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On the first Sunday in September, Scarperia gets ready for the “Diotto” by transforming itself into that “Renaissance hamlet” which was the seat of the Vicariate of so long ago.

Whole Sunday, along the streets of the hamlet you can meet ladies of court and squires walking with a haughty air, accompanied by the musicians of the Vicariate, while the palace guards patrol checking that amidst the crowds no agitators may be hiding who could make attempts on the life of the Vicar. From the side roads comes the sound of the craftsman’s or “master knife-maker’s” hammer, an art which Scarperia is still famous for today.

At dawn the peasants bring the produce from their land which is sold at the market. For those seeking refreshment the “Vicariate’s inn” is the ideal place to enjoy dishes typical of the period and the place.

For the occasion on this day, and only on this day, customers can buy and pay for their goods using the currency of the time, the Scarperia “florin” minted specially for the event will be exchanged with modern currency at the coffers of the two “treasurers”.

Towards sunset, from the Porta Fiorentina arrives the New Vicar who will deal with the government of this land in the “Diotto”.

For the occasion the outgoing Vicar orders a special celebration in the great square in the presence of all the authorities of the Vicariate in honor of the new Vicar, pointing out the difficulties and benefits of life as a ruler. The day ends amid carefully prepared shows, flag-throwing displays and theatrical pieces of the period. The origins of the Festival of the "Diotto" have been lost in the mists of time. Founded by the Florentine Republic on the seventh of September 1306, Scarperia has, from that time onwards, organized annual festivals.

In 1953, the authorities of Scarperia decided to revive the antique ritual of the succession of the governor, by re-introducing historic costume into the Festival of the "Diotto".

For more information visit

• Comune Scarperia