SPRING
(March to May)
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March 13 - August 30
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"Galileo. Images of the Universe from Antiquity to the telescope", Firenze,
Palazzo Strozzi
2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first celestial discoveries
and to celebrate and commemorate this anniversary, the city of Florence has decided
to pay homage to the human and intellectual epic of one of its most ingenious sons
with a lavish and spectacular exhibition. In a special section devoted to the invention
of the telescope, Galileo’s sole surviving telescope will be on display. Visit the Galileo website to learn more.
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April - December
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Market Fair, Montalcino
A market fair offering traditional and organic delicacies native to the Montalcino area.
The fair is held the third Sunday of each month.
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April 2 - 6
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Vinitaly - Verona International Wine Expo, Verona
4,200 exhibitors, among them winemakers, importers, distributors, and restaurateurs
gather in the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Piazza Bra next to the Verona town hall.
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April 4 - 5
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Fiera Antiquaria (Antique Fair), Arezzo, Piazza Grande
Nearly 500 exhibitors coming from all over Italy meet the last Saturday and first
Sunday of each month.
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April 9 - 13
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Pascquavela, Porto Santo Stefano (Grosseto)
Traditional Easter boat races for those with a passion for sailing; the event includes
a series of regattas starting at 11 am each day and traditional dinners with the
crews at the Yacht Club of Porto Santo Stefano.
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April 12
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Pasqua (Easter Holiday, Italian National Holiday)
A myriad of festivities within the region to celebrate the holiday:
- Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart): Florentine Easter Sunday tradition
that dates back to the First Crusade.
- Mercatino delle cose del passato (Antique Fair): Greve in Chianti
- Colazione di Pasqua (Easter Breakfast): Chianciano Terme. Local bars offer
visitors the traditional Ciaccia di Pasqua breakfast (bread baked with pecorino
cheese, capocollo and hard boiled eggs).
- Palio delle Botti (Barrel Race): Bibbona
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April 25
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Giorno della Liberazione, Siena
(Liberty Day, Italian National Holiday)
Le Contrade (rival neighborhoods within Siena) march from Siena to Montalcino
in this historical costume parade starting at Sant'Agostino in Siena and ending
in the center of Montalcino. The Sienese March of Independence traces back to the
last bastion of the Sienese Republic which fell in 1559.
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April 25
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"Taste of the Crete", Asciano
Sagra del Carciofo (Artichoke Festival), Chiusure
Festivals in the squares of Asciano and Chiusure celebrate spring and the tastes,
fragrances and flavors of the cuisine of the Crete Senesi.
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April 29 - July 2
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72° Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence
(Florentine Musical Festival of May)
Updated information can be found on their website.
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May 7 - 9
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Calendimaggio in Assisi, Assisi
Three-day costume festival in which the upper and lower sectors of Assisi compete
against one another in various ancient games and a choir competition. Festivities
include daylight and evening costume processions and entertainment.
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May 11
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Festa di Sant’Angelo Scalo, Sant’Angelo Scalo
Village fair in honor of the town’s patron Saint. Festivities include food and wine
stands, performances by the singing group "Maggioli" and a donkey race.
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May 15
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Mille Miglia, Various Italian towns from Brescia to Rome
The famous antique car race passes through Siena, Buonconvento and Pienza. The Mille
Miglia began in 1927 as a 1,000-mile street race through some of Italy's most scenic
landscapes and is now a rally for historic cars produced during the era of the original
Mille Miglia. The race starts in Brescia (northern Italy) and ends in Rome.
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May 23 - 30
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BUGATTI 100th Anniversary Celebration, CdB
Bugatti enthusiasts will surely enjoy being able to experience the rally, as 100
Bugatti owners wind their way through 900 km of Tuscany making a pitstop at Castiglion
del Bosco. In honor of this unprecedented event, CdB will
host a luncheon for Members and all participants of the rally on Friday, May 29,
2009. CdB members will have the opportunity to mingle with rally participants
and get an up close look at the variety of Bugatti’s involved in this annual race.
For more information about the rally, please visit their website for more information.
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May 24
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Balestro del Girifalco, Massa Marittima (Grosseto)
(Medieval Festival in honour of Saint Bernardino)
A Historical crossbow competition with costumed parade.
