The Tuscan village of Balconevisi, a hamlet of San Miniato in Italy’s Pisa province, is preparing for the 47th edition of the White Truffle and Mushroom Festival, taking place on October 18 and 19 in Piazza 1° Maggio. The annual event, organized by U.S. Balconevisi and Balconevisi Eventi with the patronage of the Municipality of San Miniato and support from the Fondazione San Miniato Promozione, will feature two days of culinary experiences, local markets, and community events dedicated to the prized white truffle and seasonal mushrooms.
The festival, one of the most established in the San Miniato area, combines food, culture, and local traditions, drawing residents and visitors for a weekend of tasting, learning, and celebration. The 2025 edition adds an educational component aimed at supporting local schools, as well as new activities for families, children, and pets.
Two Days of Food, Culture, and Community
The event opens on Saturday, October 18, with a truffle-themed dinner at the Posarelli Sports Center starting at 7:30 p.m. No reservation is required. On Sunday, October 19, the festival begins at 9 a.m. with the “Cardaniche e Tartufo” vintage motorcycle rally organized by Lambretta Club Toscana. At the same time, Piazza 1° Maggio will host “Mangiainbici al Tartufo Bianco,” a truffle cycling event in collaboration with MTB Open Club Ponte a Egola, requiring advance booking.
Also starting at 9:30 a.m. is the 11th “Mangialonga al Tartufo Bianco,” a walking route through the countryside featuring local food tastings, limited to 50 participants with mandatory registration. Food stalls, artisan markets, and a mycological exhibition curated by the Associazione Micologica Bresadola of Pontedera will open at 10 a.m., offering visitors the chance to learn about responsible mushroom harvesting and consumption.
Children will have their own area of activities under the theme “Piccolo volontario per un giorno,” organized by VAB, with certificates for participation. A dog training and information area will be provided by the Anonymous Dog Canine Center, including demonstrations in Agility Dog, Disc Dog, and Tricks. Lunch featuring truffles, mushrooms, and other Tuscan specialties will be served at 12:30 p.m. at the festival kitchen, open to the public without reservations.
Afternoon events begin at 3 p.m. with a charity fair organized by the local parish of Santa Maria in Valdegola, along with more market stands, dog shows, and a truffle excavation competition. The day will also include the presentation of the “Un tartufo per la scuola” initiative, a project created to support the local kindergarten in Balconevisi by improving school resources and facilities. As part of the project, children from the Buonarroti Institute, including those from Balconevisi’s preschool and La Serra’s Collodi primary school, will exhibit their work in a show titled “Il tesoro della Valdegola.”
Celebrating Local Tradition and the Next Generation
At 4:30 p.m., officials will inaugurate the newly renovated public gardens in Piazza 1° Maggio, a space often used by local children. The festival will also showcase a new street art mural on the Enel cabin in the square, commissioned by Balconevisi Eventi and painted by artists Danmariti and Forma. The mural pays tribute to the historic “Palio del Papero,” with each side representing one of the four neighborhoods that compete in the traditional race: Borgo, Buecchio, Fornacino, and Fondo di Scesa.
The highlight of the evening will be the “Tartufo d’Oro 2025” award ceremony, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting the San Miniato area and its truffle heritage. The winner’s name will remain a surprise until Sunday, October 19. Musical entertainment will be provided by singer Rebecca Innocenti, offering performances for all ages throughout the day in the main square.
The festival will close with a dinner at 8 p.m. at the Posarelli Sports Center, featuring more truffle-based dishes and regional specialties. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward supporting the Balconevisi kindergarten. For information, visitors can contact +39 331 330 0829 or email [email protected].
During the festival presentation held on October 11, organizers highlighted the long-standing community spirit that defines the event. Paolo Nacci, president of U.S. Balconevisi, said, “We’ve reached the milestone of the 47th edition, the longest-running event after our main town’s festival. This year, we want to give back to the schools of Valdegola by donating tools and supporting their activities. The children from Balconevisi and La Serra have created artworks that will be displayed in the exhibition.”
Francesco Corrieri, vice president of Balconevisi Eventi, noted that the 2025 program was designed to include all ages. “We have prepared a full schedule for adults and children, with games organized by VAB and outdoor experiences like the 11th Mangialonga and Mangiainbici al Tartufo Bianco,” he said.
Azzurra Gronchi, president of the Fondazione San Miniato Promozione, emphasized the festival’s dual role in culture and tourism. “Balconevisi comes alive again after the Palio del Papero with its 47th White Truffle and Mushroom Festival, an important event to promote the territory and its excellence,” she said. “Some of the world’s largest truffles come from this area. The digging season has just begun, and we hope for a memorable year.”
Local truffle merchants Alessio Gemignani and Luca Fontanelli expressed cautious optimism about the season’s prospects. “The truffle season looks promising in terms of quality,” they said. “Summer rains have helped, even if the recent heat is unusual. Overall, this year appears better than last.”
The White Truffle and Mushroom Festival remains one of Tuscany’s most anticipated autumn events, celebrating not only its prized ingredient but also the spirit of a small community that continues to preserve its traditions while welcoming visitors from around the world.
