Montramito, along the road connecting Massarosa to Viareggio and the Versilia coast. A major advantage is the large, illuminated parking lot, making the event easily accessible for those arriving from nearby towns and seaside resorts. Admission is free: you only pay for what you order. For those visiting Versilia in August, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the most genuine, rustic side of the Massarosa territory over a plate of porcini.