San Genesio Festival - Children's Festival

The children's festival of Casciana Terme

Every year, in the final days of August, the historic center of Casciana Terme, in the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari in the province of Pisa, dresses up for its most special protagonists: the children. The San Genesio Festival, known to all as the Children's Festival, is a historic Tuscan event capable of attracting families from all over the Terre di Pisa area and beyond every year.

A tradition born in 1955

The festival was established in 1955 on the initiative of teacher Lidamo Ciurli and Archpriest Don Aurelio Veracini, in honor of Saint Genesius, patron of the Diocese of San Miniato and considered the protector of children. For nearly seventy years, the event has renewed itself with the same joyful spirit, becoming a landmark of the Casciana summer and one of the most heartfelt appointments for families in the province.

The Kingdom of Children and the handing over of the keys

The symbolic heart of the festival is the ceremony in which the children take possession of the town: the Mayor hands the keys to the city to the Grand Chamberlain of the Kingdom of Children, played by a local child. For a few days, therefore, it is the little ones who reign over Casciana Terme, amidst shows, entertainment, and games.

Shows, workshops, and the final day

During the four days, the program offers street artist performances, clowns, puppet shows, prize games, creative workshops, and themed entertainment. On the last day, August 25th, the feast of Saint Genesius, the center is closed to traffic and completely dedicated to children: the day concludes with the most exciting moment, the launch of the hot air balloon and balloons with messages of peace, a symbol of the event.

Casciana Terme, a thermal village in Tuscany

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Casciana Terme, an elegant thermal resort in the Pisan hills of Tuscany, known for its healing waters and the welcoming atmosphere of its villages. Between a spa visit and a stroll through the historic center, the San Genesio Festival offers visitors the authentic atmosphere of a community that has put children at the center of its summer for generations.