Events
Wine map of Tuscany
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You might like to plan your vacation around specific events here. Calcione makes an ideal base for a journey down the wine trail, from Chianti to Bolgheri.
November is a special time of year with the olive oil harvest in full swing, and fresh oil available straight from the presses.
For classical music lovers, "Concerti in Terra di Siena" and "Maggio Musicale" happen in Siena and in Florence during the month of May.
For those who prefer jazz or blues there's "Umbria Jazz" in Perugia, "Pistoia Blues" in Pistoia and "Arezzo Wave " in nearby Arezzo.
History lovers have the emotional impact of the "Palio di Siena" and the "Giostra del Saracino" to enjoy. Then there is a wealth of antique markets in the area, such as Arezzo's which is on the first Sunday of every month.
Many museums are within easy reach; we have prepared a page of information for you.
Small villages are not to be overlooked with their religious vacations and processions, the spring equinox, flower and plant festivals.....
we have a page listing places, days and times
Within a radius of just 80 miles of Calcione, lies 20% of the
world's greatest art treasures!
Sites of interest within 60 minutes' drive:
The following locations are well-provided with restaurants and trattorias, mentioned in the majority of guides for Tuscany and Umbria.
In Anghiari, you can visit the famous Busatti factory where beautiful handcrafted textiles and linen are made.
In Arezzo, you can view the newly-restored Piero della Francesca murals in the church of San Francesco depicting scenes from the legend of the True Cross.
Città di Castello is a beautiful town in the plain of the Upper Tiber Valley, worth a visit simply to admire the design and layout of its medieval streets and Renaissance architecture, and to taste the delights of Umbrian cooking in excellent trattorias and restaurants.
A perfect day trip takes in Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Frances, with its fascinating Basilica and Upper Chapel (painted by Giotto), and then on to Deruta (near Perugia), where you can inspect and purchase the marvels of hand painted ceramic pottery made by local families who still use the same traditional designs, colors and techniques handed down to them from past generations.
Montepulciano: apart from being the famed center for the delicious Vino Nobile wines, it has to be experienced on foot to admire its beautiful streets, piazze and red brick buildings and particularly the magnificent church of San Biagio on the outskirts of town.
Perugia, the regional capital of Umbria, is well worth a visit.
It is home of the National Gallery for early church paintings
and icons, has a magnificent Romanesque cathedral as well as many
interesting monuments and art treasures.
Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia are charming little villages worth a visit in the province of Siena, principally because of the exquisitely beautiful environment in which they are located. Their surroundings offer expansive, rolling Tuscan landscapes ideal for photography and painting. Both villages are also trading centers for the delicious pecorino cheese (made from sheep's milk) which is produced in this region according to Sardinian tradition.
Admirers of Piero della Francesco will also want to visit the medival town of Sansepolcro, east of Arezzo, where the revolutionary painter was born and which houses many of his important works, carefully transplanted to the Piero museum from nearby village churches and chapels where he practiced his art.
Siena, the central Tuscan hilltown par excellence, simply overflows
with history and divinely beautiful art and architecture. Again,
you should take a good guide book with you on your explorations
of this unique town.
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Vineyards
You can take easy daytrips for wine tasting at some of the best
vineyards in Umbria and Tuscany, such as Montepulciano (Vino Nobile
reds), Gaiole and Radda (Chianti Classico reds), Montalcino (Brunello
reds), Orvieto (Orvieto whites), Torgiano of Perugia (Torgiano
whites), San Gimignano (Vernaccia whites), Spoleto (Montefalco
reds).
Sports
If you are planning a more sporting vacation, apart from swimming pools and the tennis court (hard court), Calcione has three private lakes that offer swimming, wind-surfing (at nearby Lake Trasimeno, 15 minutes drive, you can windsurf or sail with local clubs), fishing and boating. If you are a cyclist, you can try out Tuscany's renowned hills, or go mountain bike touring. For hikers and bikers, there is plenty to explore in the hills and dales surrounding Calcione, along dozens of tracks and hill trails where autos fear to tread. Discovering this area on horseback is also particularly attractive (horses are available from a nearby stable), or how about hot air balloon rides that can be experienced with the "Ballooning in Tuscany" club, which is based near Rapolano Terme (15 minutes drive) and the "Discovery club" that is closer to Siena, which is an enchanting
sight from the clouds.
For golfing enthusiasts we have prepared a page of information.
