Polenta Festival
The "Polenta or Pulendina Festival" takes place every year at S. Quirico di Vernio on the first Sunday of Lent.
It is a celebration that, on the border between history and legend, recalls an episode of the Valley in the 16th century when the local population was deprived of everything - as a result of the transit of mercenary troops from Barberino di Mugello in the direction of Prato – and fell into a misery so deep to induce feelings of piety in the Bardi Counts, feudal lords of the county, who during a day of Ashes of no better defined date ordered an extraordinary distribution of sweet polenta, herrings and codfishes.
Even today to recall the good performance of the Bardi Counts the distribution of the same dishes takes place that once fed the local population. During the feast, "polenta" specialists are giving plenty of genuine chestnut flour polenta, which is offered together with herrings and codfishes to everybody by the representatives of the Society of Misery that always re-introduces the tradition.
In the stands of the local activities you can also enjoy other typical products such as necci, castagnaccio and sweet pancakes. In addition to the historical parade, highlight of the festival, there are markets, stalls with typical products, local handicrafts and antiques shops throughout the country.
