Visit to the partner town of Dicomano for the Fiera d’Ottobre

Arrival and first cultural impressions

On the day of arrival, Thursday 2 October, the guests from Groß-Umstadt already felt the typical Italian warmth. After the journey, whose organisation from arrival to departure took place centrally in front of the town hall, they traditionally spent the evening with their host families – the best way to dive straight into Italian life.

Friday was then entirely devoted to the Mugello, the picturesque region around Dicomano. The delegation made an excursion to Scarperia San Piero, where they first visited the historic Palazzo dei Vicari. Visitors then gained an insight in an exhibition into local craftsmanship, especially the art of cutting tools. After the shared lunch at “Al Torrione”, the group returned and visited the art project “BrizzoLArt” at the Spazio Brizzolari. Culinarily the day was rounded off with a hearty dinner at the restaurant “Da Sergio”, which included, among other things, a starter, a mixed spit-roast platter and a dessert.

Ceremonial act of friendship and start of the fair

Saturday marked the official highlight of the trip, both for the partnership and for the Fiera d’Ottobre. The day began with the opening of the exhibition “Intertwined Memories” on the area in front of the council chamber. A particularly important moment was the subsequent renewal of the partnership agreements in the council chamber. This ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of both towns to strengthen their friendly relations.

Right on time at midday the ceremonial opening of the October Fair 2025 took place. The delegation enjoyed lunch in the local restaurants, either at the “Ristopolleria” or at “I Tremendo”, before an aperitif with “Wine & Music” was still on the programme in the early evening.

A day devoted to celebration and planning

Sunday 5 October gave the delegation the chance to enjoy the October Fair to the full. It was a free day for taking part in the many events. Particularly exciting was the active role Groß-Umstadt played in one of the central culinary competitions: Ingrid Grubmüller served as a jury member at the fifth edition of “La Disfida del Bardiccio”, a contest around the local sausage speciality Bardiccio. Lunch that day was made possible by vouchers for the carnival stand.

Despite the festival activity, people also looked to the future. In the morning a briefing took place in the council chamber to coordinate planning for the 2026 partner-town programme. The trip finally ended in the evening with an atmospheric farewell dinner at the MCL – Dicomano. Provision was also made for those who preferred a meat-free alternative by offering a vegetarian menu.

On Monday 6 October the delegation departed during the day. The days in Dicomano were proof of how important personal contact and shared experiences are for the town twinning to flourish.