The Slow Travel Fest, which celebrates a spirit of “sustainable adventure” with its annual event series in Monteriggioni and along the via Francigena, expands its scope this year with a spin-off event, the first Lunigiana Folks&Family festival. An itinerant, nature-centered event series set to run from June 15 to 17, the festival will have its home base in Filetto, a hamlet of Villafranca in the Massa-Carrara province.
Lunigiana Folks & Family will highlight the natural wonders of its namesake region, which stretches out between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Apuan Alps. Events and excursions on the program—all designed to be family-friendly—will offer the chance to experience the region’s myriad traditions and explore its valleys, woods, hiking trails and castles.
Among the key events on the program: a falconry demonstration in Castello dell’Aquila, with a guided venue visit and brunch to follow (June 17); kid-friendly archery lessons and tree climbing adventures with the Buffardello adventure park staff, both in Filetto (June 17); a 9km excursion through Mocrone, the Castello di Malgrate,
Filetto and Virgoletta, accompanied by tastings of traditional products and local wines (June 17); a concert by “circus swing orchestra” Camillocromo on opening night (June 15) and a sunrise hike through the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano (June 16). Throughout the festival, food stands and Tuscan craft beers will be available to participants.
The initiative is organized by Ciclica.cc, the Tour Operators Association of the Lunigiana and Musicastrada, with support from the Tuscan Region, Toscana Promozione Turistica and the City of Villafranca. To view the full program or make a booking, see the website.
