Shank and Bean Tagliarini Festival

A signature festival of the Massarosa summer

The Shank and Bean Tagliarini Festival is a staple of the summer in Massarosa, in the province of Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany and just a few kilometers from the Versilia coast. The event takes place in the hilly hamlet of Pian del Quercione, in the large and cool area that once housed the Zoo Park, now a space dedicated to major village festivals. Massarosa is famous for its rich tradition of summer festivals, and the shank festival is among the most popular and anticipated in the Versilia hinterland.

The star dishes

As the name suggests, the cuisine is the true heart of the festival. At the food stalls, carefully managed by volunteers, you can enjoy the specialties that give the festival its name:

• Oven-roasted pork shank, slow-cooked until tender and flavorful;
• Tagliarini with beans, the traditional dish prepared according to an ancient local recipe;
• Oven-roasted ham and other land and sea specialties;
• homemade side dishes, desserts, ice cream parlor, beer garden, and bar.

Service is primarily self-service, with table service available upon request. The stalls open every evening from around 7:30 PM.

Music, dancing, and atmosphere

The Shank Festival is not just about good food: every evening is accompanied by live music and dancing. The area features two dance floors, one dedicated to traditional liscio (ballroom dancing) and the other to Latin American music, to satisfy all tastes. To close the event, there is the classic final lottery with prizes. Admission is free, and the large free parking makes the festival convenient for families.

When and where

The festival takes place over three long weekends in August, from Thursday to Sunday. Pian del Quercione is easily reached from the center of Massarosa and the towns of Versilia, offering a genuine evening of tradition, conviviality, and Tuscan flavors under the stars.