Autumn in Tuscany has a unique charm: the landscapes and panoramas are painted with dazzling hues, and the hills are imbued with an almost magical atmosphere. Autumnia is a celebration of the best of the season, taking place in Figline from November 10 to 12. Combining tradition, culture and taste, there’s a vast variety of activities and attractions, from food and wine to folklore, with typical products and local craftsmanship.
Held annually for 24 years, Autumnia has always been attentive to environmental sustainability, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the autumnal Tuscan atmosphere in the Valdarno just a few kilometers from Florence, the ideal setting for enjoying the leaves in their rich golden, red and orange shades.
The beautiful piazza Marsilio Ficino is centre-stage for the festivities, with its loggias, frescoed buildings and well-preserved paving greeting visitors. Here, the large agri-food market is set up with excellent local products, where you can find all kinds of delicacies such as chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, and local wines.
Marsilio Ficino Exhibition
The cooking show area becomes home to the street food stalls and an area dedicated to chefs, sommeliers, kitchen professionals and students from the local hotel school. Covered stands and tables are available to visitors for lunch, dinner and snacks, open from 3-10pm on Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday, and 10am-8pm on Sunday.
This edition will also be the perfect chance to discover (and appreciate) a local dish created solely with products from the Valdarno Superiore countryside and the Farmer’s Market. A new recipe has been crafted that highlights the link between good food and quality products, placing emphasis on the basics of healthy eating, one of the fundamental themes of the event.
The festival doesn’t just take place here! All the squares and main sites within the medieval walls are involved in the three days of free-entry, unmissable festivities. In the nearby piazza della Fattoria, Autumnia 2023 will be officially inaugurated on the afternoon of November 11 by the skillful flag-wavers, Sbandieratori dei Borghi e dei Sestieri Fiorentini, with their engaging dexterity and tradition-inspired show.
Autumnia caters to all age groups, with activities for both children and adults, ensuring fun for all the family. Some parts of the centre will be dedicated to discovering centuries-old crafts, with artisans at work and the possibility to give your own skills a challenge, while not far away there will be a market dedicated to artistic craftsmanship.
There will also be no shortage of cultural events. A highlight is undoubtedly the exhibition at Palazzo Pretorio, Figline, dedicated to the illustrious humanist philosopher Marsilio Ficino (Figline, 1433), on display until January 14, 2024. The museum hosts an artistic journey through his paintings, sculptures and manuscripts, exploring the life and works of the influential intellectual of the European Renaissance.
Autumnia is much more than a simple autumn festival; it’s capable of uniting the community through the celebration of its traditional and cultural roots and the beauty of the season, engaging both tourists and locals alike.
For the full programme see www.autumnia.it
