Giotto under the Stars

Giotto under the Stars: Vicchio's summer in Piazza Giotto

Every July, the historic center of Vicchio, in the heart of the Florence province, transforms into a large open-air lounge. Giotto under the Stars is the summer festival that brings Piazza Giotto to life with three themed evenings designed to bring residents and visitors together through food, music, and market stalls. The name pays homage to the painter Giotto di Bondone, who was born right here in the Mugello valley: a perfect setting for a village festival that blends Tuscan tradition with the joy of gathering together.

Three evenings, three distinct atmospheres

The formula is simple and well-loved: each event features a culinary and musical theme that transforms the square.

• Spanish Night & Samba Colors — sangria, tapas, Fontani's famous paella, and Brazilian rhythms for an evening with a Mediterranean and South American flair.
• Fried Food Festival! — a celebration dedicated to crispy flavors, featuring all kinds of fried delicacies and the most beloved Italian songs to sing along to.
• Grand Tortello Day — the highlight of the festival, dedicated to the Mugello tortello, featuring a Tuscan dinner, music, and the famous "Golden Tortello" contest.

The Golden Tortello contest

The heart of the final evening is the tortello competition: in the afternoon, at La Bottega di Sghio, participants present their creations to compete for the coveted Golden Tortello title. It is an opportunity to celebrate one of the most iconic dishes of the Mugello, whose potato-based recipe is passed down from family to family.

Food, music, and markets

Throughout all three evenings, the square is filled with open-air dining areas, markets, and live music. It is an event designed for families and anyone wanting to savor the conviviality of Tuscan summer festivals, with long tables under the stars and a relaxed, festive atmosphere until late at night.

A festival that tells the story of Mugello

Created through the collaboration of local entities such as Per Bacco Vicchio, Terre di Storie, and the Pro Loco of Vicchio, along with local merchants and associations, Giotto under the Stars is much more than a food festival: it is how the Vicchio community opens its doors to visitors, sharing the flavors and hospitality of this corner of Tuscany just a few kilometers from Florence.