October 18, 2026 · Careggine (LU)
The 19th edition of the Festa della Castagna brings Careggine to life with a day dedicated to the flavors of autumn. You'll have the chance to savor delicious chestnut-based specialties, enjoy traditional performances, and discover local artisan products. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Garfagnana.
Indulge in a variety of autumn delights, from savory chestnut bread crostini with lardo to hearty maccheroni with ragù and traditional polenta di Neccio with pork bones. Don't miss the sweet treats like fig and walnut crostata, or the many chestnut-based street foods including Castagnaccio, Necci, Frittelle di Neccio, and roasted Mondine. Wash it all down with local wine, water, or a warming Vin Brulé.
Join us on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th for a full day of festivities! The morning kicks off at 10:30 AM in PIAZZETTA DEL COMUNE with a book presentation by Ivo Poli, 'Garfagnana per non dimenticare.' From 10:00 AM onwards, the HISTORIC CENTER transforms into a STREET FOOD ALL ABOUT CHESTNUTS zone, featuring Mondine, Castagnaccio, Frittelle di Neccio, Necci, Dolce di Castagne, and Vin Brulé, alongside the charming 'Banca delle Ghiande d'Oro.' For lunch, head to the RECREATIONAL CENTER AREA between 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM, where our expert local cooks offer two menu choices (Sapori d'Autunno or Polenta & Ossi) for just 20 Euros – reservations are recommended at 393 7469648. Later in the afternoon, starting at 3:00 PM on the PANORAMIC TERRACE PORTA AL COLLE, witness the exciting PALIO DELLA CASTAGNA, a historical crossbow challenge by the Contrade San Paolino di Lucca. Throughout the day, be sure to see the NECCITRICE in action, the world's only automatic machine for producing chestnut flour Necci. Explore the AUTUMN FAIR artisan market, the traveling exhibition 'L'ALBERO DEL PANE,' and the mycological exhibition 'I FUNGHI DELLA GARFAGNANA' by G.M.-G. Ghirlanda di Camaiore. Enjoy musical entertainment filling the streets and squares of the village all day long!