FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 2010:
WINTER:
Il Carnevale, Viareggio:
 Taking place over 4 dates, the Viareggio Carnevale follows closely behind the Venice Carnival as the place to celebrate. With its elaborate floats and parades on display, Viareggio makes the most of the celebrations and everyone is invited to take part. Information on the programme of events and to purchase tickets can be found on the official website: http://www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
Viareggio can be reached easily from the Lucca area where we have properties that can sleep from 4 - 17 people. It is also possible to take a train from Florence to Viareggio, so Florence could also be considered as a place to base yourselves to visit the Carnevale.
Six Nations Rugby:
 Two important matches in this much-loved Rugby tournament are scheduled to take place in Rome's Stadio Flaminio during February. The excellent road and rail links between Orvieto in Umbria and Rome make it an easy day out to combine a holiday and a rugby match. For accommodation ideas, click here
Saturday 14th February: Italy versus England Kick off 15.30
Saturday 27th February: Italy versus Scotland Kick off 14.30
(all Italys other games are played 'away' from Rome)
SPRING:
Easter:
 Easter falls at the beginning of April this year - Easter Sunday is 4th April and Easter Monday 5th April. In Italy, Good Friday is not an offical day off so many shops, offices, restaurants etc remain open as normal.
In Florence, Easter is celebrated with the Scoppio del Carro - the Explosion of the Carriage. A huge decorated wagon is wheeled throughout the streets of Florence by white oxen before finally reaching the Basilica in Florence's historic centre. Following a mass, the Archbishop sends a dove-shaped rocket into the cart which is packed with fireworks. The spectacular display of the exploding cart is followed by a parade in medieval costumes.
Florence is easily reached from the majority of our properties in the Chianti area of Tuscany. For ideas, please click here
Calendimaggio:
 Calendimaggio is a three day costumed festival in Assisi celebrating and re-enacting the Renaissance and Medieval periods in the city's history. Events include crossbow and archery tournaments, concert and theatre shows, dances, processions and spectacular floral displays. In 2010, the dates are set from 6th May to 10th May. For accommodation ideas, please click here
SUMMER:
PALIO TIME!
JUNE: Palio San Ranieri - Pisa, 17th June
 This palio is different from others involving horses, and the 'race' takes place on the River Arno with the 4 quarters of the City entering a boat with a crew of 8 who row 1500 metres to win the flag for their quarter for the year. The previous night is the 'Luminara' where thousands of lanterns are lit along the route of the Palio.
JUNE/JULY: Palio, Siena - Siena 29th June-2nd July
 The world famous palio of Siena starts now with the elimination rounds for the horse race. The different 'contrades' (areas) of Siena are drawn against each other and race to ensure that they will feature in the main Palio event which takes place the following month.
AUGUST: Palio, Siena - 13th-16th August
 August sees the culmination of the previous months palio elimination rounds and weeks of discussion amongst the local population of Siena with the final palio races taking place in the centre of Siena in the Campo. Thousands of people from around the world descend upon Siena to witness this spectacular event - which was spectacular enough to feature in the opening scenes of the last James Bond film, Quantam of Solace!
For accommodations in the Siena area, please click here
AUTUMN:
Chianti Classico Wine Festivals:
 September is the main month for the celebration of of the Chianti Classico wines with 3 weeks worth of wine festivals in the region. To take part in the festivals, you simply buy a glass at the entry point and then visit the various stalls to taste their wine. Also available on the stalls are Olive oils and various other local produce but the highlight is of course the locally produced wine.
The second weekend of September, the festivities are in Greve in Chianti
The third weekend of September, the festivities are in Panzano in Chianti, and
the last weekend of September sees the festivities move to Vagliagli
For accommodations in the Chianti region please click here
PHOTOCOMPETITION 2009:
The photocompetition closes at the end of November and the winners will be announced in the December newsletter along with a link so that you can view the winning photos and all the entries we have received. Last minute entries should be sent in jpeg format to dympna@to-tuscany.com |
