04, February 2015: While it’s a wonderful place to explore at any time of the year, specialist travel experts say for those planning a trip to Tuscany, holidays that coincide with a major event or celebration adds an extra dimension to the experience of a visit to this delightful region of Italy.
As would be expected, the majority of the high-profile events take place during the summer months, but not a month goes by without some kind of festival in Tuscany. Holidays at any time of the year can allow visitors to join in the fun at any number of religious or celebratory events, and they may actually be able to attend more than one.
Here are three events recommended by renowned Italian travel specialists Cottages to Castles, which are scheduled for the upcoming months.
Festa della Mazza di S.Biagio — Sinalunga (February 3rd)
Combining two of the most important things to Italians — food and faith — the Festa della Mazza di S.Biagio (Festival of the Staff of St. Blaise) is held in the village of Sinalunga. The event signifies both a religious rite and the blessing of the traditional ‘mazza’ — rustic bread made from baked eggs and grain flour. Along with the music, food and dancing, local flag throwers (the sbandieratori) make their way through the streets to much fanfare. It is a colourful and joyous celebration in which visitors are encouraged to participate.
Giornata del Ritorno — San Gimignano (Sunday after March 12th)
While visiting the town that has been referred to as ‘The Manhattan of Tuscany’ is an experience in and of itself, those travellers who take the opportunity to attend this festival on their Tuscany holidays are in for a very authentic treat. While it is a biennial event, occurring only in even-numbered years, it is meaningful and quite unique in its themes. Translated as ‘the day of the return’, the occasion is a nostalgic and emotive celebration of locals who have emigrated elsewhere and meet back in San Gimignano to reconnect.
Palio dei Somari — Torrita de Siena (Sunday after March 19th)
Not quite the world famous Palio, but certainly a decent imitation, the Palio dei Somari is taken every bit as seriously as its counterpart by the locals of the village — but instead of racing pedigree horses, they race on donkeys! Just as Siena is divided into ‘contradas’ (distinctly separate districts within the city), Torrita de Siena divided into eight fiercely loyal districts — all of which are represented by a jockey and donkey. Before the race, there is a colourful procession of locals in the traditional costumes of their contradas, as well as displays of drumming and the famous Italian sport of ‘sbandieratori’.
Experts say those planning Tuscany holidays around the time of any of these (or any other) events should book early as festivals and religious celebrations are popular attractions for tourists coming to the area.
About Cottages to Castles:
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