“Waiting For Autumnia” is a fall festival that precedes the annual fair called “Autumnia,” both held in Figline/Incisa Valdarno, 40 km (25 miles) east of Florence and easily accessible by train, which begins in October and lasts until November 5. The organizers have prepared 22 events, almost all of which are free, though reservations are required. The festival offers a wide range of activities, including workshops for adults and children, wellness activities, nature hikes, guided tours, food and much more.
One of the most interesting activities is the chance to observe bees in their natural habitat and witness the work of beekeepers. This event begins at 5 pm on October 18, followed by the dinner at 7 pm, where the honey is the most important ingredient in the entire organic menu (link to the menu: https://www.comunefiv.it/vivere-il-comune/eventi/cena-biodiversa-il-dolce-far-miele). The price for the dinner is €35.
“Waiting For Autumnia” will feature a variety of other attractions. Kids (ages 11 to 14) can become mini chefs by joining the cooking classes on October 19, where they will be guided by teachers and students from the “Giorgio Vasari” Institute in the making of regional desserts beginning at 10:30 am. All ages are welcome to learn the history and secrets of olive oil production while seeing the various stages of production at the Frantoio Masaccio in the afternoon. Free shuttle buses to the olive mill are available from 2 pm at Via della Vetreria, Figline at 2 pm or the Incisa train station at 2:15 pm. As for adults, they can take part in a guided tour and experiential workshop “The Use of Essential Oils from the Apothecary’s Shop to Aromatherapy” on Sunday, October 20. Visitors can learn more about the history of the apothecary’s shop and its secrets. On Wednesday, October 23 there will be a culinary event “The Welcome Spirit,” during which the Casa Me’ Mà chefs will present quick and easy-to-make aperitivo (cocktail hour) recipes.
On Saturday, October 26, the public is invited to the presentation of a book titled “It Has Always Been Hot! And Other Convenient Lies About Climate Change,” which will provide an opportunity to meet an expert on the subject at Gilberto Rovai Library, Incisa. Author Giulio Betti is a meteorologist and climatologist who will examine misconceptions about climate change. The next day, on Sunday, October 27, a 7 kilometer (4.35 miles) an easy hike through the forest, overlooking the Arno Valley, is planned, starting from the Church of San Vito a Loppiano at starting at 9:30 am.
The Palagina will be hosting the Pumpkin Festival from Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2 at 4 pm, featuring a treasure hunt. Children can search for pumpkins and take them home. They will also have the opportunity to see and pet animals such as donkeys, ponies and sheep. The activity costs €10 per person.
The program leads up to the Autumnia, a large fair that will take place from November 8 to November 10 in Figline Valdarno. Reservations for the “Waiting For Autumnia” festival can be made at: www.autumnia.it or www.comunefiv.it. (Paulina Juzak)
