Cavalcata dei Magi between Pelago and Pontassieve

The Cavalcata dei Magi: a tradition uniting two municipalities

The Cavalcata dei Magi between Pelago and Pontassieve is a historical-religious re-enactment that, every year on January 6th for the Epiphany, reconstructs the arrival of the Three Wise Men on the night of the Nativity. The event symbolically links two neighboring municipalities in the Valdisieve, in the province of Florence (Tuscany): Pontassieve and Pelago, connected by the Sieve river and the historic Ponte Mediceo.

The procession and participants

The heart of the event is the procession led by the Three Wise Men on horseback, draped in sumptuous robes, who bring the town streets to life, turning them into an authentic living tableau. The parade features over one hundred participants and numerous historical groups from all over Tuscany, including ladies, knights, flag-wavers, and costumed troupes. The departure is set in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Pontassieve; from there, the procession winds through the streets and the village of Pontassieve and San Francesco until it reaches Piazza Verdi, in the hamlet of San Francesco in Pelago.

The offering of gifts and the religious moment

The most anticipated moment occurs upon arrival in Piazza Verdi, on the parvis of the church of San Francesco: here, the Magi perform the offering of gifts to the Baby Jesus, followed by a blessing and speeches by local authorities. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional songs from the Corale Renzo Mazzoni, conducted by maestro Gabriele Spina, lending the moment a solemn and intimate atmosphere.

A festival for families

The Cavalcata dei Magi is not just a historical re-enactment, but also a local festival designed for the whole community. A sweet treat is reserved for the little ones, while in Piazza Verdi, there are food stalls managed by local businesses, where visitors can warm up and enjoy local flavors on a cold winter day.

Organization and context

The event is organized by the Corteo Storico Castel Sant'Angelo of Pontassieve with the patronage and collaboration of the Municipalities of Pontassieve and Pelago, the Tuscany Region, and the Metropolitan City of Florence. Though recently established, the Cavalcata has quickly become one of the most cherished Epiphany appointments in the Florentine area, attracting visitors and historical groups from across the region.