Festivals and Events in The Surroundings

June

Historical re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Trasimeno - Tuoro
In the first half of June, Tuoro sul Trasimeno plays host to the historical re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Trasimeno; the battle was fought in 217 b.C. and saw the Carthaginian army led by Hannibal defeat the Romans under consul Gaius Flaminius. Reconstructed campsites, battle simulations as well as reconstructions of family-life in Roman times will give you a unique insight into this historic event.

Giostra del Saracino - Arezzo
The Giostra del Saracino, held in Arezzo on the second to last Saturday in June, is a medieval jousting tournament featuring costume parades, propitiatory dinners, flag-throwing events and much more that takes place in the unique scenery of the Piazza Grande.

Archidado - Cortona
During the first week of June, the old town turns into the backdrop for a medieval reenactement with crossbow-shooting contests, costume parades, medieval banquets as well as flag-throwing and sword-fighting games.

Palio dei Rioni - Castiglion Fiorentino
Held on the third Sunday of June, this event consists in a horse race run on a tura track specially laid on the Piazza Garibaldi. Days before the race, the three riva come alive with propitiatory dinners, entertainment events as well as musician and flag-throwing contests.

Infiorata - Spello
During the Infiorata, held annually on Corpus Christi Day, the streets of Spello are lined with carpets and paintings entirely made from flower petals to honour the consecrated host as it is carried through the streets in the traditional Corpus Christi procession.

August

Festa dei Barbari - Castel Rigone
Held in Castel Rigone in the first week of August, the Festa dei Barbari is a charming historical re-enactment involving processions in gothic costumes as well as demonstrations of old medieval trades along the narrow streets of the village.

Cortona On The Move - Cortona
From late July throughout September, Cortona is home to an international photography festival hosting several exhibitions, events, workshops and portfolio readings.

Sagra della bistecca - Cortona
Held in Cortona on August 14 and 15, the Sagra della bistecca is a celebrated gastronomic event where people gather to taste succulent Chianina beef-steaks

Palio di Siena
Held in Siena on August 16 in honour of the “Madonna dell’Assunta”, the “Palio di Siena” is a bare-back horse race run around the spectacular shell-shaped Piazza del Campo by riders representing the seventeen city neighbourhoods (contrade).

Sagra del Fungo Porcino - Cortona
held in Cortona over the weekend following “Ferragosto” (an Italian public holiday held on August 15), the Sagra del Fungo Porcino will give you the opportunity to taste delicious dishes prepared with mushrooms from the local hills.

Festa della Padella - Passignano
Held in Passignano in the last week of August, the Festa della Padella is a fish festival that will give you the opportunity to taste excellent fish dishes as well as delicious fried fish cooked in the world’s largest frying pan.

Bravio delle Botti - Montepulciano
Held in Montepulciano on the last Sunday of August, the Bravio delle Botti is a traditional competition in which the eight town districts (contrade) challenge each other in a barrel rolling contest through the steep streets of the town to win a cloth bearing the image of the town’s patron Saint.