Volunteering Festival

The festival celebrating volunteering in Rufina

In the heart of the Valdisieve, just a few kilometers from Florence, the town of Rufina dedicates three days each year to the Volunteering Festival. This event shines a spotlight on the many associations that bring the area to life, contributing to the community's growth through social, cultural, and charitable activities. The event takes place between Piazza Umberto I and the Saletta Barbugli, two iconic venues for public life in Rufina.

A network of associations serving the community

The festival is organized by the Permanent Volunteering Council and brings together the numerous organizations active in Rufina: the Misericordia di Rufina, the Croce Azzurra di Montebonello, the San Martino Parish, the Donatori Fratres, Auser, Caritas, and the Associazione Grazie a Piene Mani. Together, these organizations create a program that blends reflection, conviviality, and fun, showcasing the most generous side of the town.

A program of solidarity and conviviality

The event opens with a moment of reflection: the evening conference at the Saletta Barbugli shares experiences of international cooperation, such as the solidarity trip promoted by the Associazione Grazie a Piene Mani in collaboration with the Coop Valdisieve Members' Section. Saturday is dedicated to the grand community dinner organized by the Misericordia di Rufina, accompanied by a charity raffle and live performances, including aerial acrobatics that attract families and curious visitors alike.

The Mettinpiazza and the circular economy

On Sunday, the festival concludes with Mettinpiazza, a reuse, swap, and vintage market that transforms Piazza Umberto I into a space dedicated to the circular economy and sustainability for an entire day. Exhibitors, stalls, and activities engage residents and visitors in an experience that combines saving money, conscious consumption, and social interaction.

An event in the heart of the Valdisieve

The Volunteering Festival is much more than a simple village fair: it is the living story of a community that makes solidarity its identity. For those visiting Tuscany off the beaten path, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of the Valdisieve, home to the famous Chianti Rufina wine, and to participate in an event where hospitality and civic engagement are the true protagonists.