Pupporina and Tordello Festival

A Versilia tradition for over forty years

The Pupporina and Tordello Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Bozzano, a village in the municipality of Massarosa, in the province of Lucca, nestled at the foot of the hills that separate Versilia from the Lucca plains. For two full weeks, from August 1st to 15th, the village transforms into a vibrant meeting place where traditional cuisine meets festive evenings, entertainment, and the conviviality typical of Tuscan festivals.

The pupporina, the pastry of Saint Bartholomew

The heart of the festival is the pupporina, a small, round, ancient pastry prepared according to tradition by the local women in honor of Saint Bartholomew, whose feast day falls on August 24th. The ingredients are simple and wholesome: flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and the characteristic anise seeds, with some family recipes adding a touch of Marsala, saffron, and lemon zest. In the past, on the evening of August 24th, children would carry the pupporine in a procession to the chapel of Saint Bartholomew to be blessed before being eaten. Its round shape and name are linked to ancient symbolism regarding fertility and good health, with popular belief suggesting the pastry aided breastfeeding.

The tordello and the cuisine of Bozzano

Alongside the pastry, the other great star is the tordello (the Versilia-style tortello), a homemade pasta filled with minced meat, eggs, and aromatic herbs, served with a savory meat sauce. At the food stands, open every evening for dinner, you can also sample numerous typical local dishes, both from land and sea, representing the authentic culinary tradition of the Versilia region and the Massarosa plains.

Festive evenings at Parco del Soldato

The event takes place outdoors at the Parco Giuseppe del Soldato, in the heart of Bozzano. In addition to the food, the program features entertainment, live orchestra dancing, and traditional tombola games, attracting families and visitors from all over the area. Admission is free, and the environment is that of a warm, family-friendly village fair, brought to life by the volunteer work of Bozzano's local associations.

Why it's worth visiting

Part of the rich calendar of summer festivals in Massarosa, the Pupporina and Tordello Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover a pastry unique to Tuscany and experience authentic Versilia hospitality. An event that blends memory, popular devotion, and great food, just a few kilometers from the beaches of Versilia and Lake Massaciuccoli.