EVENTS IN TUSCANY, SEPTEMBER

'LUCCA SEPTEMBER'

As Pisa is in June, so Lucca is in September - a place taken back in time with the middle-ages returned and the atmosphere one of festivity. There are special concerts, markets, shows, exhibitions and processions, with the undoubted highlight being the Luminaria di Santa Croce on the night of the 13th. The centre of Lucca is lit by torch and candlelight alone and there is an enormous procession, largely in period costume, with music, the famous flag-juggling, and the return of Lucchesi from the world over. The procession starts at the church of San Frediano (at 8.00 PM) and proceeds to the cathedral of San Martino to celebrate the Volto Santo.

VINARIA WINE FESTIVAL, LATE AUGUST/EARLY SEPTEMBER

Held in the small town of Montecarlo near Lucca, this annual wine fair/festival is becoming bigger each year. Local growers and winemakers present their wines with abundant opportunities for tasting. Also plenty of other local produce and wares, exhibitions and presentations.

MONTHLY MARKETS/FAIRS

LUCCA has a large antiques market (centred around Piazza San Giusto and Piazza Antelminelli) on the third Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month. There is also a craft fair, again in and around Piazza San Giusto, on the last Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month.

AREZZO has an enormous antiques market on the first Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of every month, centred around Piazza Grande and Piazza Vasari.

FLORENCE has its antique market on the last Sunday of every month in Piazza dei Ciompi.

AREZZO, FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

More mediaeval custom and costume, this time in Arezzo, with the ancient Giostra di Saracino. Jousting, marching and costumed processions. A 'replay' of the June event.

FLORENCE - FESTA DELLA RIFICOLONA, 7TH & 8TH

The 'Festival of the Lanterns' is said to be one of Florence's oldest festivals, and has its origins in the most important farmers market of the year, held in the Piazza of SS Annunziata. The farmers and their families would get up very early, put on their Sunday-best and walk to Florence by the light of candles held in tissue-paper lanterns on the end of poles. The sophisticated Florentines would mock the dull yokels attempt at elegance and the children would make their own brightly coloured lanterns and follow along, jeering and whistling.
Today, the night of the 7th sees the children off Florence running through the streets with their rificolone, and there are street parties, theatre and a huge market in the square.

SEPTEMBER INTO OCTOBER - VENDEMMIA

Throughout Tuscany it is time for harvesting the grapes. These last few weeks are crucial - too much rain and a years work can rot on the vine, and the balance is a tricky one - if the weather is good then it is tempting to wait until well into October to get the extra sun. Most picking is still done by hand, with only a few of the large estates in Chianti using machines to pick. It is very much all hands to the deck once the decision has been made and it is the tradition to have a communal feast once the grapes are in.
Click here for an introduction to the wines of Tuscany.