Ferragosto in Tuscany 2012

Ferragosto is an Italian national holiday and we generally spend it with our families and friends at the seaside or in the countryside. So have a look at the events in Tuscany on Ferragosto!

A bit of history

Ferragosto was originally related to a celebration of the middle of the summer and at the end of the hard work in the fields. For the Catholic Church is then related to the Holy Day of Obligation to commemorate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Events in Tuscany

On August 15th lots of State Museums in Tuscany are free and open, such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Bacci Chapel in Arezzo, where you can admire Piero della Francesca frescoes.

In Florence at the city beach La Spiaggina there is the sand castles’ tournament, starting at 3.30pm and going on until 8.30pm when the winner is announced. Then you can take a drink while looking at Florence thanks to Terrace with a view.

In Lastra a Signa there is the traditional Farmers’ Fairs, called Fiera di Mezzagosto, with the cows parade, farm’s animals, local products and live entertainments. In Saertano there is the ancient Saracen Joust, medieval horse race similar to Arezzo’s Saracen Joust. In Porto Santo Stefano on the Argentario there is the Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario, classic boat race of the local districts.

At Pieve dei Santi Pietro e Paolo in Careggine in Lunigiana there is a free opera, in Grosseto Jazz concerts and in Castellina in Chianti the Music W Festival.

On August 14th in Massa Marittima there is the Balestro del Girifalco, medieval joust of crossbowmen, while on August 16th in Siena, there is the traditional Palio dell’Assunta.