19/05/2025
ITER - Festival of Walks and Slow Living: an opportunity for meeting and reflection
The first "ITER - Festival of Paths and Slow Living" took place last weekend in the picturesque setting of Mugello. An event that managed to attract nature enthusiasts, families, and history lovers, offering a rich program of activities in line with the "Orme del Mugello" project.
Thanks to the collaboration of the "Orme del Mugello" group and the primary partnership of the Community Project, the festival mainly took place at the Antonio Berti Park in San Piero a Sieve, a perfect location for hosting outdoor events, and at the Civic Center of Barberino di Mugello. The choice of these venues allowed participants to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Mugello landscape, appreciating the tranquility and harmony with nature.
The proposed activities, such as yoga, trekking, cooking shows, and walks with animals, were met with enthusiasm, showcasing active and engaging participation. The bike paths and themed excursions, including "In the footsteps of the Medici" and "Steps and stories along the Mugello trails," allowed exploration not only of the natural heritage but also of the historical and cultural richness of this land steeped in traditions.
A highlight of the festival was the two conferences held on Saturday, where prominent figures from the Italian cultural scene shared their insights, prompting significant reflections on the value of history and culture in today's context. Contributions from experts like Guido Chelazzi, Riccardo Nencini, Luigi Lastrucci, Giancarlo Tellini, Father Giovanni Roncari, Giovanni Bettarini, Giuseppe Marrani, and Monsignor Gilberto Francesco Aranci enriched the discussions, creating synergies among various facets of Mugello's cultural heritage. Equally captivating were the dialogues with two authors on Sunday: during these meetings, the words and ideas of Davide Gandini and Emiliano Cribari captured the audience's attention, shedding light on new ways to interpret the territory, walking, and slow living as a means of self-discovery and gaining a new perspective on the world.
Also important was the meeting of the Tourism Coordination, where the topic of slow tourism in the Mugello area was explored, culminating in the signing of a Community Pact among administrators, associations, and entities involved. This agreement represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism development, based on shared values and the importance of preserving the authenticity of the territory.
Pleasant were the notes, always related to the territory, of Francesco "Baba" Fuligni and the Maggiaioli from Pieve di Borgo San Lorenzo and those from Barberino, who evoked traditions and moments of conviviality with their melodies. The interesting project "Cronache Mugellane," conceived and proposed by Valentina Cipriani and Marco Paoli, accompanied by the music of Pietro Dreoni and the texts of Serena Pinzani, added another layer of depth to the festival, combining art, culture, and education in an innovative and engaging format. Of great interest was the space dedicated to artists coordinated by the “Dipintori” group, with the presence of the “Sul filo del Tempo” association and the “Gruppo Erci,” which brought to life a journey through arts and traditions, presented live. The presence of local farms and consortia also played a crucial role, showcasing significant realities born from passion but often not sufficiently recognized, as did CAI Mugello, Gotica Toscana, Camminando l’Appennino, Istituto degli Innocenti, and the Tourist Office of the Union of Mountain Municipalities of Mugello, which provided information and insights into the Mugello territory. The yoga sessions, suitable for all ages, represented moments of well-being and inner connection, while the cooking show with chef Christian Borchi, Patrizia Carpini, and Dario Nardini delighted participants with typical Mugello delicacies, accompanied by important reflections and analyses on Mugello cuisine and production.
A distinctive element of the festival was its commitment to the absolute quality of the proposals and its adherence to the "Orme del Mugello" project, aiming to serve as a source of reflection and inspiration for the territory, its administrations, and its citizens.
Moreover, the festival witnessed the passage of numerous walkers on the Via degli Dei, emphasizing the importance of walking not just as a sport but as a means of connecting with the territory and others, building community through shared experiences.
The event turned out to be an important community occasion, not only for those who participated but also for all those who contributed to its realization. The support of GAL Start and various local associations was fundamental in promoting an initiative that celebrates the beauty and richness of Mugello, as was the supportive role played by the Pro Loco of San Piero a Sieve. The festival was organized by the "Orme del Mugello" group in collaboration with the primary partnership of the Community Project, funded by GAL Start through the "Measure 19.2 - Community Regeneration Project" call. This partnership includes Proforma, the Union of Mountain Municipalities of Mugello, I.I.S. Giotto Ulivi, Pro Loco of San Piero a Sieve, and Pro Loco of Barberino di Mugello, demonstrating a collective commitment to enhance and promote our territory.
The hope is to continue walking together in future editions of "ITER," to discover new corners and stories of this wonderful territory. For more information and updates, we invite you to visit the website www.ormdelmugello.it and follow the Facebook and Instagram pages “Orme del Mugello.”
