Published on
September 6, 2025
Like most small towns in Tuscany, the town of Pienza holds one of Italy’s tastiest festivals, the much awaited Pecorino Cheese Festival or the Cacio Festival. It is held on the first Sunday every September, perhaps to coincide with the stunning landscapes of the unprotected Val d’Orcia. This UNESCO World Heritage town is a delight for anyone passionate about authentic Tuscan culture with a range of events and of course, delectable cuisine.
A Tribute to Pecorino di Pienza
Pienza is world-renowned for its Pecorino di Pienza, a sheep’s milk cheese that is celebrated for its rich, nutty flavour. This cheese has deep ties to the town’s heritage, and the festival was born to highlight its significance in Tuscan culture and cuisine. The Festa del Cacio transforms the town into a bustling open-air market, where visitors can taste, buy, and learn about pecorino in all its forms—fresh, aged, spiced, and infused with various herbs.
The Cheese-Rolling Contest: A Tuscan Tradition
At the heart of the festival lies the iconic Gioco del Cacio al Fuso, or the cheese-rolling contest. Held in Pienza’s main square, Piazza Pio II, the contest draws both locals and tourists. Participants roll large wheels of pecorino toward a wooden spindle positioned at a distance. The player whose cheese lands closest to the spindle wins eternal bragging rights, and often, additional cheese! While the main contest is typically reserved for locals, visitors are welcome to cheer on the competitors, and smaller community games invite anyone to join the fun.
Festival Highlights: Fun for All Ages
The Festa del Cacio is more than just a cheese-lover’s dream. It’s a celebration of Tuscan life, and there’s something for everyone:
Tasting Stalls and Markets: Artisan producers from across the region line the streets, offering samples of pecorino paired with local wines, honey, and cured meats. This is the perfect opportunity to compare different types of pecorino, from young and creamy to aged and sharp.
Parades and Performances: As part of the festival, Pienza’s streets come alive with vibrant parades featuring traditional costumes, flag-throwers, and folk musicians. These performances add color and rhythm to the festivities, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.
Family-Friendly Activities: The festival offers plenty of activities for children, from small rides to cheese-making workshops where little ones can learn how this traditional cheese is crafted. With so much to do, it’s an ideal event for families to enjoy together.
Food and Wine Pairings: Local trattorias serve up pecorino-inspired dishes, often paired with wines from the Val d’Orcia region. Expect everything from creamy cheese pastas to hearty pecorino-stuffed pastries, all complemented by the region’s renowned wines.
Where to Experience the Festival
There are several key locations in Pienza where you can fully enjoy the spirit of the Festa del Cacio:
Piazza Pio II: This is the epicenter of the festival, where the cheese-rolling contest takes place. The square is also home to various performances and entertainment throughout the weekend.
Corso Rossellino: The town’s main street is lined with stalls offering pecorino tastings, local crafts, and other artisan goods. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere while sampling delicious treats.
Town Walls & Viewpoints: For breathtaking views of the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, head to the town’s walls and viewpoints. These offer perfect photo opportunities to capture the stunning Tuscan landscape that surrounds Pienza.
Travel Tips for Attending the Festa del Cacio
The Festa del Cacio attracts both locals and tourists, and it can get quite crowded during the weekend. To make the most of your experience, here are some essential travel tips:
Arrive Early: The streets of Pienza are narrow and fill up quickly during the festival. Arriving early will give you a chance to enjoy the event without feeling rushed or overcrowded.
Taste Everything: Pecorino comes in various forms, each with its own unique flavour. Don’t miss the chance to try both the fresh, creamy varieties as well as the aged and sharp ones. The stalls offer plenty of opportunities to sample different kinds of cheese.
Book Accommodation in Advance: Pienza is a small town, and the demand for accommodation increases significantly during the festival. Book your room well in advance to secure a place to stay within walking distance of the festivities.
Why You Can’t Miss This Festival
The Festa del Cacio is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of Tuscany’s deep-rooted traditions and its strong community spirit. The festival brings together locals and visitors in a joyful celebration of cheese, music, and culture. It offers a rare chance to experience Tuscany beyond the usual tourist attractions. Whether you’re rolling cheese, enjoying local wines, or watching a colourful parade, the festival is a memorable way to immerse yourself in the charm of this historic town.
Mark Your Calendars for September 6–7, 2025
The Festa del Cacio will be on the 6th and 7th of September, 2025. If you are on the lookout for an Italian inspired excursion bursting with traditions, wonderful cuisine, as well as family oriented activities, this is the festival for you. With everything from the raucous cheese rolling competition to the buzzing stalls of cheese and wine on offer, the Festa del Cacio is set to be a fun packed festival for everyone.
For the lovers of Tuscany, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the rich culinary traditions of the region. With the excitement of the festival, the wonderful dishes, and the delightful community vibe, it is one event in 2025 you certainly want to be a part of.
Dining and Cooking