Opportunities are endless and the surroundings exceptional. Skydiving is possible at the aviation club based at Castiglione del Lago (30 minutes drive). Jumps are from a height of 4000 meters and take place every weekend, by appointment.
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Beauty and Health
You might like to immerse yourself in the thermal and mud baths in the ancient "Rapolano Thermal Springs" which date back to the 13th century. Furthermore we can organise enjoyable moments of fitness and beauty (massages, cosmetic treatments, gymnastics.)
Internet & fax services:
Should you keep in touch with friends at home or with your office there is an intenet and fax service in Località Santa Maria, 6 kms. from the castle, as well as Monte San Savino, Siena, Arezzo and Florence where there are several Internet and Facsimile service points where you can plug in your laptop, send and receive fax messages. |
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For your spiritual health the private church which dates back to the 11th century, and still being consecrated, is available for weddings and christenings.
It is also possible for you to hold informal services (without a priest or minister), such as renewal of wedding vows etc. |
The Tourist's Prayer
Heavenly Father, Look down on us your humble, obedient tourist
servants, who are doomed to travel this earth, taking photographs,
mailing postcards, buying souvenirs and walking around in drip-dry
underwear.
We beseech you lord, to see that our luggage is not lost and our
overweight baggage goes unnoticed at the customs.
Give us this day divine guidance in the selection of our hotels
that we may find our reservation honored, our rooms made up and
hot water running from the faucets.
Lead us, Dear Lord, to good inexpensive restaurants where the
food is superb, the waiter friendly and wine included in the price
of the meal.
Give us wisdom to tip correctly in currencies we do not understand.
Forgive us for under tipping out of ignorance and over tipping
our of fear. Make the natives love us for what we are and not
for what we can contribute to their worldly goods.
Grant us the strength to visit the museums, the Cathedrals, the
palaces and the castles listed as "musts" in the guidebooks. And
if, perchance, we skip an historic monument, to take a nap after
lunch, have mercy on us for out flesh is weak.
(This part of the prayer is for husbands)
Dear God, keep our wives from shopping sprees and protect them
from "bargains" they don't need or can't afford. Lead them not
into temptation, for they know not what they do.
(This part of the prayer is for the wives)
Almighty Father, keep our husbands from leering at the foreign
women and comparing them to us. Save them from making fools of
themselves in cafes and nightclubs, for they know exactly what
they do.
(Everyone)
And when our trip is over and we return to our loved ones, grant
us the favor of finding someone who will look at our home movies
and listen to our stories so our lives as tourists will not have
been in vain.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN
TUSCANY & UMBRIA 2009 |
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We have done our absolute best to verify the accuracy of all the information on this page.. However, we can not assume any responsibility if anything has changed, such as dates, event's conditions, etc.
We strongly urge you to check in advance to avoid any potential disappointments.
If you find a discrepancy or have any suggestion, please let us know.
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On the morning of the day the Carro, pulled by two white oxen, leaves from Via del Prato for the Piazza del Duomo, accompanied by costumed revellers and various city officials and clerical representatives. The holy fire, still started with the historical shards of the Holy Sepulchre, is lit in the Church of SS Apostoli and transported to the Duomo, where the archbishop of the city lights the sacred Colombina rocket with it during the Easter Mass. The rocket travels out of the Duomo along a wire, sets fire to the huge array of fireworks attached to the Carro and returns back into the church the way it came. If this complex ritual goes smoothly, good luck is ensured for the city, not only with harvests but in the everyday life its citizens.
* FLORENCE:
Florence for ART: International Handicrafts Fair
April 25 - May 3, 2009
Tradition and innovation come together each year at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence for ART, one of the most prominent European arts&crafts fairs, attracting around 750 exhibitors. www.mostrartigianato.it
* FLORENCE:
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
April 21 - July 2, 2009 (Every year)
The oldest music festival in Italy, and one of the most famous, the Maggio Musicale in Florence was founded in 1933. In addition to its opera productions, it plays host to international orchestras, ballet and opera companies, with a line-up few other festivals can rival. Calendar: www.maggiofiorentino.com
* CORTONA:
End of April, 2009
Flower show and copperware market
in Piazza Signorelli.
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APRIL - MAY
* GRASSINA:
Procession
Easter (Every year)
Take a look at some real tradition when the people of Grassina, a small town just outside Florence, re-enact the life and Passion of Christ through a colorful and detailed procession.