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May 27
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Cantine Aperte (Open Wineries), Montalcino
Wineries in the area are open for wine tastings and pairings.
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May 31
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Cantine Aperte (Open Wineries), Montepulciano
Wineries in the area are open for wine tasting and pairings.
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SUMMER
(June to August)
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Late May/Early June
(May 24 TBC)
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Giostra dell'Archidado (Medieval Week), Cortona
Every year, a procession of over 300 people wearing traditional medieval costumes
along with horseback riders’ parade through Cortona's historic center. The competition
known as the Giostra dell'Archidado commemorates the wedding of Francesco Casali,
Lord of Cortona, and the noblewoman Antonia Salimbeni of Siena, which took place
in 1397. A crossbow competition is held in Piazza Signorelli on the last day of
the festival week. The crossbowmen from Cortona's five quintieri (neighborhood
quarters) compete for a golden arrow.
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June 16 - 17
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Festa di San Ranieri, Pisa
A lights festival amongst the streets running along the river Arno honoring the
Patron Saint Ranieri
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June 18, 21 and 28
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Opera Festival, San Galgano
Multiple performances of Mozart’s "The Magic Flute" organized in the open-air abbey
of San Galgano in the month of June. Visit their website for more information.
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June 19 - 21
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Ferie delle Messi, Giostra dei Bastoni, San Gimignano
A historical re-evocation in the streets and squares of the town, once celebrated
by the entire population as a festivity that preceded the harvest. A two day festival
with costumed knights on horseback, jousts, parades, acrobats, fireworks, musicians,
as well artisan, food and wine stands.
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June 13
June21
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Sagra della Miseria, Colle Val d’Elsa
A gastronomic festival discovering traditional and savory plates of the area.
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June 20
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Giostra del Saracino, Arezzo
An ancient game on horseback, with an impressive historical procession.
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June 20 - 21
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Barbarossa Festival, San Quirico d’Orcia
During this exciting medieval festival, visitors may sample Val d’orciana specialties,
watch traditional folk performances, and enjoy flag waving and archery tournaments.
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June
(Last Sunday)
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Gioco del Ponte, Pisa
Historical event which consists of two distinct parts: the historical procession
along the Arno river and subsequent battle on the Ponte di Mezzo.
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June 24
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Festa di San Giovanni, Calcio storico, Firenze
(San Giovanni Feast, Medieval Football Matches & Fireworks)
Famous Florentine traditional football match that dates back to the Renaissance.
Four teams originating from each of the city districts compete in the tournament
in Piazza Santa Croce, with players clad in medieval dress. The celebration culminates
with a fireworks display over Piazzale Michelangelo.
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June 26 – July 12
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Spoleto Festival, Umbria
Known as Festival of the two Worlds, the Spoleto Festival features international
performances including dance, prose and lyrics. For an updated schedule of performances
please visit their website
for further information.
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June 29 - 30
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Il Palio Opening Festivities, Siena
Assigning of the horses to Le Contrade (rival neighborhoods within Siena)
and trial races.
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July 1 - August 31
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Jazz Festival, Siena
Each summer the beautiful city of Siena hosts a program of jazz music and performances
at the Siena Jazz Festival. Staged in various venues around this magical city, attendees
will be treated to a great range of musical performances ranging from old jazz legends
to new and emerging talents from the local jazz school. Please refer to the website for further details and updates on the summer concert
series.
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July 2
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Il Palio, Siena
Famous horse race between Le Contrade (rival neighborhoods within Siena)
around Piazza del Campo, complete with costumed pageantry and medieval feasts.
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July - August
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Puccini Festival, Torre del Lago (Lucca)
An annual summer opera festival held in July and August to present the operas of
the famous Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini. The Festival is located in Torre del
Lago nearby the city of Lucca, Puccini's birthplace.
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July - August
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Lucca Summer Festival, Lucca
The town of Lucca welcomes an incredible line-up of international stars for its
annual summer festival. Visit website for details.
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July (TBD)
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Jazz & Wine Festival, Montalcino
Some of the greatest Italian and International jazz performers take the stage in
the XIV century Fortress in the center of town, providing a unique atmosphere where
spectators may also enjoy the prestigious wines of Montalcino and local cuisine.
