Italy’s White Truffle Festival draws large visitor numbers as San Miniato reports another strong weekend at the 54th Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco delle Colline Sanminiatesi, held across the town’s historic center on 23–24 November.
Organizers confirm that thousands of attendees returned despite cold weather, ahead of the event’s final weekend on 29–30 November. The long-running Tuscan fair continues to highlight regional gastronomy, cultural programming and community initiatives.
The festival’s second weekend also sustained the momentum of opening days, reinforcing its role as one of the area’s major seasonal draws. Visitors participated in tastings, presentations and concerts, with organizers noting sustained footfall across streets, food stalls and event venues. The fair now prepares for its concluding program, which includes book presentations, cultural celebrations and traditional award ceremonies.
Festival Events Highlight Food, Culture and Community
Despite cold temperatures, the weekend’s schedule unfolded with what organizers described as “giornate vivaci e ricche di appuntamenti,” featuring a mix of gastronomy and cultural programming. Among the most attended activities was the tasting of the “mitico Risotto con il Tartufo Bianco di Renato Tozzi,” prepared by chef Gilberto Rossi of Pepenero. Proceeds from the risotto were designated for Caritas di San Miniato Basso.
As the town prepares for the final festival days, organizers confirm multiple events at the Spazio Incontri venue. On Saturday 29 November at 11:00, author Domenico Monteforte will present the book “L’arte in Cucina: Gli artisti incontrano gli chef,” published by Giorgio Mondadori.
On Sunday 30 November at 11:00, writer Fabrizio Niglio will present “Il Libro Scomparso. Le indagini dell’agenzia Nessuno-il caso Livorno 01/23.” Later that afternoon, at 17:00, the festival will host a special presentation marking the 200th anniversary of Pinocchio, with an appearance by Eugenio Giani, president of the Collodian committee.
Finale Weekend and Award Traditions
The close of the Mostra Mercato is traditionally marked by a series of truffle-related awards, scheduled for Sunday from 18:00. The first is the Premio Stagnazza, presented by the Associazione Tartufai delle Colline San Miniatesi to the truffle hunter of the year. This will be followed by the Premio Tartufissimo, awarded by Pro Loco San Miniato to the largest White Truffle of the Colline Samminiatesi exhibited at the fair. The final award, the Premio Arturo “Bega” Gallerini, conferred by Fondazione San Miniato Promozione, recognizes the largest White Truffle of the season.
Organizers note that the Arturo “Bega” Gallerini award is one of the event’s most anticipated moments, representing “il sogno di ogni tartufaio.” Since 1954, the record to beat has remained 2,520 grams, the benchmark for the largest known white truffle. The press release suggests that recent cold conditions could benefit truffle growth, raising hopes for a potential record-breaking Tuber Magnatum Pico.
The festival is organized by Fondazione San Miniato Promozione and the Comune di San Miniato, with support from Regione Toscana, Provincia di Pisa, Associazione Nazionale Città del Tartufo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di San Miniato, the Associazione Tartufai delle Colline Sanminiatesi and various sponsors. The full program for the final weekend is available on sanminiatopromozione.it.
