Rime in Circolo

An evening of poetry and conviviality in Vinci

In the rolling hills of Montalbano, just a stone's throw from the village that gave birth to Leonardo, one of the most genuine and entertaining evenings of the Vinci calendar takes place every summer: Rime in Circolo. The event is held at the Circolo di Faltognano, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Vinci, in the Province of Florence, and serves as the summer version of the historic Befanata dei Poeti, the winter event that has enlivened the local poetic tradition for years.

Ottava rima, the soul of Montalbano

The heart of the event is improvised ottava rima, an ancient form of Tuscan oral poetry where poets compose and sing their verses on the spot, challenging each other with rhymes. Montalbano is one of the areas where this popular lyrical tradition is still alive and deeply rooted, passed down from generation to generation. In Faltognano, improvised poets weave together folk songs, chants, and stanzas dedicated to the most current and "hot" topics of the year, treating the audience to an evening of wit, humor, and folk culture.

A rustic dinner menu

Rime in Circolo is, above all, a dinner show: the volunteers of the club prepare a simple and hearty traditional Tuscan menu, served at outdoor tables on a cool summer evening. Options for vegetarians and celiacs are also available, ensuring everyone can join in the festivities. Between courses, the poets' performances set the rhythm of the evening, creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Tuscan village festivals.

An event by the Pro Loco Vinci

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Vinci and is part of the Municipality's rich summer calendar, the "Estate dell'Ingegno" (Summer of Genius), which offers over three months of events including culture, theater, music, and food and wine in the main town and its hamlets. Rime in Circolo takes place just a few days before the famous Festa dell'Unicorno, cementing its status as one of the most beloved events for the local community and for those seeking an authentic experience in the Florentine countryside.