Taste Pecorino, explore Markets and have Fun with the Cheese Game. An authentic Tuscan festival!
Tradition, culinary delights and lots of fun!
Pienza, a beautiful village in the province of Siena, becomes magical during the Cheese Fair with authentic Tuscan farming traditions, excellent Pecorino cheese (and more), and a truly authentic experience.
The Cheese Fair (or Cheese Festival) is one of the most characteristic events in the heart of the Val d’Orcia.
A Traditional Festival dedicated to the famous Pecorino Toscano di Pienza, one of Italy’s most prized sheep’s cheeses, made from sheep’s milk raised on pasture in the surrounding areas.
It is traditionally held the week before and includes the first Sunday in September with stands offering tastings, shows and the traditional “Gioco del Cacio al Fuso”.
Typical Program during the Week
Tasting and Sales Stalls
along the streets of the historic center and in Piazza Pio II with free or paid tastings of fresh, semi-mature, and mature Pecorino cheese, along with pepper, truffle, and aromatic herbs.
Guided Tastings
of cheeses paired with local wines (Orcia DOC, Brunello di Montalcino, etc.)
Demonstrations
of cheese-making and production
Aperitif Dinner
Traditional Products Markets
Shows
by musicians and flag-wavers, live music, family entertainment.
Cheese Game
Cacio al Fuso is a traditional Tuscan game of ancient origin, played during the Pienza Cheese Fair. It is similar to bocce, but with pecorino cheese wheels.
It is usually held on Sunday afternoon.
It is played by taking turns throwing a pecorino cheese wheel onto the pavement.
The players, kneeling on rugs, roll the cheese (about 1-2 kg) towards a wooden spindle (skittle) planted in the center of a circle in the square.
Objective: Roll the Pecorino cheese as close to the target as possible to maximize points.
The team with the most total points after all throws wins.
Followed by a Party with Dancing.
WHEN
This event usually takes place every year between the end of August and the first Sunday of September
Free Admission
For information, dates, and the event schedule, visit the website listed at the end of the article
The events listed may be subject to change or cancellation.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and dates
Cheese Fair and Game
Pienza (Siena)
Tuscany – Italy
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