Zonzellando in Riparbella

Zonzellando, the summer solstice festival in Riparbella

Zonzellando in Riparbella is one of the most anticipated summer events in the Municipality of Riparbella, a small hillside village in the province of Pisa, Tuscany. The festival takes place during the summer solstice weekend, when days are at their longest and the historic center lights up with atmosphere, aromas, and music. Organized by the Pro Loco of Riparbella, the event attracts visitors every year from across the Val di Cecina and the Etruscan Coast, drawn by the village's authentic charm and its culinary traditions.

The zonzellona, queen of the table

The undisputed star of the event is the zonzellona alla riparbellina, a local delicacy of popular cuisine: a soft, crispy fried dough, served piping hot and stuffed or accompanied by cold cuts and excellent artisanal products. Alongside it, the food stalls set up in Piazza del Popolo offer other traditional specialties: zuppa alla riparbellina, homemade lasagna, wild boar stew, porchetta, wild boar sausages, and wines from local wineries. It is a journey through flavors that tells the story of the rural identity of this corner of Tuscany.

Art, murals, and vintage cars

Zonzellando is not just about gastronomy. Among the most popular activities is the guided mural tour, which takes visitors on a discovery of the urban artworks decorating the village walls, starting from the historic center. The squares also host craft markets with original creations, summer scents, and unique gift ideas, as well as a charming vintage car exhibition, featuring over fifteen historic vehicles displayed throughout the town in collaboration with local enthusiasts.

Music, shows, and the Lords of the Sky

The evenings are enlivened by live music, with concerts that keep the squares dancing until late. One of the most exciting moments of the entire festival is the grand birds of prey flight show, dedicated to observing eagles, hawks, and owls soaring above the village, preceded by educational workshops designed for children. It is an engaging experience that combines nature, knowledge, and wonder.

A village to experience

Visiting Zonzellando means discovering Riparbella, a village nestled in the green hills of Pisa, just a few kilometers from the sea of the Etruscan Coast. The event, with free admission, is designed for the whole family and is the ideal opportunity to spend a summer evening dedicated to taste, art, and conviviality, immersed in authentic Tuscan hospitality.