The 24th of October becomes an occasion to celebrate the Italian footwear tradition, a heritage made of craftsmanship, creativity, and skills passed down through time. On the eve of the feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, patrons of cobblers and shoemakers, Assocalzaturifici draws attention to the value of manufacturing communities and territories that contribute to the prestige of made in Italy. A celebration that focuses not only on the quality of the product, but also on the people, businesses, and crafts that define the identity of the sector.
Tradition and skills at the heart of made in Italy
“The Feast of San Crispino and Crispinian is an opportunity to tell the story of our sector’s identity: a heritage of people and skills passed down through time,” declares Giovanna Ceolini, president of Assocalzaturifici and the Promoter Committee of Italian Footwear Art.
The value of Italian footwear comes from a manufacturing culture rooted in territories, fueled by dialogue between generations. Preserving this heritage means recognizing the contribution of artisans, entrepreneurs, and workers, while also promoting the transmission of knowledge to new generations.
From San Mauro Pascoli to Vigevano, initiatives in the territory
The celebrations will involve various Italian realities, with events dedicated to training, creativity, and the recognition of sector professionals. In San Mauro Pascoli, the day will be dedicated to dialogue between institutions, businesses, the academic and training world, with particular attention to students and the awarding of young talents. The next edition of the Un Talento per la scarpa competition will also be presented, an initiative aimed at enhancing emerging creativity and skills. In Stra, within the Scarpetta d’Oro competition, there will be moments dedicated to tradition and creativity, with the recognition of students and the exhibition of the relic of San Crispino. In Vigevano, on the other hand, the traditional mantellata ceremony will pay tribute to the owners of footwear companies, recognizing their contribution to the history and vitality of the sector.
The future lies in the new generations
The Italian footwear supply chain includes a complex system of companies and specializations: from footwear manufacturers to those working with leathers, to producers of soles, heels, forms, components, and accessories. An ecosystem where tradition, innovation, and the pursuit of quality coexist, contributing to the economic and cultural value of the sector. In this context, training and generational turnover represent a strategic challenge. Strengthening the dialogue between school and business means bringing young people closer to the professional opportunities in the sector and ensuring continuity to skills that are a fundamental part of the Italian manufacturing identity. The 24th of October thus emerges as a moment of collective recognition for companies, craftsmanship, schools, and local communities. A celebration of Italian craftsmanship that looks to the future, while maintaining a strong bond with tradition.
