La Fierucola - Special events

On the last Sunday in April, the Fierucola dei Legnaioli takes place in Florence, dedicated to those who love wood and value it: carpenters, carvers, turners, chair-makers, sculptors, artists, toy-makers and researchers.

The woodworkers present unique handmade objects that show the history and character of the tree from which they are made: small furniture items, objects for everyday use, simple toys, furniture that respects people's wellbeing and sculptures.

In September 1984, more than 150 years after the end of the Rificolona farmers' market, as a commitment to the rebirth of that market and the rural world that made it possible, the first Fierucola dedicated to bread was held in Piazza SS. Annunziata in Florence and considered the association's mother festival.

2016 also saw the birth of the National Movement of Farmer-Bakers, young producers of ancient grains who have returned to producing bread with their own flours and who meet regularly to discuss farming and processing techniques.

The Fair takes place during the first weekend in October and hosts around 70 Italian and European ceramists presenting a wide variety of ceramic techniques, from stoneware to porcelain, from majolica to lustre.

Each ceramist succeeds in combining the ceramic working technique with his artistic and cultural imprint, thus creating unique pieces: utilitarian and decorative objects, bijoux and sculptures. Organic food and wine stalls are also on display.

For children, a series of clay manipulation workshops and recreational activities led by master ceramists.

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The ancient name of this fair was the Fierucola delle lane di San Martino (St Martin's Wool Fair). In the 14th century and the following centuries, in fact, it was on St Martin's Day (11 November) that the large annual wool fair was held.

The fair is dedicated to products derived from sheep, goats, cattle and animals whose breeding does not have the primary or exclusive purpose of meat production: cheeses, local wool with natural dyes, textiles, felt, knitted fabrics, spinning and cheese and butter production tools, shepherds' tools such as sticks, flutes and bagpipes.

An event dedicated to sustainable craftsmanship, volunteer organizations, and the sharing of values such as respect for the environment and artisanal work.

A unique event to find natural, sustainable, and handcrafted gifts, made with respect for the environment and local traditions.