Summer
Luminara, Regatta and Battle of the Bridge - Pisa
A firework display and candle procession celebrating Saint Ranieri, the patron saint of Pisa;  this festival in June lasts a week and culminates in the 'Push of War' contest and costume procession though the city.

Calcio Storico Fiorentino - Florence
Florence celebrates its patron Saint, Saint John the Baptist in a colourful historical parade with fireworks and sporting events in June.  Sports, such as soccer and wrestling are contested whilst in 16th century costume as the traditional four neighbourhoods of Florence compete for the whole 'Chianina' calf.

Palio di Siena - Siena
This colourful horse race around Siena's main square Piazza del Campon, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  Costumes; feasts and parades are celebrated in July and August.

Pistoia Blues Festival, Giostra dell'Orso - Pistoia
Pistoia is synonymous with the Blues!  It draws international artists to the Pistoa Blues Festival in July and performances take place in it's main square.

Another wonderful event in Pistoia in July is the Giostra dell'Orso; a celebration in honour of Saint James.  This magical festival culminates in its heraldic medieval jousting tournament involving 12 knights and follows a magnificent procession which is the highlight of the town's Luglio Pistoiese festival.

Autumn/Winter
Giostra del Saracino - Arezzo
Arezzo hosts the second of its bi-annual good old-fashioned medieval jousting tournaments in September.

Palio della Balestra - Sansepolcro
Antique weapons, medieval costume and Palio della Balestra (crossbow contest) are the order of the day in September as the crossbowmen of Gubbio visit the town for a rematch.

Display of the Virgin's Girdle - Prato
Prato's most sacred relic, the Virgin Mary's Girdle remains locked away in the Pulpit of the Sacred Girdle which also houses the Agnolo Gaddi's fresco, The Legend of the Holy Girdle (1392-95) which depicts how the girdle arrived in Prato.  However it gets taken out five times a year amid great pomp and ceremony for the crowds that gather in the piazza.  September and Christmas Day are the most special occasions to watch this unique festival.

Epiphany Celebrations
Across all of Tuscany, Roman Catholic Epiphany celebrations are held throughout Italy on January 6. Most of the cities in Tuscany will have celebrations in the main piazzas.

Spring
Carnavale - Viareggio
Viareggio hosts some of the best known and most popular carnival celebrations in Tuscany during the period before Ash Wednesday.  Fireworks, costumes, masked pageants, flower shows and local food and wine allow the Tuscans to indulge before Lent!

Scoppio del Carro - Florence
Easter in Florence marks the Scoppio del Carro; Explosion of the Cart. This event dates back 300 years and an elaborate wagon built in 1622 is dragged through the streets to the piazza between the Baptistry and Cathedral.  The cart follows a oxen decorated in garlands and fireworks explode from the cart with a big bang to ensure a good harvest.  The explosion is at 11.00am and follows the cart's parade through the streets of Florence beforehand.

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino - Florence
Florence hosts the Maggio Musicale from late April through to June.  This classical music fest includes concerts, recitals, opera and ballet and various venues throughout the city.  This is a very popular event and tickets need to be booked in advance.