Started five years ago, Montespertoli’s A Veglia sulle Aie celebrates its agricultural heritage: the land, its fruits and the traditions of this farming community.
Having spent most of my childhood growing up on one of these Tuscan farms, a favorite memory of mine is catching lucciole, fireflies, in the hayfields. Unaware of the potential harm we would be inflicting on them, we would then trap them beneath a glass and wait until they turned into ‘coins’. Meanwhile, the adults would bring out some slices of watermelon, red wine and guitars, and enjoy the newfound coolness of the summer evenings.
This is exactly the kind of experience that Montespertoli’s A Veglia sulle Aie’s events aim to celebrate. Meaning ‘vigils on the threshing floors,’ every summer, from June to September, Montespertoli’s farms recapture the farmers’ rustic tradition of spending time together after a long day’s work in the fields.
Each week through September 15, a different farm hosts the evenings with an array of activities that are as fun as they are traditional. Until July 21, Podere Sanripoli will welcome visitors for an exhibition by artist Silvana Livi, with an aperitivo (and dinner, upon reservation). From July 22 to 28, go horseback riding at Podere dell’Anselmo. From July 29 to August 4, the eco-friendly Agriturismo Borgo Stella welcomes visitors for Tuscan folk songs. The following week, the focus is on ancient grains at Agriturismo La Casa Rossa. Enjoy wine tasting in company of a few peacocks at Villa Vacanze Manetti from August 19 to 25.
For the full list of farms and events, visit www.vegliedimontespertoli.com.
