Spring Festival and Fritter Festival

A community celebration in the heart of the Valdarno area

The Spring Festival, featuring its renowned Fritter Festival, is one of the most cherished spring events in Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni, a hamlet within the Municipality of Cavriglia, in the province of Arezzo, nestled in the heart of the Tuscan Valdarno. Now in its 45th edition in 2026, the festival is organized by the parish communities of San Donato in Castelnuovo and San Pancrazio al Neri, with the patronage of the Municipality of Cavriglia, and has served as a vital meeting point for locals and visitors for decades.

Fritters, the stars of the show

The culinary heart of the event is the frittelle (fritters), prepared according to tradition and served at food stands alongside other local favorites like porchetta, sandwiches, and, on Sundays, a mixed grill (also available for takeaway). The stands open on Saturday and remain active throughout the weekend, turning the village into a lively hub of good food and conviviality.

A program for all ages

Beyond the food, the Spring Festival offers a packed calendar of activities: theatrical performances, children's entertainment, the traditional extemporaneous painting competition with an exhibition of the works, historical exhibitions, Holy Mass, dinner with live DJ sets, sports tournaments, philharmonic performances, and the unmissable spring trek through the trails surrounding the village. The event also features a craft market and a lottery with final prize drawings.

Between mining history and popular tradition

Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni boasts a strong identity: for over a century, the Cavriglia area was defined by lignite mining, an industry that shaped the lives and community of these hills until the 1970s. The memory of that mining past is preserved today by the MINE - Museum of Mines and Territory, located in the old village. The Spring Festival, with its community spirit, is deeply rooted in this history of solidarity and belonging, and the painting competition dedicated to local landmarks serves as a living testament to this heritage.

Why attend

• Taste traditional fritters and porchetta from the Valdarno area;
• Experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan village festival;
• Discover Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni and the mining history of Cavriglia;
• Join the spring trek through the Valdarno hills;
• Enjoy music, exhibitions, competitions, and entertainment for the whole family.