Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscany with Kids
There are literally hundreds of events, festivals, parades, food markets, wine tastings, celebrations and exhibitions which take place yearly in Tuscany. Most of these happen during the spring and summer months (mid-May to late September, with July and August being the busiest months).
If you are touring Tuscany during these summer break, we highly recommend working in at least one event into your itinerary. Kids will love the medieval feasts, which include colorful costumes, parades and music, and even teenagers will be impressed (or at least find amusing…) the general vibrant chaos. Some of these events even include a medieval market, where you can buy artifacts and tasty food from vendors all dressed in traditional medieval attire!
We have attended several of these village festivals over the years, everything from the smaller parades meant mostly for the town’s people, to much larger events which draw in a crowd of tens-of-thousands, and we have come to the conclusion that both types of events are fun (yes, even those minuscule village events!). For younger kids, the small scale events are actually even better, as they permit you to walk around and enjoy the show without having to battle your way through a large crowd. Take a look at the photos of a few of the events below, to get a general idea of what you might expect to see in such festivities. Then, to find out about the top recommended events and festivities in Tuscany, consult our guide - Florence & Tuscany with Kids 2015. You will find a special section at the end of each chapter, listing the best family-friendly events and festivals in that area. Have fun!
Credit: Malgorzata Kistryn/Shuttertock.com
The impressive historical parade which accompanies the calcio storico (a historic soccer match which takes place annually in Florence) shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area. Piazza della Signoria is one of the most beautiful Piazzas in Tuscany on a regular day, so you can imagine just how impressive it is when filled with men and women in full Renaissance attire!
Credit: Malgorzata Kistryn/Shutterstock.com
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Siena’s Palio is one of the most famous events not just in Tuscany but in all of Italy. The Palio is a historic horse race which takes place twice a year (on July 2nd and August 16th), and draws a crowd of tens of thousands of spectators. During this race, 10 riders, each representing one of Siena’s contrade (town ward), circulate the world famous Piazza del Campo (Siena's main town square), competing for the title. The Palio is a medieval event, one of the few traditions which have survived to this day (in the past several public races, competitions, fights and jousting matches were organized in the town’s main piazza).
The race is accompanied by several other events around town, including medieval parades and colorful festivities, which are great fun even if you don’t get to see the Palio itself.
Credit: M. Rohana/shutterstock.com
You should also know that Siena isn’t the only town that organizes a Palio. Other Tuscan cities and villages have their own races and jousting matches. Check Florence & Tuscany with Kids to find out more!
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It isn’t just the larger towns, such as Florence and Siena, that organize fun parades and events. Several other towns and villages organize smaller, but still very lively, festivities of their own! The photo below, for example, were taken during a fun Renaissance feast organized at the historical Villa of Poggio a Caiano (which was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). A former summer residence of the Medici family, this beautiful villa really came to life as men and women in elaborate Renaissance clothing marched in!
Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscnany with Kids
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Car races aren’t very common in Tuscany, but one race is famous enough that you wouldn’t want to miss it if you are in the area – the Millemiglia race is meant exclusively for historic and vintage cars. Drivers set out from Brescia (in northern Italy) and drive all the way to Rome, passing through various towns along the way. The photos bellow were taken as the beautiful vintage cars dashed across Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, passing the Duomo and the Leaning Tower.
Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscany with Kids
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As we've mentioned before, even smaller towns, such as tiny Pescia (20 minutes from Lucca) can’t resist the temptation of organizing their very own medieval events. In honor of the festival, The town’s main street was lined with stalls, and vendors in traditional medieval costumes offered visitors hand-made copper utensils, bows, arrows and swords, leather-bound diaries, hand-made jewelry, and much more. Later, the town’s historic group delighted visitors and locals with a parade, complete with drums, trumpets and flags!
Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscnany with Kids
Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscnany with Kids
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The ancient village of Buti (30 minutes from Pisa), hosted a small but very colorful medieval feast of its own. Falconieri, a parade, lively music and tasty food came together to create quite a memorable day!
And the people of Buti know that a real medieval festival needs a hunchback!
Credit: Ariela Bankier/ Florence & Tuscnany with Kids
The events listed here are just a few of many. It's now easier than ever to find out all about the best events, attractions and activities for kids and families in Tuscany. Our best-selling travel guide, FLORENCE & TUSCANY WITH KIDS 2015 (SECOND EDITION) is on sale on Amazon!