Florence, April 28, 2026. The 90th edition of MIDA – the International Handicrafts Fair – continues to draw large crowds at the Fortezza da Basso, running through Sunday, May 3.

Day after day, this edition confirms its strong appeal and its ability to weave together tradition, innovation, and culture on an international scale. This was demonstrated by the event “Afghanistan 2003–2026,” focused on the country’s present and future scenarios, held at the Teatrino Lorenese. Participants included the Rector of the University of Florence, Alessandra Petrucci, Mohammad Reza Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Bamiyan, Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera, along with other authorities and researchers working toward the preservation and development of Afghanistan.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 29) marks a key moment on the European front. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the Teatrino Lorenese will host the EU CIGI Capitals Tour, an international conference dedicated to the system for protecting Geographical Indications for artisanal and industrial products. Organized by the Tuscany Region in collaboration with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the European Commission’s DG-GROW, and EUIPO, and curated by Artex, the initiative is part of an EU program aimed at promoting the new protection framework that came into force in December 2025.

The objective is clear: to provide producers of outstanding artisanal goods with intellectual property protection similar to that already granted to agri-food products. The meeting will present updates on Italian legislation and highlight the strategic role of the Regions, with a focus on Tuscany’s experience. This is a highly significant topic, as shown by the numbers: in Tuscany, 58 products have already been identified as potential candidates for Geographical Indication status.

Food and wine will also take center stage on the top floor of the Spadolini Pavilion. Starting at 10:30 a.m., students from the Saffi hospitality institute in Florence will take part in an exceptional masterclass led by Chef Claudio Mengoni from the “Borgo San Jacopo” restaurant. This will be followed by cooking shows featuring leading figures in Tuscan cuisine: at 1:00 p.m., pastry chef Davide Cantù from the “Butterfly” restaurant in the province of Lucca, and at 2:00 p.m., Chef Alessio Morganti from the “Le Cento Buche” restaurant in Prato.

Once again this year, MIDA90 proves to be a fascinating journey through cultures and traditions from around the world. On the lower floor of the Spadolini Pavilion, objects and handcrafted items tell distant stories, passed down through generations and carefully preserved by skilled artisans.

Among the most striking exhibits are the Kraków nativity scenes, created using an ancient aluminum technique by award-winning masters, including artisan Renata Markowska, who has preserved this tradition for over twenty years. There are also outstanding contributions from China, such as the historic calligraphy brush manufacturer represented by Sun Zhanbiao, bringing the elegance of traditional writing to the exhibition. Numerous stands from India showcase high-quality traditional products, including refined decorated textiles that reflect the art and creativity of the subcontinent.

The day will conclude with a celebration of tradition and festivity. At 6:30 p.m., in the Polveriera area, the Historical Group of Flag-Wavers and Musicians of the Signoria of Florence will celebrate its twentieth anniversary with a spectacular performance. Founded in 2006, the group is now one of the leading ambassadors of Florentine traditions.

Grand finale with music and street food: starting at 7:00 p.m. in the North-West square, visitors can enjoy a musical journey with DJ Wally, featuring great hits from the 1960s to contemporary house music, with vinyl taking center stage.

Info
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Street food and live music: free entry from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
(May 3 closing at 8:00 p.m.)