If you think Tuscany is all about cypress-lined hills and rolling vineyards, it’s time to explore its unexpected – and spicy – side! Camaiore, one of the most enchanting towns in inland Versilia, is about to turn up the heat with Festa Pic, a unique event that celebrates chili peppers in all their forms.
OCTOBER 11–12, 2025: A WEEKEND ON FIRE!
Festa Pic returns in 2025 with a sizzling program of cooking demos, culinary talks, tastings, and cultural events. It’s not just for chili lovers – it’s also perfect for anyone curious about local food traditions, regional excellence, and the lively atmosphere of Tuscan life.
Over two days, chili peppers take center stage — not just as an ingredient, but as a symbol of the region’s connection between culture, food, and creativity.
A MOUTHWATERING LINEUP
The festivities kick off on Saturday, October 11, with the official opening of Festa Pic 2025. Among the most anticipated highlights are the many live cooking shows featuring renowned chefs.
At 11:30 a.m., Danish chef Art and Jacopo Angelinelli of Geranio restaurant in Seravezza will open the day with an explosion of bold flavors.
At 3:00 p.m., Sabrina Domenici from Il Mattarello in Torcigliano will showcase creative twists on her traditional dishes — with a spicy kick.
At 4:00 p.m., the focus shifts from the stove to the stage with Marco Pardini, naturopath and author, presenting his latest book with the participation of Luca Landi, Michelin-starred chef of Lunasia in Viareggio.
Sweet tooth? Don’t miss the spicy gelato at 4:30 p.m., prepared live by Camaiore’s Mondo Goloso gelateria — an unexpected treat that brings dessert to a whole new level.
At 5:00 p.m., Riccardo Santini of BaCCaLà ViNo e MeReNDiNo in Capezzano Pianore will present his signature dish “Il Gallonzoro”, followed by a fiery discussion on chili culture.
The day wraps up at 6:00 p.m. with “An Academy for the Devil’s Fruit”, a talk led by the Italian Chili Pepper Academy, where producers and experts share stories, secrets, and traditions around the cultivation and use of chili.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12: TURN UP THE HEAT!
The spicy celebration continues on Sunday, October 12, starting at 11:00 a.m. with another round of showstopping cooking demos.
Among the stars of the day:
- Elisa Meconi (Bernardone in Nocchi)
- Manuel Di Gregorio (Trattoria Peposo in Pietrasanta)
- Francesco D’Agostino (La Martinatica in Pietrasanta)
They’ll each take the stage to present dishes that showcase the fiery side of local cuisine.
At 12:00 p.m., the talk “Slow Food Terre Medicee: Food Culture and Local Products” will dive into the connection between gastronomy and regional identity, with Di Gregorio and Alvaro Pardini from the Versilia Food and Rural District.
At 12:30 p.m., enjoy a special tasting by Panificio Lenzoni, known for its Apuan breads and focaccias that pair perfectly with bold, spicy dishes.
The afternoon offers even more to explore:
At 4:00 p.m., a talk on food and health features cardiologist Maurizio Cecchini and Daniela Mugnali from Vetrina Toscana, the regional project promoting food and wine tourism.
At 4:30 p.m., chef Alessio Bachini from Paradise Agricole in Pietrasanta will present his take on spicy cooking.
At 5:30 p.m., the festival closes in style with the “Personaggio Pic” award ceremony, this year honoring Andrea Agresti, a beloved Italian TV personality. And don’t miss the traditional and humorous “weighing by the kilo” — where the guest of honor is awarded with a bounty of local spicy goods!
BEYOND FOOD: ART, CULTURE, AND EXPERIENCE
Festa Pic goes far beyond the kitchen. Camaiore’s historic center becomes a stage for cultural expression, with exhibitions, performances, and hands-on experiences.
- At the Civic Archaeological Museum, the workshop “Spices and Colors” will invite guests to explore the world of aromas and pigments from across the globe.
- Don’t miss the art exhibition “Chili Pepper: Food, Cure, Aesthetics, Tradition”, created by students of the Naples Academy of Fine Arts, who explore the chili as a symbol of culture and creativity.
Additional performances include a traveling show on gambling prevention by the A.L.I. 3.0 Project, and an awe-inspiring aerial dance performance by artist Michelle Mandarelli, suspended above the square.
EXPERIENCE CAMAIORE LIKE A LOCAL
🌶️ Festa Pic is the perfect excuse to slow down, explore, and enjoy Camaiore not as a tourist, but as a local.
As you stroll through the narrow streets of the town, you’ll discover shop windows decorated for the occasion, welcoming trattorias, and unique events around every corner. It’s a weekend that blends tradition with creativity — and a dash of spice.
When: October 11–12, 2025
Where: Historic Center of Camaiore, Tuscany
Info: turismo@comune.camaiore.lu.it
Don’t miss this flavorful, fiery weekend in the heart of Tuscany!
