Tuscany's coolest festivals

Il Palio

The famed horserace of Siena has to be on your itinerary of festivals in Tuscany. It is held twice annually on July 2 and August 16 and the buildup is the same. There are a series of race trials, dinners and festivities in the weeks leading up to the big day, followed by mass celebrations all over the town no matter who won. The races are held in the main square, Piazza del Campo, and the emotions and frenzy displayed by those watching is incredible.

Mercantia

Every year in late July this medieval town in central Tuscany comes alive with street performers. They bring their vans and tents to sleep in the fields in and around town. Each evening jugglers, fire eaters, musicians, dancers, poets and performers of all kinds fill every piazza, alleyway, building and other cranny of Certaldo Alto while crowds pack around them to watch or join in. The great thing about Italian festivals is the exuberance and participation of the crowd. Eat some yummy foods or dance away with the bands until the early hours of the morning.

The Regatta of the Maritime Republics

While it may be known for its leaning tower, Pisa was also a strong Maritime power. Today the four Maritime Republics of Italy celebrate their past glory in an annual event called the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics held in May/June. The event moves each year to Amalfi, Genoa, Venice or Pisa. It was last held in Pisa in 2006 so will be due again in 2010. It is held along the River Arno in Pisa with four traditional boats representing each republic and a 2000m upstream race is held. The race is preceded by a parade again representing the culture, events and characters of each republic.

Carnevale

Outside of Venice, the pinnacle of Carnevale celebrations, the seaside town of Viarreggio is best known for its celebrations of the pre-Lent period. It is characterised by a parade of floats and masks that depict politicians, sportsmen and other well known personalities. The parade is held on the avenue by the beach and is pretty cold in February so come well layered up. Parking is also difficult to come by so come early or be prepared to park a long way away.

Florence Scoppio del Care

This Easter Sunday event dates back to the First Crusade when a fire was distributed around the city by cart for families to relight their hearths that they had extinguished on Good Friday. So it has origins back to 1099 although the richly decorated cart used today dates just to the 18th Century. It is hauled by white oxen from Porta al Prato about 9am to the cathedral square. At 10am a procession of clergy leaves the Church of the Santissimi Apostoli and goes to the Baptistery (in the cathedral square). And about 11am hundreds of firecrackers attached to the cart go off with loud bangs and whistles. Very entertaining!