“Palio dello stufato” in San Giovanni Valdarno

San Giovanni Valdarno, home to renowned Renaissance artist and innovator, Masaccio, celebrates its food and history with a festival this Sunday, February 21. The area’s gastronomic traditions date back to at least the early 1400s; according to a document from 1427, San Giovanni Valdarno’s local white wine was already earning accolades from near and far. But the best testimony of San Giovanni’s culinary excellence is found in its traditional local dish, “Stufato alla Sangiovannese”, a succulent stew whose recipe is jealously guarded by local cooks.

Not just a simple stew rich with spices, this is an elaborate and carefully prepared dish featuring veal shanks and a precise combination of herbs and spices only available at local spice shops. Though its exact origins are unknown, experts believe it was part of the local tradition during Masaccio’s lifetime. Today, the dish is often given a modern twist with the addition of a local meat called Tarese.

The first festival in honor of the dish will be held this Sunday, February 21, complete with a competition for the best stew-maker. Other events include workshops, games and treasure hunt. After enjoying your Stufato alla Sangiovannese, take a stroll around the charming city center including Piazza Masaccio, Palazzo Pretorio, the 15th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie Basilica and the museum with an Annunciation by Beato Angelico.

Contact:
Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche Pro Loco San Giovanni Valdarno (Tourist Information Office)
tel: 055 94 37 48
fax: 055 91 211 23
email: prolocosgv@val.it

Ufficio Turismo Comune di San Giovanni Valdarno (City Tourist Information Office)
tel: 055 91 26 251
fax: 055 91 23 902
email: turismosgv@val.it

Fonte by Stufato alla San Giovese