Experience Tuscany

This is the second part of the events in Tuscan towns in March 2010. For the first part click here.

The weekends of March 13 and 19 will be celebrated in Fucecchio near Florence the Sagra del Fegatello, or the liver fair. A very typical product, not to be missed if you like liver.

Finally some space for children! On Sunday March 14 Empoli, its squares and alleys will be transformed in a large amusement park for children from 3 pm onwards. Entertainment, workshops, and a puppets theater will complete the fun.

On the same day, the 14th, in Pescia near Pistoia you will be able to taste the delicious Necci at the Sagra del Neccio, made with chestnut flower and filled with fresh ricotta cheese. A delicacy that you have to try!

Degustolio is the extra virgin olive oil tasting event that takes place at the Italian Oenotheque in Siena. The event will be only on March 12.

The town of Sansepolcro celebrates the Fiera di Mezza Quaresima,or half Lent fair, from the 18th to the 21st of March. This antique tradition brings to town any sort of traveling merchants, and on the morning of the 20th it will take place the livestock sale as it used to be in the past.

Cascina di Pisa presents Chocolandia 2010, the chocolate fair that for three days fills the Corso Matteotti with delicacies dedicated to the sweet toothed ones! It starts on the 19th and is open to all.

For those that could not attend the Sagra dl Tartufo Marzuolo in Borgo San Lorenzo, from the 19th to the 28th in Certaldo. Ten days dedicated to this scented gift of nature.

In Cortona, the celebrated Tuscan town near Arezzo, on the 19th of March it will be the turn of the Chianina oxen. Wonderful examples of this gigantic and well-behaved oxen will be on show. 120 of the most beautiful cows and bulls will be displayed.

Near Cavriglia in Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni on the 20th and 21st of March there will be the Festa di Primavera, or spring fair, with two days dedicated to local food and bike excursions of the teritory.

Two truffle events will be on the 20th and 21st of March. One is Volterra and the other in San Miniato di Pisa in Cigoli. Truffle tasting, truffle hunting, and a “class” with notions on how to taste and prepare truffles will be among the interesting events of these fairs. There of ourse will be open air restaurants to taste the delicate entries based on truffles.

In Cala Galera near Monte Argentario from the 20th to the 28th there will be an anticipation of the 2010 summer season with the nautical fair that will have on show hundreds of new and second hand boats for all tastes and pockets. Worth a visit, if only for the wonderful scenery and the nearby Porto Ercole.

So much to see in so many Tuscan towns in March. Food, culture, tradition, religion, and folklore mix up in this wonderful Tuscany to be discovered any time of the year!

With the approaching of the spring season the number of fairs are increasing by the day and moving from indoor locations to the outdoors in piazzas and town streets. There is a great number of Tuscan towns that add to the many events with their local flavor and personal twist their one of a kind fair. Often these fairs are bound to an ancient tradition, while in other cases they are a relatively recent addition to local folklore.
It is impossible to list all the Tuscan town fairs of March here, so you will find a highlight of the main ones, those bound to the territory, so to let you best discover the local culture and history.

In Rignano sull’Arno the Sagra delle Frittelle, or rice fried pancakes, dominates every weekend until March 28. The delicious frittelle will be accompanied by local VinSanto. Also Montespertoli every weekend offers bomboloni and frittelle from March 7 to the 21st.

In Scarperia near Florence the Sagra del Cinghiale, or wild boar fair, is perhaps the first of the year. Opens on March 6 and close on the 14th. All entries are served with boar meat cooked in various ways. Tuscany has a long boar culinary tradition.

From March 11 until the 21st in Arezzo you will find locally brewed artisan beer at the Festa della Birra: live music, good beer and good food will be the protagonists of this event at Teatro Tenda in Arezzo.

On the Abetone mountain on the 13th the spectacular ski torchlight parade will come down the easy and panoramic Selletta slope, all th eway until the main square of the town. Prior to the parade is an early buffet dinner with local products and cinnamon hot wine. The event is open to all.

The weekend of 13 and 14 will finally be the time to discover the black marzolino truffle. This wonderful product is celebrated in Borgo San Lorenzo near Florence with recipes that enhance the taste of truffles.

In Florence is the “Taste” event. Three days at the Stazione Leopolda to discover the traditional tastes of Tuscany and Italy exposed by the best producers selected by the organizers. 190 producers from all over Italy make of this event a must-attend.

From March 13 to the 21st opens the Palio dei Somari, or donkey race, in Torrita di Siena. The Palio is on the 21st, but during the previous weekends the town offers many entertainment occasions.

