The city’s historic Fortezza da Basso is once again transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity and craftsmanship as the 89th International Handicrafts Trade Fair (MIDA) opens its doors from April 25th to May 1st. This year’s edition welcomes 530 exhibitors from Italy and around 30 countries, including Egypt, France, Spain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Iran, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, Tunisia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Peru, Senegal, and China, covering a total exhibition area of 35,000 square meters.
The event, one of Italy’s longest-running and most celebrated artisan fairs, offers a week of immersive experiences: from hands-on workshops and meetings with master artisans, to guided tours and live demonstrations designed to explore every facet of craftsmanship.
Opening Ceremony Rescheduled
Out of respect for the national mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, the official inauguration has been postponed to April 27th, instead of the fair’s opening day on April 25th.
A Platform for Excellence and Innovation
Last year, the fair attracted 65,000 visitors, and organizers are expecting even larger crowds this year. “Thanks to partnerships at a national level, we anticipate a strong turnout from across Italy, as we look forward to celebrating the 90th anniversary of this unique and enduring event in 2026,” said Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera.
Among the highlights of the 2024 edition are the collective exhibitions organized by Confartigianato, including ‘Pezzi unici’, and by CNA, with ‘Artefacendo’, ‘Fragmenta’, and ‘In conversazione’—the latter in collaboration with the LAO Jewelry Art School. Another centerpiece is ‘Con.Te.Ne.Re’, an exhibition promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze and curated by the Association for Industrial Design (ADI) and the Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte.
A Celebration of Florence’s Artisan Heritage
Regional and local leaders emphasized the significance of the fair for the community and its international reach. “The International Handicrafts Trade Fair is an important event for all citizens—a key part of our identity,” stated Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany Region. He also highlighted ongoing construction at Fortezza da Basso, which will soon include the new Bellavista Pavilion, set to provide enhanced spaces for both fairs and large conferences.
Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence, noted, “This fair continues to grow every year, attracting both Florentines and visitors to our city. It comes at a time when we are intensifying efforts to protect and promote traditional crafts in our region.”
The fair also serves as a platform for new initiatives: Massimo Manetti, President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, announced the launch of the “Florence City of Restoration” project, bringing together key cultural and economic institutions—including the Uffizi Gallery, local authorities, and industry associations—to promote and strengthen Florence’s renowned restoration sector.
With a diverse array of attractions, the 89th International Handicrafts Trade Fair stands as a testament to Florence’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.
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