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Margherita Marullo
Nothing celebrates the arrival of the autumn and winter seasons more than the sweet smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Particularly, the popular Marrone of Mugello variety, as reported by Taste Atlas. And, if you’re one of the millions of people who love these deliciously fragrant, wholesome nuts that grow in abundance throughout the Tuscan hills of Italy, you’re in for a real treat.
Deep within the Mugello valley, bordering the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines mountain range, lies the picturesque, hidden gem of a village known as Marradi, that not only has breathtaking mountain views and a tranquil river running through it but is also known as the “queen of Marroni chestnuts,” according to Destination Florence.
Marradi’s chestnuts are so popular around the world, that they are legally protected, and branded as “Marrone del Mugello IGP” as told by Discover Tuscany, with the harvesting of their chestnuts celebrated annually, that bears witness to hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe converging onto this tiny village in the heart of Tuscany.
The Chestnut Festival of Marradi
Every Sunday, during the month of October, from morning to evening, the historic village of Marradi proudly holds its annual chestnut festival — known in Italian as Sagra delle Castagne, as reported by The Florentine — closing down all its streets to pedestrians and vendors in order to honor this timeless and exciting tradition.
Small businesses, artisans, and shops set up tents and tables during the pre-dawn hours, lining the village streets and corners with local delicacies made from chestnuts, such as liquor, beers, flour, jams, desserts, pasta dishes, and of course the delightful, roasted chestnuts. You’ll also find additional specialty foods, handmade goods, and Italian ware, as told by The Epoch Times. Strolling through the festival, you’ll be met with the effervescent, smiling faces of proud residents and local businesses on every corner, as well as music for every generation, and activities for the kids.
2022 would have been Marradi’s 59th year celebrating their world-renowned chestnut festival, but due to COVID lockdowns in 2020, this beloved, annual event sadly could not take place, marking this year as its 58th, highly anticipated, and incredibly, successful year.
How to get to Marradi, and all things chestnut
Dan74/Shutterstock
This scenic village, with intriguing history, familial bonds dating back centuries, and birthplace to the beloved Italian poet, Dino Campana, may be small in stature in comparison to locations like Florence and Rome, but its larger-than-life presence as a unique place of beauty, nature, and tranquility is unprecedented.
The village of Marradi is easily accessible by regional train from Florence, as reported by The New York Times. And, during the chestnut festival, an authentic steam train can be taken from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy into the heart of the village, providing visitors with a truly memorable experience as they travel through the stunning Tuscany region.
And, if you fancy partaking in harvesting chestnuts from the forest-filled landscape of Marradi — in addition to attending their world-renowned chestnut festival — the local residents would be more than happy to show you where to go, and how to collect these cherished nuts that have made them so famous. If you’re planning a trip to Italy in the autumn season, and you’re a lover of chestnuts and gorgeous Tuscan landscapes, head on over to the famous and quaint village of Marradi in October. But make sure to plan ahead when making reservations for accommodations and train tickets. The event is so popular, they are fully booked months, if not a year in advance.