You should not miss the Torciata of Pitigliano from the 13th to 21st of March. The two weekends are rich of events, and on the 19th a town bonfire burning a dummy made of winter vegetables and other field products is burnt in the main square while a merry go round of people salutes the coming of the new spring season. This is an ancient tradition that has recently been recovered.

More events in Tuscan towns tomorrow…so much to do in Tuscany, so much to write!

Easter is approaching fast, April 4, 2010 will be in less than a month from today. Easter in Tuscany, like in the rest of Italy, is a very important part of the local tradition. There are a number of appointments and rituals that take place each year during the period that precedes the Easter Sunday.
Tuscany is located at a latitude that almost always grants fair weather when Easter comes. Therefore during this period there are quite a number of outdoor activities that happen in towns and cities. With the approaching of Easter Sunday, the number of events becomes more and more centered around the religious meaning of the festivity. Tuscany is a very Catholic part of Italy, therefore here you will be able to attend many religious reenactments of the Passion of Christ (for which is meant the imprisonment, torture and final crucifixion of Jesus). In religious terms, Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death, and in pagan terms it is the festivity of spring, the resurrection from the dark and cold winter of all living things. The two meanings often coincide in many towns of Tuscany. For example on March 21st, the spring equinox, is the festivity of Saint Benedict and Aulla, near Massa, celebrates it with a town fair filled with kiosks and local flavors. A similar event of ancient pagan origins happens in Cardoso and nearby villages of the Serchio Valley. The Monte Forato, or perforated mountain, presents a large and thick arch through which the setting sun appears after disappearing for a few moments after the rocky arch, thus creating the wonderful effect of a double sunset. This effect only happens during a specific time of the year in spring when the hole is aligned with the setting sun. Ancient traditions celebrated the event as the coming of spring and the end of deadly winter months. Nowadays the mountain still attracts many to witness the spectacular phenomenon.
More Catholic celebrations are the reenactments that happen on the Thursday immediately before Easter or on Good Friday. The processions reenacted in Radicofani, Castiglion d’Orcia, Piancastagnaio and Abbadia San Salvatore are among the most famous in Tuscany. The medieval alleys of these mountain town are lit with oil torches only, and the scenic effect exalts the sad parade of people in costumes following “Jesus” carrying the cross. The procession can be attended with respect for the religious meaning of the event. Castiglion Fiorentino celebrates with La Volata, the flight, where the crucifix is brought by many running into the Collegiata church giving the impression to fly over the spectators. Quite a spectacle to attend.
The most common way to celebrate Easter in Tuscany is to be with one’s family, but it can also be celebrated with others as there is a saying in Italy that states “Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want”. On that Sunday morning boiled eggs are blessed in church and then brought back home to be eaten first thing at lunch following a short prayer. The following day, Easter Monday, is dedicated to outdoor excursions and day trips, often to the seaside or dedicated to the discovery of a local town fair, as many are available on this day. In a few days here you will find here a list of all the places to visit on Easter Monday, to make your Easter in Tuscany more interesting!

The upcoming spring season brings to Tuscany a number of international music artists whose names are renown worldwide. Groups and soloists alternate in the most beautiful arenas and concert halls of Tuscany to present the spectators with their latest works.
The following calendar is not meant to be comprehensive of all the international artists and music concerts in Tuscany during the 2010 season, but it includes many of the main music events of the region.

March 11 Vanessa Peters in concert in Florence. Appreciated for her voice and defined delicious and enchanting, she was voted among the ten best voices in Austin, TX.

March 16 Pat Metheny in concert at Saschall in Florence. After a career dotted with successes and and 17 Grammy Awards, the great US musician presents a revolutionary solo concert with his latest creation named Orchestrion.

March 18 Philip Harper quartet in concert in Terranuova Bracciolini. The concert is inserted in the Valdarno Jazz contest 2010.

March 21 Chris Proctor in concert in Florence. International critics set the style of US guitarist Proctor among the best examples of American fingerstyle of the last 20 years.

March 24 Andy Timmons live in Pisa. The extraordinary US guitarist is famous for his unique live exhibitions that exalt his great artistic charisma.

March 25 Gospel Night at Teatro degli Industri di Grosseto. In concert Cheryl Porter Quartet with Sisters & Brothers.

March 26 Jon Hopkins at Città del Teatro di Cascina. Second event of electronic music at Fosfeni 2010.

