Wild Boar and Pizza Festival

A festival that smells of the forest and wood-fired ovens

The Wild Boar and Pizza Festival is one of the most deeply rooted gastronomic events in Pontassieve, a town in the Valdisieve area of the Province of Florence, in Tuscany. For over twenty years, between late April and early May, the Municipal Stadium transforms into a large, heated, and covered dining hall where local game and freshly baked pizza share the spotlight. It is a village festival in the most authentic sense: born from the voluntary efforts of those who know the land, it has grown into a staple for families, groups of friends, and fans of Tuscan cuisine.

Wild boar, the absolute star

The heart of the menu is naturally wild boar, prepared according to traditional Tuscan hunting recipes. The table is graced with the essential pappardelle with wild boar ragù, stewed wild boar served with polenta, and the fried version, accompanied by tortelli, local appetizers, and, in more recent editions, contemporary options like the wild boar burger. Completing the offer are the pizzas prepared every evening by the pizzeria staff, which give the event its name and make the festival suitable even for those looking for an alternative to game meat.

A community event

The festival is organized by the ASD Pontassieve Calcio sports club together with the wild boar hunting team I Bersaglieri degli Scopeti: a partnership that perfectly captures the spirit of the initiative, blending sport, conviviality, and local hunting culture. Proceeds support the activities of local associations, following the logic that has always driven Tuscan festivals, where eating well and building community go hand in hand.

Where and how

The event is held at the Municipal Stadium of Pontassieve, with the entrance located on Viale Hanoi at the corner of Via Lisbona. The venue is covered and heated, a choice that protects against unpredictable spring weather and allows guests to enjoy dinner even on cooler evenings. Service includes dinner every night, with lunch available on Sundays and public holidays; takeaway service is also available for those who prefer to enjoy the festival's dishes at home.

Why it's worth the trip

Located just a few kilometers from Florence and easily accessible, Pontassieve offers a straightforward and genuine experience of Tuscan dining with this festival. More than just a show, it is a seasonal gastronomic ritual: an opportunity to taste game cuisine prepared by those who truly live it, in a warm and popular atmosphere that is the event's true secret ingredient.