Threshing Festival and Perelli Duck Festival

A festival celebrating the rural heritage of Valdarno

In Perelli, a tiny village within the hamlet of Ambra in the municipality of Bucine, near Arezzo, an annual July tradition brings the scent of wheat and nostalgia to life. The Threshing Festival and Duck Festival was created to honor a pivotal moment in Tuscan rural life: the threshing season, when "families helped one another, each with their own assigned task." It is a grassroots festival in the truest sense, organized by the SPS Lenza Bucinese 1965 with the patronage of the Municipality of Bucine.

The re-enactment of traditional threshing

The most anticipated moment is the historical re-enactment of old-fashioned grain threshing: the vintage threshing machine is brought back to life, and for a few hours, the village steps back in time, showing younger generations how grain was separated from the stalk before the advent of modern mechanization. This demonstration is the centerpiece for games, social gatherings, and the pride of a community preserving its roots.

Authentic flavors of the peasant table

The Duck Festival (Sagra della Nana) takes its name from the local Tuscan dialect term for duck ("nana"), the absolute star of the food stalls. Traditional dishes include:

• Maccheroni: homemade pasta, often served with a rich duck ragù
• Nana in porchetta: roast duck, the festival's signature dish
• Mixed grill: a selection of charcoal-grilled meats
• Local Valdarno wine and traditional desserts

Food stalls typically open in the evening, with Sunday lunch service often available (including takeaway).

Music, dancing, and fun in the square

Every evening, the square in Perelli comes alive with ballroom dancing featuring top orchestras, followed by DJ sets that keep the party going until late at night. There is no shortage of popular games like the 'pentolaccia' with prizes and live entertainment, all set in a friendly atmosphere that draws residents from the surrounding Val d'Ambra villages every year.

A local landmark event

The festival is one of the most cherished summer events in the Bucine area, located in the heart of Tuscany between the Valdarno and the Chianti region of Arezzo. It is a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Tuscan countryside, far from mass tourism, where rural hospitality and great food remain the main attractions. Admission to the event is free.