The Travel Festival’s Barefoot Walk

This year’s Festival del Viaggio (Travel Festival), running June 9 – 13, invites travel enthusiasts alike to take advantage of the art exhibitions, literary presentations, and theatrical experiences planned. The festival, in its 10th edition, offers educational and engaging ways to discuss the methods and values of travel. Festival events span from film to outdoor activities with a nonconventional approach to celebrate the multi-dimensions of traveling.

In celebration of the Festival del Viaggio, on Sunday, June 11, the Cascine Park’s Piazza Filippo Mazzei hosts Scalzeggiato, which loosely translates into “abandoning the shoes,” a barefoot walk on the grass, organized by the Italian Travelers Association. The enticing, almost spiritual walk commences along the Arno, makes its way to the Monumento all’ Indiano, and finishes by reversing the path back to its starting point.

This event intends to connect spectators back to the raw, humble beginnings of travel. Participants will experience the sensation of walking barefoot for a long duration of time, as past generations were accustomed. The contact with the ground, whether it be dirt, grass, or something in between, provides one with physical and emotional peace. It is a personal experience, while a being a group experience with others involved.

The walk begins at 11:30, and pre-registration is required. Email viaggi@festivaldelviaggio.it to confirm booking. (jennifer klammer)