Pontorme in Festa — Volo del Becco
The historical re-enactment of the village of Pontorme and the legendary Volo del Becco
About Pontorme in Festa
Pontorme in Festa, the ancient heart of Empoli
In the heart of the historic village of Pontorme, a district of the Empoli municipality in the province of Florence, one of the most cherished events in the Tuscan region comes to life every early September. Pontorme in Festa is not just a local village fair: it is a historical re-enactment that transports the village back through the centuries, bringing its streets, squares, and the famous Giardino fra le mura to life with processions, performances, art, and tradition.
The Volo del Becco, the soul of the festival
The most anticipated and defining moment of the event is the Volo del Becco, an ancient popular custom documented as being in use from the year 780 until 1786. The re-enactment consists of the symbolic launch of a figure — the "becco" (billy goat) — from the bell tower of the church of San Michele Arcangelo, preceded by a solemn historical pageant. This multi-centennial tradition makes Pontorme a unique case in the landscape of Tuscan re-enactments, blending folklore, popular faith, and historical memory.
The historical pageant and participants
The scenic heart of the festival is the historical pageant, featuring hundreds of participants in medieval and Renaissance attire: ladies and knights, archers, flag-wavers, musicians, and drummers parade through the village in an atmosphere of times past. The costumes are the result of the work of local schools and associations, while the historical encampment and demonstrations of ancient crafts complete the immersion into the past.
Awards, art, and the glass tradition
Pontorme in Festa is also an occasion for civic recognition: during the event, the Premio Pontormo — dedicated to the famous Mannerist painter Jacopo Carucci, known as Pontormo, who was born in this very village — and the Cencio d'Oro are awarded to individuals and excellence in culture and entrepreneurship. There is no shortage of art exhibitions hosted in the village spaces, live demonstrations of traditional Empoli green glassmaking, and food stands featuring local flavors.
A festival for everyone
With street performances, square games, music, children's entertainment, and moments of conviviality, Pontorme in Festa involves the entire community and welcomes visitors from all over Tuscany. Admission is free, and the event is organized by the Associazione Borgo Pontormese with the patronage of the Municipality of Empoli. It is an ideal appointment for those who want to discover the authentic soul of the village that gave birth to Pontormo, amidst history, art, and popular tradition.
Pontorme in Festa — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Pontorme in Festa is scheduled from September 5th to 8th in the village of Pontorme, in Empoli. As per tradition, the centerpiece of the event will be the re-enactment of the Volo del Becco, expected on the evening of September 6th, preceded by the historical pageant with hundreds of costumed participants. The festival also features the awarding of the Premio Pontormo and the Cencio d'Oro, art exhibitions, demonstrations of Empoli green glassmaking, and food stands in the Giardino fra le mura. Admission is free.
Programme Pontorme in Festa 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with day-by-day schedules, historical pageant artists, and side events, will be published by the Associazione Borgo Pontormese in the weeks leading up to the event.
Based on the established structure of recent editions, the event typically includes:
- Opening evening — award ceremony for the Premio Pontormo and the Cencio d'Oro in the Giardino fra le mura.
- September 6th — historical pageant with hundreds of participants in medieval and Renaissance costumes, flag-wavers, musicians, and drummers, followed by the re-enactment of the Volo del Becco from the bell tower of the church of San Michele Arcangelo.
- Main days — art exhibitions, demonstrations of green glassmaking, historical encampment and ancient crafts, street performances, square games, children's entertainment, and food stands.
Times and guest names will be confirmed by the official program.
Highlights Pontorme in Festa 2026
- Re-enactment of the Volo del Becco, a custom practiced from the year 780 to 1786 (September 6th).
- Historical pageant with hundreds of costumed participants.
- Awarding of the Premio Pontormo and the Cencio d'Oro.
- Empoli green glassmaking and art exhibitions.
Prices Pontorme in Festa 2026
Practical information — Pontorme in Festa
Where
Village of Pontorme, district of Empoli (FI). Events take place in the Giardino fra le mura of Pontorme (Via Giro delle Mura Nord), in the village streets, and at the church of San Michele Arcangelo.
How to get there
By train: Empoli station on the Florence–Pisa line, a short distance from the village. By car: take the Empoli exit from the FI-PI-LI highway. Pontorme is located east of the Empoli city center.
Admission
Free. The event is suitable for families, children, and all ages.
When
Early September, with the Volo del Becco traditionally held on the evening of September 6th.
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Where does it take place — Pontorme in Festa
Borgo di Pontorme
Giardino fra le mura di Pontorme, Via Giro delle Mura Nord, 50053 Empoli