Aringata

A festival that tells the story of Firenzuola

The Aringata is much more than just a parade: it is the festival that best captures the spirit of Firenzuola, a small town in the upper Mugello in the Province of Florence, nestled in the Santerno Valley at the foot of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Every year, the historic center—particularly Corso Villani—transforms into an open-air stage where local hamlets showcase allegorical and satirical floats, patiently crafted over the preceding months.

The origins: the herring as a symbol

The event has its roots in the 19th century, when it was celebrated on the first day of Lent to mark the beginning of the period of penance. In that context, the herring was chosen as a symbol of the remission of sins: a humble yet durable food that allowed the people of Firenzuola to trade it throughout the year for eggs, cheese, and vegetables. By the late 1920s, the custom emerged of parading with old umbrellas adorned with herrings, upon which bread was rubbed. Starting in the 1950s, the festival was moved to spring to protect the floats from winter weather, thus taking on the character of a spring carnival that still defines it today.

The parade of floats

The heart of the day is the parade of allegorical and satirical floats: each district or hamlet of the Santerno Valley brings its own creation to the square, often with free themes ranging from irony and current events to hidden messages within the decorations. Music accompanies the costumed groups along the town streets, creating an engaging festive atmosphere for all ages. At the end of the parade, the awards ceremony for the floats is a highly anticipated moment for the competing teams.

The "Giga Marina" dance

Among the most characteristic traditions is the costumed dance of the Giga Marina, performed in the shadow of the Rocca (fortress) of Firenzuola: a folk dance that recalls the bond, both ironic and nostalgic, between the Apennine village and the sea from which the herring once arrived.

Why it is worth visiting

The Aringata is the perfect opportunity to discover Firenzuola and the upper Mugello during a day of authentic celebration, far from the major tourist circuits. Organized by the Municipality of Firenzuola together with the Pro Loco, it is a tradition that continues to unite the local hamlets and pass down a piece of the identity of the Tuscan Apennines.