Rigutino Polenta Festival

The Rigutino Polenta Festival

The Rigutino Polenta Festival is one of the most deeply rooted village traditions in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. Rigutino is a village within the Municipality of Arezzo, nestled in the countryside south of the city, along the route leading toward the Val di Chiana and the Umbrian border. Here, for over thirty years, autumn has been marked by the aroma of polenta simmering in large copper cauldrons.

A tradition born in 1983

The festival began in 1983 and has become a highly anticipated event for the entire region. It takes place over two weekends in October, transforming the center of Rigutino into a vibrant celebration space with food stalls, long communal tables under marquees, and an entertainment program accompanying every evening. The event is organized entirely by local volunteers who mobilize every year to welcome thousands of visitors.

Polenta as the star

The signature dish is, naturally, polenta, prepared with a rustic variety of corn tied to the local land. It is served in many variations: the simplest version seasoned with oil and cheese, or enriched with mushroom or meat sauces. Alongside the polenta, the festival menu offers classic Tuscan peasant dishes and traditional desserts, all at affordable prices in a convivial atmosphere.

Shows and entertainment

The Polenta Festival is about more than just food. Every evening after dinner, there are music or theater performances, dance nights with orchestras, cabaret acts, and events dedicated to younger crowds. On Sundays, you will find historical and folk re-enactments, children's activities, and themed exhibitions. One evening is dedicated to the special "Polenta and Ancient Flavors" dinner, a limited-seating event by reservation designed to rediscover age-old recipes.

An Arezzo village festival

Genuine, popular, and deeply authentic, the Rigutino Polenta Festival is the perfect portrait of the conviviality of the Arezzo countryside: farm-to-table food, tradition, and a community gathering around the table. For those visiting Arezzo and its province in autumn, it is an authentic opportunity to savor the most genuine side of Tuscany, far from the beaten tourist tracks.