Sagra del Neccio of Pescia

Flavor and taste of a true tuscan dish

The food tradition tied to the chestnuts of the areas of the Valdinievole, as also that of Garfagnana is still very much alive. With the use of sweet chestnuts are obtained with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

The necci, or nici o cian, are the protagonists of the Festival, established in 1968, which takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, the main square of the town of San Quirico Valleriana, near Pescia. In the month of March the streets are filled with a heady scent of autumn. The Festival as well as being an opportunity to taste this typical dessert is also an opportunity to visit the ancient village of San Quirico. Chestnuts, fruit of the Woods covering the entire Val di Nievole, were for centuries one of the main nutrients of the inhabitants of this territory.

The chestnut that originally replaced the polenta, is a kind of waffle made with chestnut flour, mixed with water and cooked on hot pans and blankets, typical texts from chestnut leaves. Its color is Brown and its texture is soft; is often stuffed with ricotta and chocolate. Once cooked, this cake of ancient Tuscan food is distributed to the participants of the Festival.