FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1. Colourful Carnivals

prac_info www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com

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The Carnival of Viareggio, a spectacle of eleborate floats at Easter, is Tuscany’s most famous carnival. Visitors keen to see more floats can also head to the Carnival of Foiano della Chiana.

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Float, Carnival of Viareggio

2. Religious Events

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Religious festivals are an important part of Tuscany’s culture. Florence’s Scoppio del Carro involves white oxen pulling a firework-laden cart from the Baptistry to the Duomo. During Easter mass, a mechanical dove sails through the door to ignite the cart. Another event occurs in Prato when the Virgin’s sacred girdle is shown to the public five times a year and the faithful kiss its case.

3. Arty Biennales

prac_info www.florencebiennale.orgwww.luccabiennale.com

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Though Tuscany is well-known for its Medieval and Renaissance delights, the region never forgets to celebrate modern masterpieces. In October, the Florence Biennale presents a programme of contemporary art and design, by both local and international artists, which is displayed around the city. Lucca also hosts its own biennale during the late summer; the focus here is on art made from paper.

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Sculpture on display at the Florence Biennale

4. Music Mania

prac_info www.estatefiesolana.itwww.maggiofiorentino.com

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Summer brings an array of concerts to the region’s theatres, churches and public spaces. The biggest music event is Estate Fiesolana, which hosts performances in Fiesole (some are held under the stars in the Roman theatre). The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival organizes opera events in Florence.

5. Football Fever

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Italy may be famous for its modern football teams but there’s nothing quite like the Calcio Storico event, which takes place in June and dates back to the 16th century. Played between Florence’s four traditional neighbourhoods, this is football without the rules.The violent game – with players in Renaissance costume – is usually played on the dusty Piazza Santa Croce.

6. Horseriding Events

prac_info www.giostradelsaracinoarezzo.it

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Summer sees a number of horseriding events in Tuscany. There’s the medieval jousting contest in Arezzo, known as the Giostra del Saracino, which takes place on the sloping Piazza Grande. It’s the only joust in Tuscany where the target can hit back – the “Saracen” is allowed to turn and knock the rider as he gallops past. Siena’s famous equestrian event is the Palio – which animal rights have long advocated to end. It’s been around since the Middle Ages and involves a bareback horse race around the Campo.

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A costumed contestant riding past the target at the Giostra del Saracino

7. Fine Wine

prac_info www.expochianticlassico.com

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This historic region is well-known for producing wine, so it’s no suprise that grape festivals continue to fill the yearly calendar. One of the best is Expo Chianti Classico, in September, where you can meet winemakers and sample their creations. Maremma and Montecarlo also host noteworthy wine events.

8. On the Big Screen

prac_info www.florencequeerfestival.itwww.terradisienafilmfestival.eu

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Florence Queer Festival takes place every winter and is dedicated to promoting LGBT+ films (both local and international). The festival has grown considerably in the past few years and is now one of the most important of its kind in Italy. Siena also hosts a film festival in September, known as Terra di Siena, which focuses on independent cinema and has a “Green Carpet”, indicating its commitment to films that cover environmental issues.

9. Traditional Tuscany

prac_info www.braviodellebotti.comwww.giocodelpontedipisa.it

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Two famous traditional festivals occur in the summer. The Bravio delle Botti, in Montepulciano in August, features two-man teams racing barrels up the town’s main street. In Pisa’s Gioco del Ponte, residents compete in an inverse tug-of-war on the city’s oldest bridge in June.

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Bravio delle Botti, Montepulciano

10. Foodie Festivals

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Tuscany abounds with foodie events but perhaps the most unique is the Sagra del Tordo in Montalcino. To celebrate the hunting season, a food festival fills the medieval fortezza, with roasted thrushes and Brunello wine.

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