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La Florenza
June 2nd, 2011
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June 2nd, 2011
La Berretta
June 2nd, 2011
Torre Trappola
June 2nd, 2011
Events Calendar in Tuscany
Though events take place through out the year in Tuscany, they are mainly concentrated during the summer season and continue well into the Fall. Most festivals and events are dedicated to local products, be it wine, olive oil, truffles and marroni chestnuts though there are many that celebrate art, and music also. No matter what time you visit Tuscany, there will always be a festival or event to capture your imagination and make your visit all the more interesting and colorful.
Summer events in Tuscany
- Luminara, Regatta and Battle of the Bridge: This event takes place in Pisa on the night of June 16. The festivities are in honor of Saint Ranieri, the patron saint of Pisa. Over 70,000 candles lighting up the palaces along the Arno River, is a sight to behold. Generally, a week later, the Battle of the Bridge, a medieval "push of war" contest takes place in Pisa. The event is preceded by much fanfare, merriment, and procession in costume which takes place through the city.
- Calcio Storico Fiorentino: This festival, in Florence, is celebrated on June 24, to honor St. John the Baptist, the city's patron saint. The festivities begin with a parade in historical costumes. This is followed by Calcio Storico, a game which is a combination of soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling.
- Palio di Siena: The Palio horse race in Siena is a colorful event that takes place in Piazza del Campo, the city's main square every year on July 2 and August 16. The participants of the race are the city's traditional neighborhoods who compete for the palio or the traditional banner dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Autumn events in Tuscany
- Giostra del Saracino: This medieval jousting festival is held on the first Sunday in September in Arezzo. The event is held to honor St. James, the patron saint of the city.
- Palio della Balestra: Held on the last Sunday in May in Sansepolcro, the event involves a crossbow contest between the men of Gubbio and Sansepolcro. The participants wear traditional costumes and use antique weapons.
- Display of the Virgin's Girdle: The girdle is a sacred relic kept under heavy lock and keys the year round in the Duomo in Prato but is taken out five times an year amidst much religious gaiety, pomp and splendor and is shown to the masses who crowd on the city's main piazza.
Winter events in Tuscany
- Epiphany Celebrations: The Roman Catholic Epiphany celebrations are held on January 6 across the entire country. You can witness the celebrations in the main squares of the cities and towns in Tuscany.
- Carnavale: Many towns in Tuscany stage carnivals during the period before Ash Wednesday to enjoy their last opportunity to indulge in before Lent. The celebrations held at Viareggio are among the best known celebrations in Tuscany. The carnival is marked by masked pageants, fireworks, a flower show and parades along the Tuscan Riviera. Carnevale in San Gimignano and Florence, though much smaller, are equally interesting to watch.
Spring events in Tuscany
- Easter, Scoppio del Carro: The event held in Florence dates back 300 years. As part of the celebrations, an elaborate wagon is dragged through Florence. This is followed by a parade with people dressed in traditional costumes. The cart has a suitable arsenal of fireworks. A dove-shaped rocket symbolizing the Holy Spirit slides down a steel cable and hits the collection of fireworks. The big bang which results ensures a good harvest.
- Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: The city of Florence plays host to the Maggio Musicale from late April through June. The festival involves a series of internationally acclaimed classical music concerts and recitals, opera and ballet in venues across the city.