A Veglia in Piazza – Fried Food Festival

A Veglia in Piazza: The Summer Spirit of the Limite Community

"A Veglia in Piazza" is the summer festival that brings Piazza Vittorio Veneto to life—the open-air living room of Limite sull'Arno, a village in the Municipality of Capraia e Limite, in the province of Florence. Promoted by the Circolo Arci Casa del Popolo of Limite, the event revives the spirit of the traditional local "veglia," where neighbors would gather in the square after dinner to chat, dance, and enjoy each other's company. Every Wednesday and Thursday in June and July, starting at 9:00 PM, the square transforms into a space for meeting, socializing, and participation for all ages.

A Program for Everyone

The schedule blends diverse genres and styles, with free admission for every evening. Recurring highlights include:

• Live music and DJ sets in the square, featuring dance nights;
• Cinema under the stars, with open-air screenings bringing the big screen back to Limite after many years: the lineup includes the animated film "The Wild Robot";
• Sports, role-playing games, and foosball tournaments for younger visitors;
• Dance performances and entertainment;
• Two charity bingo nights, with proceeds supporting the Astro Association and the GEL AUT project.

The festival has a strong social focus: the GEL AUT project by the La Pietra d'Angolo cooperative in Fucecchio participates in several evenings with its APEGELATO-CAR, an ice cream cart operated by young people with autism trained as gelato makers. The culinary experience is rounded out by crepes prepared by volunteers, a selection of beers from the La Birraiola truck, and the ice cream stand from the La Pietra d'Angolo cooperative.

The Fried Food Festival, the Tasty Heart of the Event

The highlight of the Limite summer is the Fried Food Festival, reaching its 9th edition in 2026. Over two weekends in July, the food stands of the Casa del Popolo offer fried land and sea delicacies designed to please every palate: fried fish, battered vegetables, and traditional Tuscan specialties, all to be enjoyed at outdoor tables. In previous years, the event was known as the Mixed Fried Food Festival and has long been one of the most popular culinary events in the area, organized in collaboration with the new management of the Casa del Popolo.

Limite sull'Arno and its River Tradition

Nestled on the banks of the Arno between Empoli and Montelupo Fiorentino, Limite sull'Arno is famous for its ancient shipbuilding and rowing traditions: it is home to the oldest rowing club in Italy. It is no coincidence that the Limite summer culminates in the following weeks with the Palio con la Montata, a challenge between the town's districts featuring traditional eight-oared boats and the spectacular final rope climb. "A Veglia in Piazza" and the Fried Food Festival are how this Tuscan community kicks off the summer, combining great food, culture, and social commitment.