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July 3 – 5
July 10 – 11
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Festa Medievale (Medieval Festival), Monteriggioni
One of the most renowned costume festivals in Italy features local and professional
performers, music, and demonstrations of medieval trades. Traditional food stands
fill the piazza within the walled town of Monteriggioni.
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July - August
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"Dentro e Fuori le mura- dalla Città per la Città",
San Gimignano
(Summer Music Festival)
A series of performances and events including opera, poetry, theatre, ballet, classical
concerts and movies in "Parco della Rocca".
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July 4 – August 23
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14th Festival Val d’Orcia and 30th International Festival of Montalcino,
Castiglione d'Orcia
Theatrical performances, musical concerts and dance production are presented across
the stage of five municipalities in the Val d'Orcia Park: Montalcino, San Quirico,
Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza and Radicofani. The event culminates with a concert
performance by Paolo Conte in Montalcino on August 23.
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July 10 – 19
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Jazz Festival, Umbria
The city of Perugia, similar to Siena, hosts a weeklong program of jazz music and
performances. Please refer to the
website for further information as the summer concert series is updated
weekly.
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July 11 – 14
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Third International Chamber Music Festival, Montalcino
Chamber Music by Members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam
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July 18
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Andrea Bocelli in Concert, Teatro del Silenzio, Lajatico (Pisa)
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August
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Concerti dall’Accademia dei Leggeri, San Gimignano
The ancient theatrical association founded in the 16th century organizes classical
music concerts all summer long. Visit their website for more information.
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August 3 - 9
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The Tuscan Sun Festival, Cortona
An annual music and lifestyle festival that presents concerts by world-renowned
classical musicians in the intimate setting of Cortona’s baroque theatre, while
ballet and opera galas are performed under the stars in the piazza. For more information
visit their website.
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August 14
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Il Palio Opening Festivities, Siena
Assigning of the horses to Le Contrade and trial races.
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August 14
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Festa del Nocciolo (Hazlenut Festival), Panzano in Chianti
An outdoor dinner festival along the streets of Panzano is held in celebration of
the local hazelnut harvest.
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August 15
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Ferragosto (Assumption Day), Italian National Holiday
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August 15
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Sagra della Bistecca, Cortona
A giant barbecue of steaks cooked according to ancient Tuscan tradition 'alla fiorentina'
using the traditional chianina meat. The festival also features stands with typical
Tuscan delicacies.
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August 16
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Il Palio, Siena
Famous horse race between Le Contrade (rival neighborhoods within Siena)
around Piazza del Campo, complete with costumed pageantry and medieval feasts in
honor of "Madonna dell'Assunta".
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August 23
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Paolo Conte in Concert, Montalcino
Paolo Conte Concert in celebration of the 30th International Festival of Montalcino
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August
(Second Weekend)
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Apertura delle Cacce (Opening of the Hunt Festival), Montalcino
Annual archery tournaments and historical pageant.
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August 23 - 29
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Volterra A.D 1398, Volterra
A medieval fair that takes place each year during the last whole week of August,
starting on a Sunday; a week of costumes, events, food complete with medieval money.
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August 30
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Bravìo delle Botti (Barrel Rolling Race), Montepulciano
The eight Contrade (town neighborhoods) of Montepulciano compete for a Palio
(a painted cloth banner). The barrels weigh 80 kg and must be rolled uphill about
1800 m along the main street of Montepulciano, finishing in the Piazza Grande. Costume
processions precede the competition and a street banquet follows. The event, which
was originally a horse race, dating back to 1373. Abolished in the 17 C, it was
revived as a barrel race in 1974.
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FALL
(September to November)
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September
(First Week)
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Settimana del Miele (Honey Week), Montalcino
Market fair honoring the area's famous production of honey
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September 6
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Pecorino Fair and Cacio al fuso, Pienza
(Cheese Rolling Competition)
Pienza makes some of the best pecorino in Italy and the festival celebrates the
local production, along with a wide range of excellent cheeses available for tasting
and purchase. The Cacio al Fuso is a cheese rolling competition. Cacio is the original
Tuscan word for pecorino and the fuso (spindle) is the target of the game.
