The best crafts events in Tuscany

Every year since 1931, Florence has hosted the International Handicrafts Exhibition, which takes place in the spring at the Fortezza di Basso, usually between April 25 and May 1. The opportunity to admire a huge variety of products, made not only in Florentine and Tuscan workshops, but also in studios in other Italian regions and around the world.

An event that since 1995 has involved nearly 100 artisans called to populate with their art the fascinating Corsini Garden, just a stone's throw from Florence train station. The objective of the exhibition is to enhance high quality craftsmanship, both in its traditional and contemporary aspects, with ample space reserved for the young artisans of the future. Side events include workshops, exhibitions, prizes and a space dedicated to food and wine, "Family Recipes". Crafts and Palace is held in September.

Since 1993 Montelupo Fiorentino has been celebrating its centuries-old tradition by organizing the International Ceramics Festival - CÈRAMICA OFF, the widespread festival that for about a month, between June and July, brings workshops, talks, performances, shows, art workshops and an Exhibition Market with exhibitors from all over Italy to the city. In addition to the historic center of Montelupo, the program involves manufactures, the heart of production and places rich in tradition, often in industrial and peripheral areas.

Made-in-Italy craftsmanship is at the heart of Fashion in Flair, an event that twice a year (in spring and fall) enlivens Villa Bottini, a splendid and unique example of a 16th-century Lucchese villa to be found within the city walls. The market exhibition brings together designers and artisans from all over Italy, and the days are enriched by side events, music and street food.

At the turn of April and May, the center of Anghiari hosts a large exhibition of ancient crafts and new arts. A fascinating itinerary is set up in the alleys and small squares of one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy", along which artisans intent on working or displaying their creations in wood, leather, fabric, wrought iron, ceramics and precious metals.

In Sorano, the week of Ferragosto is dedicated to the excellence of Tuscan and Italian crafts, with a common thread that reads "Food, Craftsmanship, Landscape". The Craft Exhibition, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, brings together a significant number of artisans and offers a rich calendar of side events such as workshops, guided tours, exhibitions and artistic performances. The historic center of this town carved out of tuff gives the event a unique setting.