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Salt Festival 2025: the calendar of dinner events in St. Ambrose
From May 29 to June 1, the series of events dedicated to St. Ambrose and Fabio Picchi returns
The SALE Festival 2025 is back in Florence from May 29 to June 1 with a special edition dedicated to the power of food as a source of connection, emotion, care, and sharing. This year’s motto encapsulates the spirit of its founder, Fabio Picchi: “Let’s bomb the world with good things.” A call to cultivate a deep, spiritual, and collective nourishment that has helped make Florence a truly unique city.
Sale Festival in Sant'AmbrogioThursday, May 29 – Food as Connection
Food as a tool to unite cultures, stories, and people. The day begins with a participatory workshop and ends with a dinner event celebrating the encounter between culinary traditions.
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Valuing Food
An open workshop on reducing food waste and making mindful use of resources, curated by Cipes Toscana. Includes workshops, readings, and educational activities.
8:00 PM – Dinner Event
So Far, So Close
A dinner that brings together the Georgian and Senegalese communities in an intercultural menu, with a performance featuring Badara Seck, Nanila (traditional Georgian dances), and choreographer Rita Simsive.
Dinner Menu
Buffet: Greek Salad, Couscous “Panzanellato”, Clam Soup, Chickpea Hummus, Florentine Tomatoes, Pecorino & Fava Beans
First courses: Eggplant and Almond Rolls, Khink’ali
Main course: Yassa Chicken with Rice
Desserts: Thiackry with Yogurt and Fruit
Price: €50 per person, wine not included
Friday, May 30 – Food as Emotion
Food as collective inspiration and emotional memory. The evening is a tribute to Fabio Picchi and the chefs and ideas that shaped contemporary Florentine cuisine.
8:00 PM – Dinner Event
Fabio’s Tree: The Genealogy of Chefs
A celebratory dinner with the cooks who inspired and worked alongside Fabio Picchi. Guests include: Benedetta Vitali, Anna Bini, Deanna Vanni, Eliana De Magistris, Luciano Casini, Oscar Severini.
Dinner Menu
Starters and soups: Vignarola, Bonito in oil, Fish purée, Carabaccia
Mains: Livornese-style veal chops, Veal meatballs with caper sauce
Desserts: Peach jelly with strawberry sauce
Price: €50 per person, wine not included
10:30 PM – Poetic-Theatrical Readings
Readings from the Pantry, curated by Teresa Tanini: anecdotes, memories, and texts from Fabio’s "cupboard". With Diletta Sereni, Jacopo Melilli, Giulio Picchi, Filippo Nicosia.
LIS interpretation service (Italian Sign Language) provided by the National Deaf Institute.
Teatro Del Sale (ph. Stefania Squitieri)Saturday, May 31 – Food as Care
Food as a conscious and sustainable choice. A day devoted to biodiversity, short supply chains, and responsible cooking—values dear to Fabio Picchi since the 1970s.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – The Flying Garden
Workshops and talks with outstanding farms and producers such as Fattoria Triboli, L’Ortobioattivo, Trebbio, Florence School of Agriculture, La Marzocco, and more.
8:00 PM – Dinner Event
Cibrèo on the Farm
A menu telling the story of the bond between local cuisine and sustainable agriculture.
Dinner Menu
Buffet: Tomatoes, Raw Zucchini, Mixed Greens, Rainbow Chard, Baked Eggplant
First courses: Spinach Soup, Rooster Ragù Risotto
Main course: Chocolate Rabbit with Savoy Cabbage
Desserts: Cherries in Red Wine, Cream with Wafers, Fresh Strawberries
Price: €50 per person, wine not included
From 10:00 PM – Fantasy Performance
Dance performance curated by Sipario Onlus, with choreographic moments by the Arthur Murray Dance School.
Sale Festival in Sant'AmbrogioSunday, June 1 – Food as Sharing
The grand finale of SALE Festival 2025 is a true community celebration—a collective moment bringing together citizens, associations, and institutions through conviviality.
12:30 PM – El Galactico Banquet
Lunch event in collaboration with the Baustelle band, as a preview of the El Galactico Festival. Traditional Florentine dishes served: tripe, lampredotto, pappa al pomodoro.
Musical accompaniment by Biga DJ.
Price: €45, wine included
From 7:00 PM – Sant’Ambrogio at the Table
The grand charity dinner in Piazza dei Ciompi: over 500 free meals thanks to the support of local restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs. Participants include: Enoteca Pinchiorri, Irene, Saporium, Arnolfo, Relais Le Jardin, Cibrèo.
Special guest: WikiPedro, with live stories and interviews.
From 10:00 PM – The SALE Ball
Live concert by Baluba Shake, DJ set with Hugolini, Ghiaccioli & Branzini, plus Sammontana ice cream, popcorn, eco-friendly gadgets, and activities for all ages. A big communal party to close the festival for the whole neighborhood and the city.