Threshing and Peasant Culture Festival

The Threshing Festival: A tribute to rural life on the Pratomagno

Every summer, the small village of Pietrapiana, in the municipality of Reggello and in the heart of the Florentine Valdarno, steps back in time with the Threshing and Peasant Culture Festival. Set on the slopes of the Pratomagno, near the ancient Pieve di Sant'Agata in Arfoli, the event celebrates the Tuscan rural world of yesteryear, when wheat harvesting and threshing marked the rhythm of the summer months and brought entire village communities together.

Wheat threshing as it used to be

The heart of the festival is the live wheat threshing demonstration, performed using the old machines and tools of the past. It is a major attraction, especially for families and younger generations, who can see firsthand how field work was carried out before the advent of modern mechanization. Accompanying the threshing is the traditional tractor parade, featuring vintage and modern vehicles, which kicks off the festivities and draws enthusiasts from across the Valdarno and the province of Florence.

Farm animals and ancient crafts

The Threshing Festival is about more than just harvesting. The event grounds host a farm animal exhibition and a showcase of traditional peasant crafts, with demonstrations and tools that tell the story of rural life in the past. It is a journey that combines fun and memory, introducing children to a world that has largely disappeared while allowing older generations to relive the memories of summers spent in the countryside.

Tuscan peasant cuisine

As in any self-respecting village festival, food plays a starring role in Pietrapiana. The food stand offers dishes from the Tuscan peasant tradition, including the famous wood-fired porchetta, sandwiches, and local specialties, all paired with regional wines. Some editions also feature a rustic dinner and wine tastings by reservation, for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the convivial atmosphere of the evening.

A free-entry community festival

Organized by the Circolo ARCI of Pietrapiana with the support of the Municipality of Reggello, the Threshing and Peasant Culture Festival is a free event open to everyone, perfect for a summer day dedicated to tradition. Its free admission and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for all ages, while the scenic backdrop of the Pratomagno and the Pieve di Sant'Agata in Arfoli adds unique historical and landscape value.

Reggello and the Pratomagno: Olive oil, forests, and traditions

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover this corner of Tuscany: Reggello is renowned for its extra virgin olive oil and its proximity to the Abbey of Vallombrosa, nestled in one of the most fascinating forests of the Tuscan Apennines. The village of Pietrapiana, with its Romanesque parish church, holds several valuable art treasures and serves as a starting point for hikes along the trails of the Pratomagno.