Experience Tuscany

It is an Italian tradition to celebrate the night between the 9th and the 10th of August with some special event.
What is so special about this night of the year? For a period of time going from the end of July until August 20, the Earth is in a particular phase during its revolution around the Sun. During those nights it is in fact possible to see a great number of shooting stars, meteor, that enter the Terrestrial orbit. These pieces of rock, that enter our atmosphere are called the Perseids, and are fragments left off by the major comet Swift-Tuttle that passes by the Earth every 134 years. The peak moment has historically been August 10, the night of Saint Lawrence in Italy. Although due to astral adjustments the actual peak has moved to the 12th of August, the night between the 9th and the 10th is still celebrated the same.
What will happen in Tuscany that night? There will be several events all around the region. The one that is perhaps the foremost event is Calici di Stelle, or Goblets of Stars, an evening event that includes a large number of wine producing towns in Tuscany. During this night you will be able to purchase a ticket, usually at 10 euros, and a goblet with which to taste the wines produced in the area where the celebrating town is. With wine tasting you will also eat local food that helps appreciate the wine characteristics. Among the most important Calici di Stelle in Tuscany are the towns of Montepulciano, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Massa Marittima, and Montalcino. To get more info on Calici di Stelle visit the Italian Wine Promotion Agency specific page here.
In Ville di Corsano near Siena there will be a two-nights event; during the first night the astronomical association of Siena will guide participants to the discovery of the sky by night, with an explanation of various constellations and a guided observation of the stars with optical instruments. The following night will be time to eat a Spanish-style dinner in Pulcianese. If you would like to participate to the stars observation night you need to be in Circolo Colibrì in Ville di Corsano by 9,15 pm; for the dinner night contact info@motoclub-stringileganasce.com.
These are just a couple of examples of all that happens in Tuscany during the San Lorenzo night. If you are going to be in Tuscany that night, ask around a few days before what will be done in the town nearby you. You will catch some genuine local color for your holiday!

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