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September 7
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Festa della Rificolona, Firenze
One of the oldest festivals in Florence, the event has its origins at one of the
most important farmers markets of the year, held in the Piazza of Santissima Annunziata.
The events are mostly intended for children and a variety of performers put on entertaining
shows.
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September 11 – 13
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Rassegna del Chianti Classico, Greve in Chianti
(Chianti Classico Wine Festival)
A show case for Chianti Classico wines in Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti.
Purchase a glass and try any of the wines offered at the many stands.
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September 11 – 13, 18 - 20
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Sagra del Porcino, Pievescola
Porcini Mushroom Festival
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September
(Last 15 days)
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Mostra del Cristallo (Crystal Glass Festival), Colle Val d’Elsa
The Castello (castle) of Colle Val d’Elsa, located in the older part of the
village, becomes an open air crystal glass factory with expert craftsmen creating
exquisite crystal craftware.
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September 27
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Festa dell’Uva (Grape Festival), Impruneta
A festival filled with popular dances, performances, tasting of agricultural products
and shows of local artisanal products
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October (TBD)
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Festa dei Macellai (Butcher’s Festival), Panzano in Chianti
Sample fresh wild boar, hare, and pheasant, as Butchers from around Italy promote
their products for charity. Visitors buy a ticket that allows them to sample freely
from the wide range of excellent Tuscan and Italian specialities on display.
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October
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Sagra del Galletto, Camigliano (Montalcino)
(Festival of the Rooster)
The Festival of the Rooster recalls feasts held in honour of Montalcino's Signori
celebrated in the Camigliano Castle since the XIV century. Hundreds of chickens
are grilled over hot coals on a spit doused with liters of local wine.
La Druzzola (Game of the Wheel) is a traditional game played in medieval
costumes. It involves throwing the druzzola, a circular piece of olive wood on a
string.
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October 4 (TBD)
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L'Eroica (Historical Bicycle Rally), Chianti, Valdarbia, Valdorcia
A historical bicycle rally where participants dress in antique biking uniforms and
ride antique bikes along dirt roads in Chianti, Valdarbia and Valdorcia. Participants
will pass through Castiglion del Bosco for refreshments during the weekend course.
Visit their website
for more information.
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October
(Second week)
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Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Festival), Montieri
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October
(Last Weekend)
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Festa del Tartufo e della Castagna, Montaione
(Truffle and Chestnut Festival)
Sample local truffles, chestnuts, and other regional specialties.
Sagra del Fungo e della Castagna, Vivo d’Orcia
(Mushroom and Chestnut Festival)
The town divides into two parts for the Palio del Boscaiolo, providing samples of
regional specialties with local mushrooms and chestnuts
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October
(Last Weekend)
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Sagra del Tordo (Festival of the Thrush), Montalcino
Experience the local Montalcino traditions as the various neighborhoods of the city
compete in archery tournaments, dance in the piazza, feast on delicious cuisine
in the fortress and perform spectacular historical parades.
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November
(Last 3 Weekends)
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Sagra del Tartufo Bianco, San Miniato
Celebration and tasting of the prized white truffle, featuring marching bands, outdoor
theatre and truffle-laden pasta dishes.
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WINTER
(December to February)
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December
(Last two weeks)
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Natale Insieme (Christmas Celebrations), Montalcino
Liturgical celebrations and entertainment leading up to Christmas and New Year’s
day with the Montalcino School children’s chorus, concerts by the Filarmonica “G.Puccini”
of Montalcino, events in the piazza, holiday fireworks and dancing in the main square
on New Year’s Eve.
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January 6, 2010
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Befana La Festa dell’Epifania: Italian National Holiday
(Epiphany – 12th Night of Christmas)
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February/March 2010
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Carnevale, Viareggio
First held in 1873, the pre-Lent celebration in Viareggio is now one of the most
famous in the world. The festival features huge paper-mache floats and models that
parade along the “viali a mare”, the sea promenade of Viareggio. An extensive program
of related events include sporting events, numerous shows, musical comedies, festivals
in the nearby towns and masked galas held in the most elegant ballrooms.
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