March 27 Anoushka Shankar & Band live in Florence. The daughter of the immensely famous sitar player Ravi Shankar, she will be in concert with her Indian players music band.

March 29 Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band in Montecatini Terme. This is an exclusive jam session and a unique occasion to appreciate the music talent of the great US director.

April 6 The Hidden Cameras in Florence. The band of Joel Gibb and company arrives in Florence presenting one of the most interesting formations producing a style that fluctuates between folk traditional musics and contemporary rhythms.

April 15 Why? in concert in Florence. The US indie rock band presents live their last album Eskimo Snow.

April 17 John Scofield in concert at Teatro Guglielmi in Massa. John Scofield is considered one of three greatest jazz guitarists with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. His influence started during the Seventies and today it is strongest than ever.

April 23 Pierre Bensusan live in Florence. Live one of the greatest acoustic guitar legends in the world.

April 27 The Unthanks live in Florence. The duo’s latest artistic production out since the nd of 2009, Here’s The Tender Coming, expands the stylistic horizons of their work with piano and orchestra sounds.

May 8 The Mike Stern band in concert at Teatro Guglielmi in Massa. Mike Stern, one of the greatest guitarists of all times will be accompanied by a super band during a historic event for the hosting town.

May 26 Gotan Project live in Florence. The band that rediscovered and brought back under the spotlight tango music with electronic music influences is back live in Florence.

July 10 Mark Knopfler in concert in Lucca for the 2010 tour. Knopfler presents his new album Get Lucky in Lucca.

July 25 Andrea Bocelli in concert at Teatro del Silenzio of Lajatico. This will be the fifth and last edition of this event that has become one of the most important ones in the international live music landscape.

More appointments to come in the next months.

The flags of Palio of Siena are the protagonist of the La Città del Si, City of Yes, to celebrate the seven hundred years of Costituto Senese. The exhibit was inaugurated on September 26th 2009 at the Santa Maria della Scala in Siena with the title “The Dream of the Middle Ages”.
To create the exhibition many elements were recovered that tell the story of the Palio and the seventeen contrade. The Palio flags on show present interesting iconographic elements both graphically and structurally. The meticulous and careful restoration lasted more than three years.
The flags are part of the collection of Frederick Stibbert that on April 20, 1884 purchased from the merchant Gaetano Basetti seventeen silk flags. Twelve were placed at the center of the ceiling of a hall of his villa called the “flag hall”. The other five are still being searched for.
Some bear the manufacturing date, such as the one of the Panther made in 1826, the Giraffe in 1828 and the Goose in 1859, in addition to the initials or full names of the authors.
The original flags were replaced in the hall of the museum with faithful reproductions of silk, made by a Dutch specialist firm, and can now finally be admired by visitors as a sort of anticipation to the future museum of the Palio.
At the Santa Maria della Scala you will also find the ongoing exposition of the carrocci, the chariots, used iduring the historical parade of Palio. In particular, it is possible to admire the one designed in 1928 as a sort of triumphal chariot enriched by five panels on which are painted the seventeen Contrada through ancient allegories worthy of a miniaturist.
Frederick Stibbert was born in Florence in 1838 to an English father and Italian mother. He was educated in England and was a famous collector of art, weapons and armors from all ages that he collected and arranged in his villa on the Florentine hills. The property, together with the park that surrounds it, was given to the City of Florence by his will in 1906 at his death. Today his prestigious residence is the home of the museum dedicated to him.
Stibbert remained attached to his house in Florence, bought by his mother, Giulia Cafaggi, and home of the family. In 1859 he came into possession of a huge wealth, which he kept maintained with great commitment and vision, taking advantage of his multiple nature of international financier, passionate collector and traveler. Indeed, for nearly fifty years, in order to complete the project of his life, the transformation of Montughi villa into a museum, he could easily control the antiquity market across Europe.
His collection, about fifty thousand pieces, was collected between 1860 and the end of the century, and is composed of paintings from various eras, a large number of pieces of armor, swords and guns, especially from the Sixteenth and Eighteenth centuries from Italian, German and French schools.

