Renaissance Fair
Folklore
Market, parade, games and events in a castle in Pontassieve’s historic center
Traditionally, the Renaissance Fair (Festa Rinascimentale) takes place in the historic center of Pontassieve, between Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Ghiberti, on the second weekend of May.
However, the 2026 edition will take place from October 7–10.
Some of the scheduled appointments include:
- The parade Come Eravamo Ieri e Come Siamo Oggi (As We Were Yesterday and As We Are Today), organized by the Historical Procession Association of Castel Sant'Angelo in Pontassieve, in collaboration with other associations in the area, such as that of the Merchants of Borgo Association.
- Vintage handicrafts market and food stands with Renaissance specialties in the Piazza and in the Borgo
- Birds of prey exhibition and shows
- Archery performances and free trials
- Renaissance games for young and old
- Storytellers, actors and dancers in the Piazza
- Ceremony for the San Michele Arcangelo Prize awarded to those who have distinguished themselves in the worlds of associations, volunteering and culture
Pontassieve is a stopover on the Routes of Francis, Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri, during which pilgrims will be welcomed and invited to attend conferences and exhibitions dedicated to the routes themselves.
A photo exhibition displaying images from the second volume of the photo book, “I Cammini di Dante da Firenze a Ravenna” (“The Routes of Dante from Florence to Ravenna”), with an introduction by Tuscany Region President Eugenio Giani, will be previewed during the days of the Renaissance Fair, to then be displayed again in September and visitable throughout 2026.
Saturday will end with a fire show and pyrotechnics, reenacting the storming of a castle.
The Renaissance Fair will end on Sunday, May 10, with a parade by the Pontassieve Historical Procession and the participation of parade troupes from neighboring towns and all around Tuscany, with performances by flag-wavers, musicians and dancers, all concluding with a concert.
Schedule:
May 7 and 8, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
May 9 and 10, from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Admission is free admission for all events.
