Festa della Ciliegia (Cherry Festival)

The 40th edition of the Festa della Ciliegia returns to Prato di Strada in the heart of the Casentino area of Arezzo, to celebrate one of Tuscany's most beloved fruits. From June 19-21, 2026, this historic festival offers an authentic immersion into local flavors and culture, where cherries take center stage in a complete gastronomic experience. The Casentino cherries, particularly the prestigious local varieties such as the Ciliegia di Castel San Niccolò IGP, will be celebrated in all their excellence. Visitors can discover the differences between locally grown varieties, from the sweetest to the most tart, through guided tastings and a dedicated exhibition space featuring local producers. The festival program includes a restaurant serving Casentino specialties prepared with zero-kilometer ingredients: from traditional cherries in grappa to cherry-based desserts, from local meats to regional Tuscan dishes. Three days of fine food, conviviality and entertainment, with live music and dancing every evening accompanying the summer nights. The program features: cooking workshops with local chefs, exhibition and marketplace with cherry producers and Casentino specialties, guided tours of historic orchards, live musical performances with Tuscan artists and traditional dancing. Organized by the Festa della Ciliegia Cultural Association thanks to the valuable support of numerous local volunteers, this festival represents an excellent opportunity to visit the Casentino, appreciate Tuscan gastronomic traditions, and participate in a celebration that has enlivened the Castel San Niccolò community for four decades.