Events

Florence International Handcrafts Exhibition, 21st-29th April, 2012

In the city central Fortezza da Basso, a whole exhibition district with over 55 thousand sq.m. of stands, where artisans from all Italy and the world propose to the public every kind of handmades. A quite original market fair, and one rich of history, infact it is held in Florence since 1931. An occasion to do some very different and valuable shopping, and to appreciate the artisans' craftmanship.

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Firenze ice cream festival, 23rd to 27th May, 2012

In the enchanted Florence city centre, the most tasty 5 days in May! icecream makers from all Italy propose the most various, colorful and surprising ice creams... together with their best version of the classics.

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Madonna live in Florence, saturday 16th June 2012

Not to be missed concert, the world pop music superstar will be in Florence again 25 years after that of 1987! At the stadium "Artemio Franchi" the artist will give the show that seems to be the main concert-event in 2012 in the city of Florence. Only two are going to be the Material Girl's concert dates in Italy. Don't miss the chance!

Medieval Dinner in Certaldo Alto, sat. 9th and 16th June, 2012

It takes place twice a year during the month of June, in the enchanting medieval village of Certaldo.

Two long tables along Via Boccaccio, a typical medieval menu, earthenware dishes and cutlery in wood just like in AD 1300, which then are given as a gift to the guests ... all served by costumed characters with entertainment of jugglers and jesters of the court!

A folk event very much fun!
Given the large turnout ask for information in advance!

Bookings are open for the 2012 edition: sabato 9 e 16 Giugno 2012 , please feel free to call us for any information.

Mercantia

It is one of the most important festival of street theater in Italy: every summer on mid-July Mercantia transforms the medieval town of Certaldo Alto, in a real midsummer dream! The next edition, the 25th, will take place from wednesday 11th to sunday 15th July 2012.

Mercantia, now in its 25th year, is the best stage for street art. The secret is in the originality of the proposal that packages many wonders: a unique village, with a rich arts and craftmanship, with live performances that become entertainment, the town lights, the contemporary art installations, the exhibitions, and decades of collaboration with the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence.

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Palio di Siena, 2 Luglio e 16 Agosto 2012

It’s a popular festival, a cultural event, a carousel horse ... difficult to classify the Palio with a single word. It takes place in Piazza del Campo in Siena on July 2nd and August 16th of each year uninterruptedly since 1644 and is probably the most fascinating and unusual equestrian competition in the world.
The race itself lasts only a few minutes but is a whirl of feelings: apprehension, joy, sense of belonging, rivalry, passion, and much more!
The Palio is present in the city during the four days prior to each race and is full of situations: tests, parades, dinners, processions, blessings ... until the race that tells who is the district winner of the "Cencio", a painting of the Blessed Mary, different every time!

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Andrea Bocelli at Lajatico will sing in 2012 at the "Silence Theatre"

On thursday 12th July 2012 Andrea Bocelli will sing in his Lajatico, at the Silence Theatre.

This open-air theatre, nestled in a wonderful tuscan valley, was created expressly by the singer's wish, to be his beloved concert frame for just one evening in a year. After the yearly concert, the audience facilities are removed and the stage becomes an artificial lake, sorrounded by the countryside's silence for the remain 364 days in the year.

This 7th edition of the concert has not until now a precise program, but one thing seems to be sure: the concert will have the Maestro back as protagonist of the soirée, paired with other great artists of international profile.

Monteriggioni Medieval Festival (Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona), 6th to 8th and 15th to 17th July 2012

A visit to Monteriggioni always looks like a travel back in time to the middle ages, and even much more if you pay a visit to the town during this festival.

You will have the impression to be suddenly arrived in the middle of an ancient town siege: military camps, ancient battles, itinerant theatre, juggling, art and crafts of days gone. At the entering of the town, one has to exchage some of our contemporary money with "thalers" of the time, to be able to buy things...

The name of the festival cites a verse of the Divina Comedia, 1300 AD, by Dante Alighieri.

"... però che come in su la cerchia tonda / Monteriggioni di torri si corona, / così ('n) la proda che 'l pozzo circonda / torreggiavan di mezza la persona / li orribili giganti, cui minaccia / Giove del cielo ancora quando tona" Dante - inferno XXXI 40-45

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Boccaccesca is held annually during the first two weekends of October.

It’s a street exhibition on food and wine culture, and it involves the entire village of Certaldo Alto: on the streets, in squares, in palaces. Visitors know they can always expect something new and interesting; it is a stage where the pleasure of taste is always the absolute protagonist.

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White Truffle National Exhibition of San Miniato

It takes place since 30 years at San Miniato, a privileged geographical area with a great white truffle production thanks to the specific combination of forest fauna and geological substrate.

In addition to truffles are many other curious and original products, enhanced by this rare and precious tuber: olive oil, honey, cheese and salami, chocolate, and so on. And no shortage of classics: fine wines, artisan pasta, pastries ... a real taste market!

A curiosity: the world's largest truffle was found in this area in 1954, weighed 2,520 grams and was donated to the then U.S. President Truman.

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In the dream of Messer Boccaccio

Re-enactment parade that pays tribute to the illustrious poet Giovanni Boccaccio. The event is inspired by the tales of the Decameron, and it shows all the arts of theater: acting, music, fights, dance ... with a cast that includes more than 180 characters!
The costumes, set design, dance and music faithfully adhere to the Middle Ages, particularly in 1300. To put on the whole, the organization employs professionals of recognized reputation.

Next edition: year 2013

Ferie delle Messi

One of the most important event in San Gimignano. It’s a historical event in medieval costumes that recalls the traditional “ferie messium” used to celebrate Nature that promptly gave its harvest to feed the population.
At the Ferie you will find medieval shopping stalls, artisans of that time at work, jesters, theatre people, musicians … like a usual day in the middle agel!

It takes place in the third weekend of June (variable dates).

Volterragusto

Two week ends dedicated to the flavors of good and healthy food. Exhibitors and producers present their specialties: olive oil, cheese, meat, truffle, chocolate, marmelades, and other tipical products.
Many and funny activities to do: “live” truffle searching, cooking workshops, oil mills visits, and alabaster production due to the important presence of this mineral in this area!

It takes place in Volterra, October/November, flexible dates.