* FLORENCE:
Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the “Carro”)
April 12, 2009
Every year Florentine citizens gather in the Piazza del Duomo to watch a dove-shaped rocket, called the "Colombina", fly out of the Duomo and ignite a huge wooden cart-structure in the square outside. The history of this event combines religious artifacts with pyrotechnic machinery in a really strange way. While the ultimate purpose of it, as a good "pagan" ritual, is to secure a good harvest, its pagan roots are less clear than in many other similar events all over Italy. Today the celebration of the ceremony still bears a strong resemblance to the way in which it has been celebrated for centuries.
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* TODI:
Todi -'Italian Antique Exhibition'
April 10-19, 2009
This exhibition has by now become a tradition, and is considered a no-miss event for antique lovers and dealers, hosting the most prestigious names in the Italian antique trade in the renovated halls of the Palazzo del Vignola. Among the furniture, paintings, jewelry, carpets, bronzes and ceramics on display are unique and extremely valuable pieces which can be admired and purchased.
* ASSISI:
National Antique Trade Fair
April 25 - May 3, 2009 (Every year)
Italy's finest antique dealers participate in Assisi Antiquariato at Umbria Fiere, just outside Assisi. Because of the high quality of the items on display, the show has become the spring rendezvous for antique dealers and amateurs alike.
* ASSISI:
Song Contest in Assisi (Calendimaggio)
May 7-8-9, 2009
(Starts 1st Thursday of every May)
This extraordinary musical contest with pagan roots takes place on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday following the first of May. It takes the form of a ritual song and balladry contest between the "upper" and "lower" sections of the city, and the festivities are accompanied by crowds of enthusiastic costumed revellers who recreate an authentic medieval atmosphere.
*CORTONA:
Giostra di Archidado
May 24, 2009
Mediaeval jousts and games
* FLORENCE:
Fabbrica Europa
May 5 to 23, 2009 (Every year)
Dance, theatre, music, architecture and visual arts take over Florence's old Stazione Leopolda during the Fabbrica Europa festival.
* GREVE:
Spring Flower and Plant Show
May 2/3, 2009 (Every year, first weekend of May)
Situated in the picturesque town of Greve, near Florence, this large horticultural show is augmented by food and drinks stalls. Always held on the first Sunday in May, this is a popular annual favourite, and a beautiful place to enjoy both natural and architectural sights.
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* NARNI:
Corsa all'Anello in Narni (Ring race)
April - May, 2009 (Every year)
La Corsa all'Anello (ring race) is an ancient tradition, dating back to 1371, in which young men on horseback representing the three districts of Narni (Fraporta, Mezule and Santa Maria) compete by trying to run their lances through a suspended ring. In addition there are exhibitions, shows and concerts.
* FLORENCE:
International Iris Show
May 4 - 9, 2009 (Every year)
In May every year gardeners from all over the world flock to Florence's Piazzale Michelangelo, as the renowned Giardino dell'Iris opens its gates to the public and hosts the annual international iris competition.
* ORVIETO:
Festival of the Palombella
May 31, 2009
This festivity was introduced in the 15th century by the Monaldeschi family. On Whitsunday a shrine depicting the Empyrean and a dove with trammeled wings is placed upon the Lantern of the Church of San Francesco. A Gothic tabernacle portraying the Cenacle is laid on the Cathedral steps. At midday fireworks issue from the Empyrean, while the dove descends towards the tabernacle along a wire. Auspices for the year are drawn according to the way the ceremony proceeds.
* LUCIGNANO:
Maggiolata Lucignanese
May 24 & May 31, 2009
The event takes place on the last two Sundays of May. Floats of flowers parade through the mediaeval town along accompanied by folklore groups with a vast repertory of dances and songs.
* GUBBIO:
Corsa dei Ceri
May 15, 2009 (Every year)
Every year an incredible spectacle takes place in the little town of Gubbio. Three teams of 18-20 fit men assemble amidst complex ritual procedures and much revelry in order to race carrying three heavy wooden statues on palanques up through the city to the cathedral on top of Monte Ingino.
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* FLORENCE:
Flower Display - piazza della Signoria
May 23, 2009
May in Florence sees a veritable carpet of flowers covering the main square, Piazza della Signoria, and the area around the neighbouring Uffizi. Perfectly arranged and meticulously tended, the display provides a riot of colour.