For more info on the Palio flags exhibition please contact Phone: +39 0577 292340, email: urp@comune.siena.it
The exhibit is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12,30pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 4,30pm

The emotion of the Palio of Siena awaits you! There is nothing more mesmerizing than the atmosphere in Siena during the three days prior to the Palio. Thanks to “The Unforgettable Palio di Siena” contest you will be able to live these three days like a Sienese does. The prize is indeed three days in the city with a prime ticket for the Palio and a dinner ticket to live the grand dinner prior to the Palio day in one of the districts of the city, also called contrade.
Each contrada has its own people that was sworn in through church blessing and remains part of that district for life. The night prior the Palio the city streets of each district become a large restaurant with thousands of people sitting at long tables where wine, food, and typical chants fill the air in a festive and emotionally charged atmosphere. You will be in the middle of all the people belonging to that contrada and feel part of them for one night!
The next day you will of course take part in what is perhaps the most exciting event in Tuscany. Usually it is extremely hard and expensive to find Palio tickets, especially in a good position such as the one awarded through this contest. You will be sitting right near the start line, the hardest and most expensive tickets to find. The visual from there is the best not to miss anything of the race, and you will enjoy the crucial victory moment when the exulting people of the winning contrada come to claim the Palio, the painted banner that will be hung in their museum with all the others.
How nice will be to get to know Siena in a deep way to return to your wonderful hotel accommodation. A superior room for two people in a B&B with all comforts.
Participating is extremely easy. You just need to go here and complete the easy puzzle after the usual three seconds registration. After completeng the puzzle you will be asked to insert more details about yourself and then you are ready to get extracted and win this wonderful prize. For more info on the prizes, please visit this page.

Please click here to view or hide the contest rules, or visit this link.

Good luck!

February 14th 2010 is not only Valentine’s day, but also the Chinese New Year. In Tuscany, and precisely in the Prato area, resides the largest Chinese community of Italy. 2 hundred thousand Chinese people, composed by immigrants, first and second generation members of this fast growing community.
Fortunately in recent times many prejudices about the Chinese culture and immigrant community in Italy have been tackled and dismantled, also thanks to movies like Miss Little China, which offers an interesting insight in the everyday life of a Chinese family in Italy.
Each Chinese year is tied to one of 12 animals that repeat in cycles. This year it will be the year of the Tiger. The Chinese calendar is a lunar one, and each new year starts with the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year it will be on February 14th, and in Tuscany it will be celebrated in Prato and Viareggio.
Viareggio. Today the first Chinese carnival float ever of the Viareggio carnival will participate to the street parade. It will be accompanied by the Chinese group Tongilang and an official Chinese delegation from Chongquin.
Prato. On February 12nd and 23rd there will be two days dedicated to people of any ethnicity. On the 12th at 8 pm there will be an open dinner in a Chinese restaurant in Campi Bisenzio. The typical dinner menu includes Chinese dishes with some Tuscan accents like melon and raw ham. Only 15 euros for a vast menu that will expand the boundaries of many on Chinese traditional cooking. If you are interested call +39 055 8959330.
On February 23 at 7 pm there is going to be a music concert at the Spazio Reale San Donnino. Internationally famous Chinese artists will sing Chinese and Italian songs accompanied by dances and traditional Chinese flute musics. A famous magician from China will entertain after the concert. Entrance is free and there will be a fund raise to help Haiti’s earthquake victims.

Yesterday Sunday January 31st was the very first of the 5 float carnival parades in Viareggio. The first crazy weekend of the Tuscan city facing the sea and famous for one of the most beautiful and historic carnivals of Italy.
The floats of Viareggio are among the most sophisticated and elaborated of Italy, and perhaps the world. They move and create impressive visual effects thanks to the highest level of craftsmanship of their makers.
These are the perfect days to spend your holiday in Tuscany, as you will be bale to be in Viareggio or the Versilia area to attend this unique and majestic happiness fair. The spectacular floats and the pervading happiness are enhanced by the fair weather that characterizes the city of Viareggio. Just to confirm this, while most of Italy is under freezing cold in Viareggio the sun shines!
The following is a video that shows the 2010 creations of the First Class floats. There are various classes of floats, and of course the first-class are the most prestigious and elaborate ones, although great care is put into making all floats. Each float building team participates to the selection to win the first prize and to make the parade more spectacular each team is accompanied by a number of people dresses in theme with the float and carries out a dance at the rhythm of the chosen music for that particular float. You will see floats addressing current themes of national and international relevance, all with a lot of irony and a bit of sarcasm.

Enjoy the video, just 3 minutes long, but it will give you a good idea of the healthy fun going on in Viareggio right these days!

