Events calendar Toscane

A battle organised between archers of Gubbio and those of Sansepolcro, in period costumes. It is then the entire village which adorns its streets, the windows of shops. This Palio is composed of two battles: first place in Gubbio has in May and second place in Sansepolcro has in September.

The medieval atmosphere of the city becomes fever at the traditional Palio, namely «The Bear Game» which takes place on 25 July. As its name indicates, it is a game that consists of trip the targets on the circular route of the Dome Square. The bear is the emblem of the city winner in the form of a trophy.

This festival receives groups from all over the world, one of Italy's best blues festivals. It takes place in the last week of June. Information Tel (055) 21 622.

It is the feast of Tuscan gastronomy on August 14 th and 15 th, featuring the local steak. The majority of restaurants in the city prepare a special menu for the occasion.

A national tournoi shot in ancient costumes, according to a tradition of the th century, in honour of San Paolino, patron saint of the city.

The city is the frame of the rustic Course race. She objects to cows three quarters of the city, whose inhabitants encouragent encourage their champions and amazing mounts.

Gourmets cannot miss this famous celebration in honour of Colonnata's bacon. With its subtle fragrance and incredible refinement (especially for fat!), this ancestral specialty, once considered the poor man's dish, has been recognized as a PGI since 2004. The bacon is matured for at least six months in basins made of Carrara marble rubbed with garlic, called "conche", with salt, spices and herbs (rosemary, sage...). A delight!

During the "Giornate Fai di Primavera" (the equivalent of our Heritage Days), several unknown palaces, places and other private sites are exceptionally open to the public. Unusual and generally free, for all tastes and ages, these visits are an opportunity to explore Florence differently, but also the Tuscan hinterland. The dates vary each year, coinciding with the first weekend of spring in March.

A travelling classical music festival, created in 2001 by Philippe Herreweghe, a Belgian conductor and great lover of Tuscany. About ten concerts, both intimate and prestigious, concentrated over a week, which take place in former churches in the beautiful region of the Sienese peaks. Each year, an exceptional program where recitals and chamber music alternate with masterpieces of vocal music. For music lovers!

Every year in Piazza Napoleone, Lucca's formidable Summer Festival (LSF to its friends!) welcomes the biggest names in rock and pop (and even electro) music: Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, Elton John, Placebo, Ennio Morricone, Take That, Ben Harper, Moby and many others have already answered the call! The first edition took place in 1998, with a performance by Bob Dylan, no less. The 2024 edition promises to be exceptional, with the likes of Rod Stewart, Lenny Kravitz, Mika, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Toto... Calling all fans!

Florentines celebrate the patron saint of their city, St. John. This religious festival coincides with the final of the famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino in period costume, a medieval version of ball games held in Piazza Santa Croce. To crown the evening, at around 10pm, a firework display is fired from the piazzale Michelangiolo. A word of advice! The best way to enjoy it is to go and stand on the Santa Trinita bridge because, from there, you can see the Ponte Vecchio with the coloured arabesques of the fireworks in the background.

Mostra Internazionale dell' Artigianato is held in Fortezza da Basso. It is an exhibition of crafts unique in the world, not to be missed! Many objects hand made: clothes and accessories, silverware and jewellery, furniture, and beauty products for health, food and wine.