* ORVIETO:
Corpus Domini Festival
May 25, 2009
This extraordinary festival commemorates a miracle said to have happened in 1264, when a wandering priest from Prague on a pilgrimage to Rome stopped at a local church in nearby Bolsena, outside Santa Christina, to celebrate the Eucharist.
* GUBBIO:
Crossbow Tournament - Palio della Balestra
May 31, 2009 (final Sunday of every May)
Every year at the end of May the crossbow experts of Gubbio and Sansepolcro meet in a fierce contest of skill and accuracy. The first records of the contest date from the middle of the 15th century and the three winners take home prizes, in the form of gold, silver and bronze crossbows. There is also a historical parade.
* SAN CASCIANO VAL DI PESA
Alla Corte del Vino - Tuscan Wine Fair
May 22 - 24, 2009 (Every year)
Alla Corte del Vino, held at Villa Le Corti, is a fair designed and organized by Duccio Corsini, and attended by all the major Tuscan wine producers.
Now in its eighth edition, the show offers both wine-lovers and the merely curious the chance to taste, get to know and buy the great wines of Tuscany directly from the producers. The sophisticated festival offers a rich programme of events, encounters and informative seminars. For info on dates 2009: http://www.principecorsini.com
* FLORENCE (PESCIA):
Pinocchio's Birthday
May 20, 2009 (Every year)
The town of Pescia celebrates the birthday of Pinocchio at the end of May every year (the book was published 25 May 1883). Celebrations take place in the Parco di Pinocchio, an entertainment park and complex entirely devoted to the adventures of the little wooden humanoid and his array of strange friends.
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* FLORENCE:
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
April 21 - July 2, 2009 (Every year)
The oldest music festival in Italy, and one of the most famous, the Maggio Musicale in Florence was founded in 1933. In addition to its opera productions, it plays host to international orchestras, ballet and opera companies, with a line-up few other festivals can rival. Calendar: www.maggiofiorentino.com
* FLORENCE:
May 7 - 10, 2009 (Every year)
Boboli's Fragrances
Scents, essential oils, herbs and other nature-inspired products at Boboli's Fragrances revive Florence's Renaissance tradition of perfumery, offering visitors a pleasant olfactory experience. Held in the Boboli Gardens, the event is complemented by an exhibition on the study of plants.
* FLORENCE:
Artigianato e Palazzo
May 15 - 17 2009 (Every year)
Artigianato e Palazzo is a three-day fair in Florence that displays the arts and crafts of traditional artisans from all over Italy, held in the beautiful gardens of the Palazzo Corsini. During the fair the artisans prepare their stands as open-air workshops, where they demonstrate their skills in pottery, the making of straw hats and willow baskets, glass cutting, the various techniques of restoring a tapestry or a precious piece of furniture, and more. The great success of this exhibition is due to the fact that it is not just a fair or bazaar, but a continuous demonstration of the skills of each craftsman. Guided tours of the garden are conducted throughout the three days and an open-air restaurant serves traditional Tuscan food, snacks and drinks from morning to sunset.
Address: 117, Via della Scala (300 metres south-west from the Novella Train Station)
* TUSCANY:
Cantine Aperte (Open Wineries days)
May 31, 2009 (Starts final Saturday of every May)
In vino veritas? You'll find out! The finest Tuscan vineyards open their gates to the wine-tasting public on the last weekend in May every year - an annual pilgrimage for worshippers of fine wine and sunshine. A guide to the wineries is available from local tourist offices in Tuscany. There are almost 130 wineries in Tuscany opening their doors to wine tourists. You can download maps of wineries at: http://www.mtvtoscana.it
* FLORENCE:
Festival of the Cricket
May 24, 2009 (Every year)
Are you down on your luck? Has your lucky star turned into a black hole? Don't worry, help is at hand - for just a few euros you can be the owner of your very own “lucky cricket in a cage”. Thousands of them are sold every year at the annual Florentine Festa del Grillo (Cricket Festival), held on the Day of Ascension in Florence's Parco delle Cascine.
FLORENCE has its antique market on the last Sunday of every month in Piazza dei Ciompi. |
JUNE
We have done our absolute best to verify the accuracy of all the information on this page.. However, we can not assume any responsibility if anything has changed, such as dates, event's conditions, etc.
We strongly urge you to check in advance to avoid any potential disappointments.
