Infiorata di Scarperia 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, bringing one of Mugello’s most colorful spring traditions back to the historic center of Scarperia, a small Tuscan town north of Florence.
For one day, the streets and squares of Scarperia will be decorated with floral carpets made of petals, turning the village into an open-air display of color, craftsmanship, and community spirit. The 45th edition of the event will be dedicated to “Il Pinocchio di Carlo Collodi,” celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Carlo Lorenzini, better known as Carlo Collodi, the Florentine author of The Adventures of Pinocchio.
For travelers looking for a spring day trip from Florence, this is a lovely excuse to explore the Mugello area beyond the usual Tuscan itinerary.
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What Is the Infiorata di Scarperia?
The Infiorata di Scarperia is a traditional flower festival held in the historic center of Scarperia, one of the towns listed among I Borghi più belli d’Italia, the most beautiful villages in Italy.
During the event, schools, associations, shopkeepers, and local residents create floral artworks using colorful petals. The decorations are placed along Via Roma, the main street of the historic center, as well as in Piazza dei Vicari and Piazza Clasio.
The floral panels are prepared before the event opens to the public, but for visitors the Infiorata di Scarperia is a Sunday event. On May 24, 2026, you can walk through the historic center, take photos, and enjoy the flower compositions throughout the day.
It is not a huge city festival, and that is part of its charm. This is the kind of event that works best if you enjoy small towns, local traditions, and slower travel.
The 2026 Theme: Pinocchio and Carlo Collodi
The theme of the 2026 edition is “Il Pinocchio di Carlo Collodi,” inspired by one of the most famous characters in Italian literature.
Carlo Lorenzini, who wrote under the pen name Carlo Collodi, was born in Florence. His story of the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is known around the world, but seeing Pinocchio celebrated in a Tuscan village gives the theme a more local and intimate feel.
The official inspiration for this year’s event comes from the opening of the book, “Once upon a time… a piece of wood.” It is a simple idea, but a very effective one for a flower festival: a story made of memory, imagination, childhood, and craftsmanship.
For families visiting Tuscany with children, the 2026 edition is especially interesting because several side events are designed around Pinocchio and his characters.
Date, Time, and Location
The Infiorata di Scarperia 2026 will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Historic center of Scarperia | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
Admission to the historic center is free and open to everyone.
The event is scheduled to take place even in case of bad weather.
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What to See During the Flower Festival
The best way to experience the Infiorata is simply to walk through the historic center and follow the floral displays along Via Roma, Piazza dei Vicari, and Piazza Clasio.
Scarperia is also known for its historic knife-making tradition, so the festival is a good opportunity to browse the local cutlery shops and small botteghe in the center. Restaurants and trattorias are expected to remain open, making it easy to combine the flower festival with lunch or dinner in town.
Do not rush the visit. Scarperia is small, but the details are the point: the petals, the historic buildings, the shop windows, the Palazzo dei Vicari, and the relaxed atmosphere of a Tuscan town celebrating one of its spring traditions.
Scarperia is easier to visit by car, especially if you want to combine the Infiorata with a drive through the Mugello countryside. You can check rental car options in Florence on Discovercars.com.
Pinocchio Events and Family Activities
Several side events will take place before and during the main festival.
From May 16 to May 25, 2026, Palazzo dei Vicari will host the exhibition “Vizi e virtù negli animali di Pinocchio” by Mauro Boninsegni. The exhibition will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Museum admission applies.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM, children can attend the theater performance “Il racconto di Clap Mugello,” created by Clap Mugello, adapted and directed by Paolo Ciotti in collaboration with Cantiere Obraz. The event is free, but reservation is required through Pro Loco Scarperia at 055 8468165.
On Sunday, May 24, at 11:00 AM, the puppet show “Le avventure di Pinocchio” will be performed by class 2L of the primary school of Luco in the atrium of Palazzo dei Vicari. Admission is free.
Throughout the day on Sunday, visitors will also find an exhibition of Pinocchio, Lucignolo, Geppetto, and other characters from the Museo di Leprino in Sant’Agata, hosted in the atrium of Palazzo dei Vicari.
The Municipality of Pescia and the Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi will also have an exhibition stand in the atrium of Palazzo dei Vicari throughout the day.
At 5:00 PM on Sunday, families can join the free workshop “C’era una volta un pezzo di legno: Pinocchio e i suoi protagonisti.” Children will decorate Pinocchio characters with petals and assemble their own puppet using cardboard and bolts, in an activity designed by painter Mauro Boninsegni.
There will also be a meeting with Mauro Boninsegni and a visit to the exhibition “Vizi e virtù negli animali di Pinocchio.” Places are limited, and reservation is recommended.
Visiting Palazzo dei Vicari and the Museum
While you are in Scarperia, consider visiting Palazzo dei Vicari and the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti, the local museum dedicated to Scarperia’s long tradition of blades and cutting tools.
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the museum complex will be open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Admission to the historic center is free. Admission to the museum complex is paid, except for residents of Scarperia e San Piero, who can enter for free. Other visitors should check current ticket prices on the official website of the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti Scarperia.
Is Scarperia Worth Visiting from Florence?
Yes, especially if you are in Florence in late May and want a day trip that feels local, seasonal, and easy to enjoy without a rigid itinerary.
Scarperia is in the Mugello area, north of Florence. It is much smaller than cities such as Siena, Pisa, or Lucca, and it is not the kind of place most international travelers put at the top of a first Tuscany itinerary. That is exactly why it can be such a refreshing choice. You get a historic Tuscan village, a spring festival, local food, artisan shops, and a family-friendly atmosphere in a single day.
Read also: AI-edited smartphone photos: when your phone rewrites your memories
The Infiorata di Scarperia is also a good idea if you have already visited Florence’s main museums and want to see a different side of Tuscany, one connected to small-town traditions rather than blockbuster attractions.
Practical Information
Infiorata di Scarperia 2026
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Historic center of Scarperia, Tuscany
Admission: Free entry to the historic center
Museum admission: Paid, except for residents of Scarperia e San Piero
Weather: The event is scheduled to take place even in case of bad weather
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