The Immaculate Conception is the Catholic dogma that recognizes the virginity of the mother of Christ, and is celebrated on December 8 every year. It is therefore a nice happening when, like this year, it is on a Tuesday, creating a much awaited long weekend stretching from Friday to Tuesday. This is also the day that Christmas celebrations officially begin. The historic centers of cities and towns are being adorned with lights and animated with Christmas carols. Street markets liven up the streets during the whole holiday. The colorful world of craft creations and gift ideas snuggle in perfectly with the candid atmosphere of Christmas.
In Torrita di Siena events for children and theme dinners for grown ups are being prepared, with a special focus on vintage toys, handicraft products and decorations. A big surprise is being prepared in Palazzuolo sul Senio, the village of a thousand nativity scenes. Every corner in town is adorned with a Nativity scene, all different and all hand made. In Florence one can enjoy the characteristic Florence Noel, with its vinsanto and cantucci, in addition to the nostalgic Heidelberg German Christmas Market with beer and březen in Piazza Santa Croce. Pisa is hosting its market in the wonderful Loggia dei Banchi, while in Calenzano, the city of toys, vintage toys are displayed and sold to let adults return children for at least a day.
This long weekend will also be rich of exhibits with painting, sculpture, and collections that are not always available to the general public. Chagall and the Mediterranean in Pisa, Montecatini Terme with Il Nuovo Dopo la Macchia, Florence with Inganni ad Arte, Siena with the color of Federico Barrocci, Prato with the Tzar collection, Chianciano with the Mummy and Egyptian findings, and Grosseto with the Etruscans are just the main ones to enjoy.
Good food is also having its appropriate share of the spotlight, since it is well known how the culture of a place is inevitably complemented by its cuisine. There are special initiatives that tie the pleasures of the table with the territory they are born from. Two special trains, one is the Train of Flavors, on December 6, crossing the unspoilt Garfagnana visiting medieval villages where traditions are still alive and authentic. On December 8 Trenonatura that travels in the Sienese countryside. Vintage train coaches attached to ancient steam locomotives lead travelers on a unique journey in time.
Those traveling through the Sienese Crete will also find the nice surprise of restaurants offering discounts on the typical dishes of the territory.
There is very little that one cannot do in Tuscany during this long weekend, and if one adds the Versilia with its classy shops and live night scene, or the many thermal spas that dot Tuscany and offer great relaxation, the next thing to do is to reserve a flight to Tuscany!
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