May is one of the best months to visit Tuscany, not only for the mild climate and blooming landscapes, but also for the many food festivals that enliven villages and towns. Every weekend is an opportunity to discover local traditions through food, with typical dishes prepared according to ancient recipes and seasonal products enhanced in their best variations.
In this guide you will find a list of May festivals in Tuscany, with highlights and reasons why you shouldn’t miss them.
1. Wild Boar Festival – Suvereto (LI).
When: May (dates vary each year)
Specialties: Stewed wild boar, pappardelle al cinghiale, game meats
Why go: Suvereto is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, and the festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy wild boar cooked according to tradition, accompanied by local wines from the Val di Cornia.
2. Marzuolo Truffle Festival – Certaldo (FI)
When: Early May
Specialties: fresh Marzuolo truffle, bruschetta, truffle noodles
Why go: An event dedicated to the spring truffle, less well-known than the white truffle but just as prized. Certaldo is also the town of Boccaccio, a village rich in history and medieval charm.
3. Strawberry Festival – Terricciola (PI)
When: Mid-May
Specialties: fresh strawberries, strawberry desserts, homemade ice cream
Why go: Perfect for those who love sweets and want to taste Valdera strawberries, famous for their sweetness. The festival also includes craft markets and live music.
4. Sagra della Chianina – Bettolle (SI)
When: Last two weekends in May
Specialties: Florentine steak, Chianina steak tagliata, gourmet burgers
Why go: Chianina is one of the finest meats in the world, and this festival is the place to enjoy it on the grill, paired with Tuscan wines. Bettolle is also the home of Valdichiana, famous for its agricultural tradition.
5. Blackthorn Festival – Pieve Santo Stefano (AR)
When: May
Specialties: Blackthorn mushrooms, homemade pasta, local cheeses
Why go: Blackthorn is a spring mushroom with a delicate flavor, the star of many typical Valtiberina dishes. The festival offers tastings, markets and gastronomic itineraries in the surrounding area.
6. Onion Festival – Treschietto (MS)
When: Last days of May
Specialties: onion soups, fried onions, local cured meats
Why go: The Treschietto onion is a sweet and delicious variety, perfect for rustic and flavorful dishes. The festival takes place in the heart of Lunigiana, an area rich in castles and medieval villages.
Why Visit May Festivals in Tuscany?
- Seasonal produce: Each festival celebrates local excellence with fresh ingredients and traditional dishes.
- Authentic experience: A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tuscan culture, amid good food and conviviality.
- Atmospheric locations: Festivals take place in medieval villages and enchanting landscapes, making the experience even more special.
- Perfect pairings: Each dish can be accompanied by the best local wines for a complete food and wine experience.
Conclusion
May festivals in Tuscany offer a journey into the heart of the regional food and wine tradition. If you want an authentic experience of food, culture and breathtaking views, these festivals are not to be missed.
If you want to discover Tuscany without worries, Tuscany By GC organizes private tours to take you to discover the best festivals and the most fascinating villages. Contact us for a tailor-made experience!
