In Lunigiana, the chestnut tree has always been a fundamental resource for the local population, so much so that it was nicknamed “the bread tree”.
In a mountainous area where food resources could be scarce, especially in times of war and famine, the fruits of this tree provided a vital source of sustenance. The chestnut harvest traditionally took place on St. Michael’s Day, on September 29 and was announced by the parish priest during mass. From this date on, the chestnut grove was “off-limits” and only the owners of the land and their helpers could enter it for the harvest, which usually ended on St. Martin’s Day, on November 11.
The harvested chestnuts were transported to the “gradile” (drying house) for drying thanks to the heat and smoke of a slow fire kept alight and tended to by the inhabitants of the village for 40 days and 40 nights. During the night vigils around the fire, the “gradile” became a place where stories, legends and folk tales were told. The drying phase was then followed by beating, selection and then grinding to obtain chestnut flour of Lunigiana, today a P.D.O. product.
The bond with this tree and its fruits is still alive and is “celebrated” in fall during local festivals: the “castagnate”. here are some events scheduled in october 2024:
The Castagnata chestnut festival in the village of Filetto
In the enchanting setting of the village of Filetto, a municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana, the 25th edition of the “Castagnata” is held every Sunday in October, from 2 pm until late in the evening. You can taste local chestnuts, along with other typical recipes such as specialties cooked in “testi” baking dishes, herb cakes, “pattone” chestnut flour cakes and much more.
It is a traditional festival that talks about the cooking of “mondina” chestnuts, all the specialties derived from them and the preparation of Lunigiana dishes in the famous “testi” baking dishes. The event is accompanied by the unmissable antiques market.
Polenta and Chestnut Festival in the Parco Fiera di Barbarasco
At the Parco Fiera di Barbarasco, in the municipality of Tresana, the Polenta and Chestnut Festival will take place on Sunday 6 and Sunday 13 October. The festival offers a lunch at 12.30 pm with typical Lunigiana cuisine, based on wild boar, polenta and chestnuts. Throughout the day, various typical local dishes and specialties will be offered. such as “mondine” chestnuts and “castagnaccio” chestnut flour cake.
Fall and Chestnut Fair in the Barbarasco Park
On Sunday 6 October, the “Fiera d’Autunno” (Fall Fair) will be held at the Parco Fiera di Barbarasco (Tresana). The event is dedicated to the typical fall products of Lunigiana and in particular to chestnuts, which can be purchased both fresh and dried and also in the form of flour. Local producers will also have stalls displaying other specialties, such as corn flour, spelt, Marocca di Casola (chestnut-based bread) and PDO honey from Lunigiana.
Castagnata in the Theater Gardens in Pontremoli
The traditional “Castagnata” chestnut festival will be held in the distinctive and welcoming Gardens of the Teatro della Rosa theater in Pontremoli, every Sunday in the month of October, from 11 am to 7 pm. To accompany the event, a market will be set up where you will be able to buy chestnuts and taste seasonal products.
Chestnut Tales in Licciana Nardi
This unmissable event will take place in the charming village of Licciana Nardi, where you can taste chestnut-based delicacies for two weekends (October 12-13 and 18-20), while listening to fascinating stories, enjoying lively music and losing yourself in a joyful, friendly atmosphere. A unique historical reenactment that tells the story of the chestnut.
Chestnut Festival in Mozzano
The 15th edition of the Chestnut Festival will be held on Sunday, October 13, in Mozzano, in the municipality of Fivizzano. From 12 noon, it will be possible to taste typical local products such as “mondine” chestnuts, “cian” (a sweet chestnut flatbread) and “pattone” (chestnut flour cakes) while sipping hot mulled wine or beer.
