Recurring Events

At the origin of the ancient tradition of Montalbano and Valdelsa’s “Befanata dei Poeti” (The Poets’ Befana Celebration) is a social game from the Florentine Renaissance academies. This tradition later moved into the cellars and rural taverns as a collection of improvisations in ottava rima (eight-line rhymes), often irreverent, about the events of the past year and the town’s characters.

During the traditional dinner on Epiphany Eve, the poets challenge themselves to create rhymes that tease the community, joking about the local news and its citizens.

LEARN MORE: Befanata dei poeti – Pro Loco Vinci

Every year, around mid-April, the town of Vinci commemorates the birth of Leonardo with the Leonardian Celebrations, events that feature the Lettura Vinciana (Vincian Reading) as their most significant moment.

Since 1960, the Leonardiana Library has entrusted one of the most important scholars of Vincian historiography with delivering a critical lecture on one of the many fields in which Leonardo’s work developed.

The continuity of this initiative and the recognized scientific authority of the speakers have made this event a highly significant cultural appointment, capable of highlighting fundamental trends and key figures in Vincian studies over recent decades..

LEARN MORE: ] Biblioteca Leonardiana di Vinci [

Leonardo Day is the birthday celebration dedicated to Vinci’s most illustrious citizen. It takes place every year on the first Sunday after April 15th and has its roots in 1959, when the first edition was held under the title Leonardo and Human Flight.

On that occasion, a squadron of jet planes took off from Rome’s airport and flew over Vinci, performing a series of maneuvers and dropping a laurel wreath on Leonardo’s Birthplace—a tradition that has been repeated every year since.

In 2017, thanks to Pro Loco Vinci, the event was renewed and now features a rich program of activities each year, including artistic performances, guided tours, installations, historical parades, and concludes with the traditional cake cutting.

LEARN MORE: Giorno di Leonardo – vieni a Vinci a festeggiare la nascita del Genio

The Unicorn Festival is one of the most important fantasy-themed events in Italy, held every year at the end of July.

For three days, the village of Vinci transforms into a medieval fantasy world, inviting visitors on a journey beyond time among elves, gnomes, monstrous masks, role-playing games, and cosplay. Hundreds of shows take place in the various themed areas set up throughout the town, which also hosts a true market of fantasy-themed merchandise.

LEARN MORE: Festa dell’Unicorno

Every year, on the last Wednesday of July, as the concluding event of the “July Fair,” the traditional historical reenactment of The Flight of Cecco Santi takes place.

According to popular legend, Cecco Santi, captain of the guards of Vinci, was accused of betraying the city for the love of a woman from Cerreto Guidi, an enemy city under siege. His punishment was to be “thrown” from the tower, from which the condemned would be spared if good fortune was on his side. As his last wish, the captain asked to drink a glass of good Vinci wine and, miraculously, after being thrown from the tower, Cecco managed to fly to the hill opposite the castle and survived. That year, the farmers enjoyed abundant harvests of grapes, olives, and wheat. The reenactment has become a superstition ritual linked to agriculture and the success of the harvest.

The annual festival has very old roots: starting from the 1920s, a livestock fair was held with bingo and fireworks. The historical parade is usually preceded by the Tenzon di palla, the annual Calcio Storico challenge between the Yellow Hawks of Upper Vinci and the Red Lions of Lower Vinci, who compete for the coveted Vinci Cup.

LEARN MORE: Volo Di Cecco Santi

Multiscena is a series of theater, music, entertainment, and performances that every year offers a rich program of events in the squares of Vinci, featuring both established artists and emerging talents.

Organized by Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro

Every year on August 10th, the village of Vinci prepares for the Calici di Stelle (Glasses of Stars) festival, held in Piazza Guido Masi and Piazza dei Conti Guidi.

The event is centered around local wine producers who offer tastings of whites, rosés, young reds, and Chianti, as well as full-bodied reds and Chianti Riserva, finishing with dessert vinsantos and meditation wines.

The evening is accompanied by food stalls and live musical entertainment.

Organized by  Pro Loco Vinci

The Festival of the Environment and Nature — Maestra de’ Maestri is an event that focuses on topics such as renewable energy, nature, the environment, healthy eating, and local, zero-kilometer food.

The festival also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences from those committed to protecting the environment.

A series of workshops for both children and adults aim to raise awareness of environmental issues among future generations.

LEARN MORE:  ECOVINCI FESTIVAL

The evening includes the presentation of two awards, both dedicated to the theme of communication, representing both historical continuity and openness to new and diverse forms of expression.

The first award honors Leonardo Berni, a citizen of Vinci who worked for many years as a correspondent for the newspaper La Nazione and a chronicler of local life. The second award, named after a Leonardo da Vinci aphorism, is given to nationally and internationally recognized figures engaged in public outreach and communication.

LEARN MORE: Premio giornalistico ‘Li omini boni’ per la comunicazione