‘La Fierucola del Pane’ Organic Bread Fair & Farmer’s Market

Sunday 8: FIERUCOLA DEL PANE (Bread Fair).  Piazza Santissima Annunziata.  9 am – 7 pm.

Since its first edition in September 1984, la Fierucola del Pane (a bread market) has been a landmark event for organic farming and traditional handicrafts. This year’s celebration, which will take place in Piazza SS Annunziata (Holy Annunciation square) on September 8 involves bread-making workshops for the entire family, the presentation of gluten-free recipes for biscuit and pasta production, vegan desserts, in-depth talks on the benefits of monococco spelt (a grain of ancient origin cultivated in Tuscany for centuries) and more.

The fair hosts proprietors of small family-run farms which respect the natural cycle of cultivation and do not resort to non-organic methods.

La Fierucola has its roots in a much older tradition, going back 150 years: The Paper Lantern Festival, or Rificolona. During the Renaissance, Tuscan farmers and shepherds would arrive in Florence on the evening of September 7. Often traveling through the countryside and mountains at night, they used lanterns (rificolone) to light their way. The pilgrims would gather in Piazza Santissima Annunziata (Holy Annunciation square), a square dedicated to Mary, where they would participate in religious observances before holding a market on September 8. Today, while the participants have changed, the tradition remains much the same.

This year, to celebrate this important milestone, will be enriched with new events: for the whole day, the square will host young bakers from farms from all over Italy, who will create a unique stall offering a selection of wood-fired breads, prepared with self-produced organic flours.

In addition to bread, the La Fierucola del Pane will offer organic produce, cheeses, jams, and wines.  In addition, there will also be crafts: each product on display is made by hand, respecting nature and traditions, with non-polluting materials and natural colors. The artisans present will be ready to share their experience and passion, explaining the techniques used and the value of work carried out with care and respect for the environment.

The day will end in a festive atmosphere: in the afternoon, the square will be animated by music, inviting everyone to dance and celebrate the anniversary of this unique event together.

PROGRAMME

9 am: opening of the 40th Bread Fair

10 am: brief introduction on the benefits of monococco spelt bread for the gluten-intolerant

11 am: piadinas from Romagna (unleavened flat bread from the Italian region of Romagna), presented by Le teglie di Montetiffi

12 noon; family bread-making with Stefano Piluso

3 p.m.: ‘Possible and impossible farmers’ stories

3.45 pm: bread without yeast, without flour: the magic of gluten-free bread

4.30 pm: vegan desserts: good for everyone

5.30 pm: creating dough for making a thousand things including savory quiches, crackers and filled breadsticks

7 pm: closing of the 40th edition of the Fierucola del Pane

All demonstrations will take place under the ‘workshop gazebo’ in the center of the square.  (Virginia D’Umas)

Contact details: tel. 3453089164; info@lafierucola.org; www.lafierucola.org.