If you find a discrepancy or have any suggestion, please let us know.
* AUTODROMO INTERNAZIONALE DEL MUGELLO:
Italian Moto GP
May 31, 2009 (Every year)
The Italian Moto GP at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello features as much passion and partisan support as any event on the Road Racing World Championships calendar.
* FOLIGNO:
Giostra della Quintana - Renaissance Joust
June 12 & 13, 2009
Foligno hosts a colorful joust where ten knights, one from each of the ten districts of the city, compete in a contest of skill and dexterity. Their challenge, in three rounds, is to charge towards a puppet representing a medieval soldier and stick their lances through an increasingly small ring hanging from its right hand.
* FLORENCE:
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
April 21 - July 2, 2009 (Every year)
The oldest music festival in Italy, and one of the most famous, the Maggio Musicale in Florence was founded in 1933. In addition to its opera productions, it plays host to international orchestras, ballet and opera companies, with a line-up few other festivals can rival. Calendar: www.maggiofiorentino.com
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* FLORENCE:
Calcio Storico (Costumed Football Game)
Starts June 24, 2009 (plus various other dates that are chosen on Easter Sunday). For info: +39 055 2616051). Testosterone abounds when teams of 27 youths apiece face each other in this 15th-century style no-holds-barred game of fighting and football in Florence's Piazza Santa Croce. The game itself is said to originate from an ancient Roman ball sport, which became a Florentine speciality in the golden age of the Tuscan capital.
* SPELLO:
'Corpus Christi Floral Decorations' - Infiorate del Corpus Domini
on the Sunday after Corpus Domini (Corpus Christi, 11 June 2009), the ninth Sunday after Easter (13-14 June 2009).
The traditional festival of Corpus Domini is held in Mid May and is marked by wonderful works of art created literally on the street using thousands of different coloured flower petals. The preparations require weeks of work but the compositions are completed with fresh flowers during the course of
one night.
* SESTO FIORENTINO:
Sesto d'Estate
June - July, 2009 (Every year)
Parco Villa Solaria, in Sesto Fiorentino, a small village just north of Florence
The beautiful Sesto d'Estate music festival offers several outdoor concerts in the beautiful gardens of
the 16th-century Villa Solaria, part of a summer festival of culture, theatre, dance and music.
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* SAN GIMIGNANO (Siena):
San Gimignano Medieval Festival
June 19 & 20, 2009 (Every year)
Colorful two-day festival (Ferie delle Messi) brings jugglers, acrobats and jousting knights onto the streets of San Gimignano.
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* AREZZO:
Jousting of the Saracens
June 20, 2009
The Giostra del Saracino sees contestants from the respective quartieri of Arezzo assembling in the historic Piazza San Francesco for the annual jousting tournament, to compete for the coveted prize of the Golden Lance. The streets are filled with gallant knights on battle horses, flag-bearers, trumpeters and people in medieval costume. For info: 0575 20 839
* SARTEANO:
Sarteano Jazz & Blues
June 18-21, 2009 (Every year)
brings four days of music to the piazzas of Sarteano, (Siena). Film screenings and multimedia events run alongside the musical performances.
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* MONTELUPO:
International Ceramics Festival
June 20 - 28, 2009 (Every year)
Montelupo is an internationally famous centre for the production of high-quality ceramics, and once a year the artisans and craftsmen of the city display the products of their mastery and hard work for everyone to see in the Festa Internazionale della Ceramica.
* CASTIGLION FIORENTINO
Palio dei Rioni
is held on the third Sunday of June (21 June 2009). A horse race that focuses the competitive skills and the ancient rivalry between the "Rioni" or districts of Porta Cassero, Porta Fiorentina and Porta Romana. The event is preceded by an impressive historic-folklore procession which fills the old town centre with evocations of ancient mediaeval life.
* FLORENCE:
Festa di S. Giovanni
June 24, 2009 (Every year)
Every year on the 24 June Florence dresses up, Parades, dances, frolics, sings and celebrates in all possible ways its historical connection to the figure of Saint John.
* TORRITA DI SIENA:
Torrita Blues
June 26 & 27, 2009 (Every year)
This annual international blues festival in Torrita di Siena brings the town to life with the sound of plaintive harmonicas, weeping guitars and dancing feet. Info: www.torritablues.it
AREZZO has an enormous antiques market on the first Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month, centred around Piazza Grande and Piazza Vasari.