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From February 4 to the 7th Florence in Tuscany is hosting the 2010 Chocolate Fair in Piazza Santa Croce, in the heart of the city. The yearly event is much awaited by chocolate lovers. Even if one does not have a sweet tooth, the fair offers many events and stages to learn more about chocolate and entertain visitors in the splendid setting of one the most beautiful squares of Florence. A fun and welcoming atmosphere awaits you. The almost 40 artisans of chocolate from all over Italy are ready to welcome you with their creations and innovations.
The chocolate fair starts on the 4th, but it will be introduced by a dinner at 9pm on the evening of the third of February with cocoa as the main spice or ingredient. If you would like to participate, the price if 35 euros per person including beverages at the Ragazzi di Sipario restaurant, and reservation is mandatory at info@fieradelcioccolato.it
On the 4th the fair will open at 10am with a photo gallery on chocolate workmanship and one on cocoa cultivation in Cameroon. At 3pm you will be able to taste chocolate through a guided sampling on the history of chocolate titled “When Cocoa Became Chocolate”. Free of charge, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. The evening will be over with an interesting vegan aperitif titled Chocolate Vegan Finger Food.
On the 5th the day will start on the Santa Croce parvis, where participants will be given a gentle gymnastics lesson followed by bread and chocolate offered to all. Limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 4pm will follow a demonstration of chocolate in cuisine titled “The Simplicity of Chocolate” with tastings. Free and limited to 20 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola in Via della Pergola will accommodate those who love to dance.
The day of the 6th will start again with gentle gymnastics on the Santa Croce parvis. Followed by bread and chocolate, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 2pm on the same parvis there will be a Medieval Sward Challenge simulation, that will actively interact with spectators. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola is again open to dancers.
February 7th, the last day of the fair, will start at 11am in the sampling area, where 4 chocolate master will be interviewed on the art of chocolate-making. Free samplings will follow. At 3pm in the same sampling area will be staged a demonstrations on the consistency changes and temperature contrasts of chocolate during the elaboration process. Free but limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it.

Chocolate is good for your mood, heart, blood pressure. Florence is good for your knowledge, romanticism, sense of beauty and relaxation. You have no excuses not to be at the chocolate fair in Florence!

Here some pictures of the 2009 edition:

This is the official Viareggio Carnival program for the year 2010. The program is divided into two parts. The first lists the city-wide celebrations, while the second lists the celebrations made in each district of the city. The inauguration ceremony will be held on January 30th with thousands of people masked through the streets of Viareggio, and the day will end with fireworks.
Celebrations will be held during all weekends until February 21st, the city districts will start celebrating from the afternoon of each Saturday, and the 5 float parades will be held on each Sunday afternoon form 3 pm onwards. Much more will happen in Viareggo during this 2010 carnival edition. Read on!

Saturday, January 30th Solemn inauguration of the 2010 Viareggio Carnival
At 3,30pm parade of masks through the city streets.
At 5pm there will be the flag-rising ceremony and grand finale with fireworks
A delegation from Glasgow, Scotland, will be present and the visit will be honored by the city with a sampling of typical Scottish products.

Grand parades of masks and floats
The giant paper-mache floats, created by the Viareggio masters parade on the wonderful city promenade.

First Parade on Sunday, January 31 at 3pm
Second Parade on Sunday, February 7 at 3pm
Third Parade on Sunday, February 14 at 3pm
Fourth Parade Tuesday on February 16 at 2pm live on national television and a t 4pm will start the night parade.
Fifth Parade on Sunday, February 21 at 5pm

Carnival Long Weekends
Every Saturday before the parade day in Piazza Mazzini there will be music, animation, games and entertainment from 4pm

District Parties
The local districts are the most genuine soul of the Carnival of Viareggio. The districts of the city during the long carnival month transform their streets and squares into theaters with live music and dancing of all kinds, and outdoor cooking where you can taste the delicious typical dishes of Viareggio.

Torre del Lago Puccini District
Open on January 30th and 31st from 6pm to midnight.

Marco Polo District
Open from February 5th until sunday 7thfrom 6pm until midnight.

Terminetto District
On February 9th or the tenth if it rains on the 9th from 3pm until 6pm with the schools parade. It will stay open until 11pm.

Vecchia Viareggio District
An occasion for children, on February 11 from 2 pm to 7pm with the Children’s Carnival

Baccanale Darsena District
From February 12th to the 16th from 6pm until midnight, and on the 13th from 2 to 6pm with the Children’s Carnival.

Croce Verde Centro District
From February 18th to the 21st from 6pm to midnight.

Quattro Venti District
On February 7th and 8th from 5pm until midnight.

The carnival of Viareggio is one of the most beautiful and spectacular of Italy. A great party to be part of!