Ronta Tortello Festival

The festival celebrating the Mugello tortello

Every year, at the end of June, the small village of Ronta comes alive for one of the most beloved festivals in the Mugello valley. The Ronta Tortello Festival, in the municipality of Borgo San Lorenzo (Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany), is dedicated to the dish that best represents the gastronomic identity of this corner of the Apennines: the potato tortello.

The potato tortello, a peasant dish turned icon

The Mugello tortello originated as a traditional peasant dish, created by mountain families who knew how to craft a rich and satisfying meal from just a few simple ingredients. Square-shaped with hand-rolled pasta, it is filled with mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Potatoes arrived in Mugello over a century ago and, once viewed with suspicion, became a vital resource during the famines of the 19th century, eventually becoming the heart of this tortello, which is now a true symbol of the region.

What to eat

At the Ronta sports field, in the kitchens of the Circolo La Terrazza, the tortelli are prepared according to the timeless recipe and served with classic Mugello sauces:

• with meat ragù, the most traditional choice;
• with butter and sage, for those who prefer delicate flavours;
• with porcini mushroom sauce, a true speciality of the Apennine woods.

The tortelli are accompanied by grilled specialities, from steaks to various meats, in true Tuscan style. All washed down with local wines, in a straightforward and friendly atmosphere.

A village feast in the heart of Mugello

The Ronta Tortello Festival is much more than just a gastronomic event: it is a gathering for the entire community, organised by the volunteers of the Circolo La Terrazza. The evenings, animated by the conviviality typical of Mugello village festivals, offer visitors the chance to discover an authentic Tuscany, far from the usual tourist routes, nestled in the green hills between Florence and Emilia-Romagna. In case of bad weather, a covered area is available, so the festival goes on regardless of the conditions.