FLORENCE has its antique market on the last Sunday of every month in Piazza dei Ciompi.
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We have done our absolute best to verify the accuracy of all the information on this page. However, we can not assume any responsibility if anything has changed, such as dates, event's conditions, etc.
We strongly urge you to check in advance to avoid any potential disappointments.
If you find a discrepancy or have any suggestion, please let us know
JULY - AUGUST
* LUCCA:
Lucca Summer Festival
July 2009
The town of Lucca welcomes an incredible line-up of international stars for its annual summer festival. This year's programme includes Dave Matthews Band (July 5), James Taylor (July 16), Anastacia (July 8), Lenny Kravitz (July 11), Moby (July 25), and many more. The festival has had enormous success since its first edition in 1998. An idyllic setting inside a ring of Renaissance walls fronted by gardens and huge bastions has attracted guests such as Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Joan Baez, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan and Goerge Benson over the years. Please visit the festival's website to discover who plays when (www.summer-festival.com) Tickets can be purchased on the website or via www.ticketone.com
* PERUGIA:
Umbria Jazz Festival 2009
July 10 - 19, 2009
From morning to evening, without any continuity, in the historic center of Perugia, dozens of concerts will take place with musical offers covering the entire music kinds to meet the tastes of a public always more heterogeneous. Perugia will become, once again, a meeting point for thousands of music lovers, coming from all over Italy but also from Europe and the United States. More at http://www.umbriajazz.com
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* SESTO FIORENTINO:
Sesto d'Estate
June - July 2009 (Every year)
Parco Villa Solaria, in Sesto Fiorentino, a small village just north of Florence
The beautiful Sesto d'Estate music festival offers several outdoor concerts in the beautiful gardens of the 16th-century Villa Solaria, part of a summer festival of culture, theatre, dance and music. Info: http://www.sestoestate.com
* SPOLETO:
June 26 - July 12, 2009
Festival dei Due Mondi
Situated in the green heart of Umbria, Spoleto is taken over by a whirlwind of artistic activity during its annual festival: enjoy quality classical music, theatre, ballet, visual arts and cinema in a beautiful, romantic city that invites leisurely strolls at dusk.
* FLORENCE:
Aerial Walk Over Florence
June - September 2009 (Every year)
After the enormous success of previous years, the Percorso del Principe, the unique aerial corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli gardens, through the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi, has reopened to visitors. The walkway provides stunning views over Florence, as well as inside the palaces. For info, call + 39 055 2654321
* SIENA:
Palio of Siena
July 2 and August 16, 2009 (Every year)
For the Siennese, the Palio horse-race around the Piazza del Campo is a matter of life and death. Daring, bravado, lunacy, bribery, poisoning and death-threats have all played their parts in the event since its inauguration in 1310.
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* PISTOIA:
Pistoia Blues
July 3, 4 & 5, 2009 (Every year)
What more could you ask for than an open-air blues festival on the main Piazza of the beautiful Tuscan village of Pistoia bang in the middle of July?
* TORRE DEL LAGO:
Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago
July, August, September, 2009 (Every year)
The Puccini Opera Festival welcomes around 40,000 spectators every year to Torre del Lago's open-air theatre, just a stone's throw from the Villa Puccini where Giacomo Puccini lived, worked and is buried. For info: http://www.puccinifestival.it/
* ASSISI:
Cambio Festival
July 2009 (Every year)
Perugia's Cambio Festival was first organised in 2000 to promote a mixture of art, music and world cultures. Local artists display their creations in the fascinating medieval Palazzo di Assisi, which is transformed into an art gallery for the occasion. Check program at http://www.pontelevatoio.it/
* SAN FELICIANO (TRASIMENO):
Festa del Giacchio
Last week of July
A festa on the shores of Lake Trasimeno featuring fish from the lake cooked in several ways.
Concerts and dances and the whole thing culminates in a spectacular firework display.
* CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO (TRASIMENO):
Trasimeno Blues
August 1 to August 3, 2009
Open air blues concerts in Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Corciano, Magione, Paciano, Panicale, Passignano, Piegaro e Tuoro. Free entrance.
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* FLORENCE, SAN GALGANO:
Opera Festival
JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
The annual Opera Festival, held in FLORENCE at Boboli Gardens and Villa Medici of CAFAGGIOLO and in Siena at SAN GALGANO Abbey, offers a series of performances from June to August. The 2009 programme features operas including La Traviata, La Bohème and Carmina Burana.
