Years ago, when I was working as an au pair in Italy for a summer during university, I temporarily became a member of an Italian family. As such, I escorted them on various weekends by the sea and in the Alps and on all sorts of family days out. Many of the outings involved heading to a neighbouring town or village to attend one of Italy’s endless sagre (festivals) to sample a local speciality. These events usually centred around a singular dish that was impossibly delicious and incredibly cheap, enjoyed among other attendees at long tables with plastic table cloths and bench seats. Music, rides for kids, and other entertainments were often on offer as well but it was mostly about the food and the food always delivered.
So, if you are planning a vacation in Italy, I always recommend finding out what the local food festivals are and attending if one is occurring during your trip. Not only will this offer an incredibly authentic Italian experience but it is a great way to eat well and cheaply – what’s not to love? This August, if you have found a villa in Tuscany or a holiday rental in Lucca, in particular, I suggest making your way to the town of Barga to enjoy a somewhat unlikely Tuscan food festival – their annual Fish and Chips Festival!
