Zolfino Bean Festival of Penna

The festival of the Valdarno's most beloved legume

In the small village of Penna, nestled in the hills of the Municipality of Terranuova Bracciolini, in the province of Arezzo, one of the most cherished festivals of the Aretine Valdarno comes to life every spring. The Zolfino Bean Festival of Penna is an event that combines a passion for fine Tuscan dining with the warmth of a village fair, attracting visitors from all over Tuscany and beyond every year.

The Zolfino bean, pale gold of the Pratomagno

The absolute star of the event is the Zolfino bean, a rare and prized variety that takes its name from its characteristic pale yellow color, similar to sulfur. Cultivated on the slopes of the Pratomagno and in the upper Valdarno territory, this legume has a very thin skin and a creamy flesh, appreciated for its delicate flavor and buttery texture that makes it perfect cooked "all'uccelletto" (in tomato sauce) or simply boiled with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The festival was created specifically to promote and raise awareness of this iconic product, a Slow Food presidium of local peasant culture.

A community celebration

Organized by the Penna Festival Committee Association, the event takes place under a large marquee set up next to the Santa Croce Parish Church. For four days, food stands offer traditional dishes: Tuscan appetizers, ravioli stuffed with Zolfino beans seasoned with speck and arugula or Cinta Senese ragù, grilled veal and pork steaks, and, of course, Zolfino beans prepared according to the traditional recipe. There are also vegetarian options and the "Stand Verde" aperitif area.

Music, sports, and entertainment

Alongside the food, the program offers musical evenings with live concerts and DJ sets, freestyle rap tournaments, dance nights, amateur cycling races, and the now-traditional Zolfino Bean Cycle Ride, a non-competitive cycling event open to mountain bikes and e-bikes. It is a festival designed for all ages, weaving together gastronomy with the popular entertainment typical of Tuscan village fairs.

Why it's worth visiting

• To taste a rare and delicious legume directly in its place of origin
• To experience the authentic atmosphere of a Valdarno village festival
• To combine great food, live music, and outdoor activities during a spring long weekend