Info: http://www.festivalopera.it/
* PASSIGNANO SUL TRASIMENO:
'Palio of the Boats' - Palio delle Barche
July 27 (last Sunday of July)
This palio involves approx 160 contestants in a gruelling race in three separate stages, on the water, on the lakeside and up the winding streets of the historic centre, either rowing or carrying their boats. The highly spectacular palio is the only one of its kind in the world, and draws enormous crowds each year.
* MONTE SAN SAVINO:
August 15, 2009
Fiera delle Vertighe
Typical food, open market and popular games. Night performances.
* MONTEPULCIANO:
Bravio delle Botti (Barrel Rolling Contest)
August 30, 2009 (last Sunday of every August)
The Bravio delle Botti is a barrel rolling contest between the eight neighborhoods of the tiny Tuscan village of Montepulciano. The race dates back to the 17th century and contenders roll empty wine barrels through the narrow streets up to the cathedral in Piazza Grande. http://www.montepulciano.com
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* SIENA:
The Aromatic City
August 2009
is Siena's summer festival, featuring rock, jazz, ethnic sounds and dance.
* CORTONA:
Tuscan Sun Festival
August 3 - 9, 2009 (Every year)
Cortona's Teatro Signorelli hosts the Tuscan Sun Festival, one of Europe's most prestigious cultural events. From classical music to food, art exhibitions and thermal baths, the festival offers an unmissable spectrum of artistic programming.
For info: www.tuscansunfestival.com
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* VOLTERRA:
Volterra A.D 1398 is a mediaeval fair that takes place each year during the last whole week of August, starting on a Sunday, and is one of the best mediaeval fairs in Italy. A week of costumes, events, food complete with mediaeval money.
* CORTONA:
Antiques Fair
August 26 - September 10, 2009 (Every year)
Cortonantiquaria, held annually in the stunning town of Cortona, is one of Tuscany's biggest antiques fairs, attracting around 50 exhibitors from all over Italy to Palazzo Casali.
AREZZO has an enormous antiques market on the first Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month, centred around Piazza Grande and Piazza Vasari.
FLORENCE has its antique market on the last Sunday of every month in Piazza dei Ciompi.
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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
* AREZZO:
Jousting of the Saracens
September 6, 2009
The Giostra del Saracino sees contestants from the respective quartieri of Arezzo assembling in the historic Piazza San Francesco for the annual jousting tournament, to compete for the coveted prize of the Golden Lance. The streets of this beautiful town are filled with gallant knights on battle horses, flag-bearers, trumpeters and people in medieval costume. For info: 0575 20 839
* PIENZA:
Pecorino (sheep's milk cheese) Fair and "Cacio al Fuso" on the first Sunday of this month - September 6, 2009. Pienza makes among the best pecorino in Italy and a wide range of excellent cheeses is available to be tasted and bought during this fair. The Cacio al Fuso is a cheese rolling competition. Cacio is the original Tuscan word for pecorino and the fuso or spindle is the target of the game.
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* GREVE IN CHIANTI:
Chianti Classico Wine Festival
September 11, 12 & 13, 2009
every year on second weekend of September and the preceding Friday.
This is the show case for Chianti Classico wines
* SANSEPOLCRO:
Palio della Balestra
Crossbow tournament held every year on the second Sunday of September (13th, 2009) when large numbers of citizens dress in mediaeval costume. This a very ancient competition between the bowmen of Sansepolcro and Gubbio, held in honour of Sant'Egidio (Aegidius), founder and Patron Saint of Sansepolcro.
* MONTE SAN SAVINO:
Sagra della Porchetta (village festival)
Mid September 2009
Monte San Savino is also famous for its delicious porchetta - pigs seasoned and roasted in a wood oven and sold at many open air markets
* SINALUNGA:
Grape & Wine Festival
Mid September 2009
With grape pressing competition...
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* FOLIGNO:
Giostra della Quintana - Renaissance Joust
September 12 & 13, 2009
For info: http://www.quintana.it
Foligno hosts a colorful joust where ten knights, one from each of the ten districts of the city, compete in a contest of skill and dexterity.
* CORTONA:
Antiques Fair
Opens August 29 - September 2009 (Every year)
Cortonantiquaria, held annually in the stunning town of Cortona, is one of Tuscany's biggest antiques fairs, attracting around 50 exhibitors from all over Italy to Palazzo Casali.
