Sillicagnana Maccheroni Festival

A festival that tells the story of Garfagnana

In the heart of Garfagnana, the mountain valley that follows the Serchio river in the province of Lucca, the village of Sillicagnana (part of the municipality of San Romano in Garfagnana) has for decades hosted one of the region's most beloved festivals. The Maccheroni Festival, reaching its 49th edition in 2026, is much more than a gastronomic event: it is a celebration of local identity that unites the entire community and attracts visitors from across the valley and the nearby Mediavalle del Serchio.

The star of the show: the hand-torn maccherone

The dish at the center of the festivities is the maccherone of Garfagnana, a traditional pasta similar to a tagliatella but wider and thicker. It is the so-called "torn" pasta, which local housewives once prepared by hand on feast days, stretching and tearing the dough with ancient skill. Served hot and in generous portions, it is traditionally dressed with a savory meat ragù or a fragrant mushroom ragù, a tribute to the woods surrounding the valley. Alongside this signature dish, the evenings offer other Garfagnana specialties, from grilled meats to homemade desserts.

Three evenings of celebration

The festival takes place at the Sillicagnana sports grounds, where dinner is served every evening starting at 8:00 PM. Beyond the food, the program is packed with entertainment: dance evenings with orchestras and live bands, performances, activities for children, and initiatives designed to engage all generations. It follows the classic formula of Tuscan village festivals, where good food meets music and conviviality under the summer stars.

Organization and community spirit

The event is organized by A.S.D. Sillicagnana, the local association, with the support of many local volunteers. It is this deep-rooted community spirit that gives the festival its authentic character: not a commercial event, but a popular celebration that renews the bond between the inhabitants and their land every July. For those visiting the Province of Lucca and the more mountainous, less touristy side of Tuscany, the Maccheroni Festival is a precious opportunity to discover the genuine cuisine and warm hospitality of Garfagnana.