Local Events & Festivals

Italy's long history has given birth to a variety of festivals steeped in religions, both pagan and Christian!
Our focus will be on the festivals found in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria & Lazio.

In Altopascio (Lucca), July 25 this town celebrates the Festa del Calderone. Food glorious food for the
masses. Info: 058325896

In Calcinaia, near Pisa, at the end of May, beginning of June the Regata Storica turns out some 450
figures in costume in honour of their Sant Ubaldesca Taccini. 

Closer to me at Cortona, every Sunday after the holiday of the Assumption, the Giostra dell'Archidado
(cross box tournament) grabs the locals attention. This is serious stuff with costumes and instruments
born in the Medieval period! For more information: 057562984

Come the last Sunday of August my town of Montepulciano goes Medieval, tense and ballistic by 
staging the Bravio delle Botti. Teams of two roll through the winding streets of Montepulciano, which
mostly go up, an 85 kilo oak wine barrell. Teams represent the local contrade (neighborhoods) and
proudly wearing the colours of each contrade. Wine flows and the food is plentiful for those that choose
to watch from the sidelines! For more information: 0578757575

A lovely little town is San Quirico D'Orcia in the Province of Siena. Every June they celebrate the
Festa del Barbarossa, which dates back to 1155! Each town quartieri challenges the other with bow 
and arrow. For more information: 0577898247

In Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, the last Wednesday of every July is the place to be! To celebrate an
ancient legend of one Cecco Santi, a captain of soldiers who cultivated a society of civilisation in
this small but proud village. For more information tel: 0571567930

Assisi is one of the most beautiful and mystical medieval towns in all of Italy. At the beginning of the
last week of September the knights of this city reenact the return of St.Francis to his city of his birth
where he wished to die. Such history is written in the stones of Assisi and forever lives in the hearts
and minds of all. For more information tel: 075812534



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