* FLORENCE
Festival of the Rificolona
September 6 & 7, 2009 (Every year)
Florence's Rificolona is a traditional festival when children carry lanterns through the streets of the city. There are also street performances, parties and a final procession at the end of the week.
Fragrances
September 11/13, 2009
Held within the elegant gardens of Palazzo Corsini in in Florence, Fragrances showcases the most exclusive creations in the field of artistic perfumery.
* MONTOPOLI:
Montopoli Archery Contest
September 13, 2009 (2nd Sun of every September)
This traditional archery contest is set within the context of a whole day of medieval celebration: musicians, damsels and flag-wavers galore!
PANZANO IN CHIANTI
Vino al Vino Chianti wine festival is held on the third weekend in September (18, 19 and 20 September 2009) in the main square of Panzano. Wine from many of the Panzano wineries is available to be sampled. This is a smaller and more informal event than the Greve wine festival in preceding week.
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* IMPRUNETA:
Chianti Grape Harvest Festival
September 27, 2009 (last Sunday of every September)
Grapes, grapes and more grapes: this annual Festa del Uva in Impruneta has been celebrated by wine connoisseurs since 1926. Visitors can savour the local chianti and enjoy the gastronomic offerings from this scenic Italian region.
CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA
Festa dell 'Uva - Borgo di Vagliagli
Wine Festival held during the last week of September in the village of Vagliagli and with numerous booths for tasting and buying the typical products of this part of Siennese territory, with special attention to the excellent Chianti wine of the area. The parade of allegorical carriages derives its theme from the countryside and the life of the farmers, and is accompanied by local men and women in traditional costumes.
* ABBADIA S. SALVATORE:
Autumn Festival
October 10/11 & 17/18, 2009 (second & third weekends of October)
Witness the locals competing to create the finest Tuscan dishes, and taste the delicacies yourself, at the Autumn Festival held in the main square of the medieval town of Abbadia San Salvatore. The feast, held over two consecutive days, also features arts and crafts exhibitions, antique stalls and street games.
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* PERUGIA:
Eurochocolate - Chocolate Revolution
October 16 - 25, 2009 (Every year)
The new edition of Eurochocolate, Chocolate Revolution, features a week of chocolate antics, music and competitions taking place throughout the city of Perugia, home town of the famed bitter-sweet chocolate and hazelnut blend, Bacio Perugina.
* IMPRUNETA
La Fiera di San Luca
Impruneta Fair of Saint Luke is one of the oldest surviving live stock fairs in Europe. Held through the week in which the feast of Saint Luke occurs (October 18), this fair combines farming and folk culture with religion (a horse and cattle fair, saddlery, farm machinery, a donkey race and other games to amuse the local children and a final horse races and the closing firework display).
* MONTALCINO
Sagra del Tordo,
Montalcino feast of the thrush (Sagra del Tordo) on the last weekend of October. This event is quite spectacular, with drum parades and archery trials on Saturday, and a popular feast held inside the walls of the castle all day Sunday, with very good food and wine purchasable by the glass. On Sunday morning there is a parade in mediaeval costume, a festive lunch (by invitation only) and then the main archery contest takes place in the afternoon after another costume procession.
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Two archers from each of the four quarters of Montalcino compete. It's advisable to arrive very early for these feast days, if you are not staying inside Montalcino itself, because parking rapidly vanishes and visitors walk several km uphill from where they are obliged to leave their vehicles.
* VIVO D'ORCIA (A SMALL VILLAGE NEAR CASTIGLIONE D'ORCIA)
Sagra del Fungo e della Castagna
(Mushroom and chestnut festival) in late October (it was 17-19 October for 2008). The town divides into two parts for the Palio del Boscaiolo in which the teams, using antique saws, have to cut logs into stools and tables, where they then eat a polenta dish that the rest of the team has prepared in the meantime (yes, these are grown-up people - well what the hell, everyone has a good time). There is a nature walk where mushroom species are explained, but the main attraction is the range of local porcini mushroom dishes available, and the sale of porcini and chestnuts.
AREZZO has an enormous antiques market on the first Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month, centred around Piazza Grande and Piazza Vasari.
FLORENCE has its antique market on the last Sunday of every month in Piazza dei Ciompi.
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