Valdottavo Olive Oil Festival

The festival celebrating the green gold of the Serchio Valley

The Valdottavo Olive Oil Festival is one of the most beloved spring events in the Mediavalle del Serchio. It takes place in the village of Valdottavo, a small hamlet in the municipality of Borgo a Mozzano, in the Province of Lucca, nestled among the olive-clad hills that have defined this corner of Tuscany for centuries. Created to promote locally produced extra virgin olive oil, the festival has become a landmark for residents and visitors alike over the years, drawing a large crowd to every edition.

A tradition rooted in extra virgin olive oil

The heart of the event is extra virgin olive oil, the true protagonist of this valley where olive cultivation has accompanied family life for generations. Along the village streets, stalls offer direct sales of oil from local mills, while the kitchen serves traditional dishes: zuppa, farinata, baccalà, savory pies, and desserts prepared according to age-old recipes. The new oil is best enjoyed on a classic slice of bread, simple and genuine, just as the farming tradition dictates.

Two days of events for the whole community

The program weaves together gastronomy, sports, culture, and entertainment. Alongside food stalls and markets, there are sporting initiatives such as mountain bike and e-bike rides, the six-legged walk dedicated to dogs and their owners, and the traditional ecological walk, a charity trek that traverses the local area. There are also performances by local schools, art exhibitions, the Valdottavo marching band, and play areas for children with entertainment and face painting.

Music and entertainment in the square

Evenings and afternoons are enlivened by karaoke, fashion shows featuring local clothing, and live concerts in Piazza del Tricolore, the beating heart of the festival. The event traditionally closes with a musical performance that gets the whole community dancing and singing, sealing a weekend of conviviality.

A free and welcoming village festival

Organized by the Valle dell'Olio Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Borgo a Mozzano and the collaboration of local associations, the Valdottavo Olive Oil Festival retains the authenticity of a true village fair. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of genuine, lesser-known Tuscany, made of sincere flavors, warm hospitality, and a deep bond with the land. An ideal opportunity to discover the Serchio Valley away from the most beaten tourist paths.