World Crafts at Florence’s Mostra dell’Artigianato

Through May 1: INTERNATIONAL ARTISAN TRADE FAIR. Fortezza da Basso. Open daily from 10 am – 10:30 pm (last day 8 pm). Admission: weekends €6, weekdays €4, Children under 12 free. Adjacent parking.

The 81st edition of Florence’s International Artisan Fair offers visitors a full slate of ideas, inspiration, shopping and tasting opportunities. The first certified event in Italy of its kind offers over 55,000 square meters of space presenting handcraft traditions from 800 exhibitors from more than 50 countries.

Each year the festival honors a special guest country, and this year the United States has that distinction. With the theme of an imaginary journey along Route 66 the USA area will shine a light on crafts of the old Wild West – designs in harmony with the Native American and Hispanic roots of Southwestern states such as New Mexico and Arizona.

Visiting the lower level of the fair hall guests can see an original Native American teepee, an ethnographic presentation on the Lakota Sioux tribe and a mechanical bull all while enjoying country, blues, and Texan swing music along with American street food and desserts. Don’t miss the line dance demonstration and a stand of goods imported directly from the USA.

The bottom floor hosts the Creative Hands space, dedicated to young creative and forward-thinking craftsmen who can be seen fashioning crafts from origami to musical instruments. A special section features artisans from the earthquake struck towns of central Italy.

The Wellness & Beauty section – devoted to women’s beauty products – is back by popular demand for a third consecutive year. The entire pavilion, dedicated to live demonstrations of face and body treatments, make-up, hairstyles and massages, offers visitors a opportunity to feel pampered.

A Design Space focusing on home décor and graphic and interior design makes its debut in this year’s edition. Hosted are traditional and digital craftsmen alike, including designers, illustrators and artisan woodworkers, intertwining tradition with contemporary ideas to create innovative and special living spaces.

After continued success, the T-Riciclo Green Market returns in the Padiglione le Ghiaie with a whole area dedicated to creative recycling and eco-sustainability with clothes, accessories and even technology.

Next door in the Padiglione Liceo the Absolut Handmade section, devoted entirely to Italian fashion trends, showcases emerging young designers. Their products created from quality materials through the rediscovery of craftsmanship express a clear contrast to the norm of high fashion designs intended to last only for the current season.

A Moroccan village is recreated where guests can stroll through a souk filled with local crafts and their makers. Grab a bite at the Moroccan-themed restaurant or enjoy a cup of tea accompanied by a rich pastry. A daily calendar of folklore shows and demonstrations is in tune with the North African theme.

Nothing speaks creativity more than cuisine and the mezzanine is the venue of Pop-up Festival celebrating the excellence of food and wine led by the famous gourmet sommelier Leonardo Romanelli. Daily cooking demonstrations, food and wine tasting and other surprises can tempt all food lovers. Visitors young and old are invited to participate in an artisan gelato in a challenge to discover Italy’s best frozen delights.

For more information on the festival visit www.mostraartigianato.it.  (rita kungel)