The second edition of “Foresta Maestra. Generative Festival” will be held over two weekends, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 and Sept. 14, 2024, offering a rich program of events celebrating the beauty and untapped potential of the Vallombrosa Forest. This extraordinary place, located on the outskirts of Florence, will be transformed into a natural stage for seminars, walks, treks, concerts and much more, allowing visitors to discover or rediscover one of the most striking places in the Florentine territory.
A Rich and Varied Program
The festival will kick off on Friday, August 30, with a meeting entitled “The Metropolitan Forest,” to be held at 11 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Trinita in Florence. The meeting will feature distinguished speakers, including Stefano Bartolini, professor at the University of Siena, and Tiziano Fratus, writer and poet, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the conservation and enhancement of metropolitan green areas.
On Saturday, August 31, the Pratone di Vallombrosa will host an acoustic concert organized by Apollo Festival, featuring artists such as Motta, Social Tedio, Vanz and Mazzariello. This event, with free admission, promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the festival, offering a musical experience immersed in nature.
On Sunday, Sept. 1, also on the Prairie, there will be a meeting “The Formula of Creation – Preventive Peace,” during which Master Michelangelo Pistoletto will dialogue with scholars from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa. The day will be enriched by a conference dedicated to Forest Therapy, visits to arboretums with readings by Dante and botanical walks with musical accompaniment. In addition, an E-bike and MTB rally is planned, followed by a big band concert that will enliven the Prairie.
History and Trekking
On September 14, the festival will conclude with a trek organized by CAI, which will retrace the route of the old cog railway line that connected Sant’Ellero to Saltino. This historical itinerary will allow participants to relive the old railroad route surrounded by forest greenery. The day will end with a concert by the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino women’s choir, which will be held at 6 p.m. in the Vallombrosa Abbey church.
A unique experience
Foresta Maestra 2024 is a choral event, organized in collaboration with numerous associations and with the full support of the Region of Tuscany, the Municipalities of Florence and Reggello, and the Metropolitan City of Florence. These entities have actively participated in the preparation of the festival, granting their patronage and support.
For more details and to see the full schedule of events, you can visit the official website at vallombrosafirenze.org. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary festival and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Vallombrosa!
