1st May in Tuscany

The weekend of 1st May is the traditional spring weekend in Italy, and this is the best time for a trip to Tuscany, thanks to the good weather and the events organized here.

Anghiari -Arezzo

In Anghiari (Arezzo) you'll find the Handicraft fair , organized by the dall'Ente Mostra Valtiberina inTuscany, which is among the best know in central Italy: visitors can have a good look at the local handicraft produced in the area Val Tiberina, with many stands belonging to different sectors and crafts, from Antique's to the iron's working, from pottery to goldsmiths and precious stones, from fabric to leather, one of the main resources of the territory. The exhibit is a sort of exchange fair: art, handicraft and traditions meet here, in this charming village, surrounded by wonderful landscapes.

Antique's fair - Arezzo

The Antique's fair (aka Antique's market. i.e. Mercato dell'Antiquariato ) takes place in Arezzo, along the main streets of the city centre and on the main square (Piazza Grande): this is the main Antique's fair in Tuscany, it's a monthly event which attracts crowds of visitors. You can find jewels, glass, fabrics, furniture, chinaware, watches, sculptures, paintings, objects in iron or copper. Near the stands the Antique's shops of Arezzo display their precious, selected works, a real goldmine for every collector and enthusiast: furniture, paintings, jewels, watches, books and old printings, modern art, radios, gramophones, musical instruments.

Exchange fair of Mugello - Firenze

Sports fans can visit the 7th "Exchange fair of Mugello", on the racetrack of Mugello by Scrperia (Fi), with the car rally dedicate to the old-timer FIAT 500 and similar cars, with a car parade and ability tests on the track. The exhibit is of course mainly dedicated to all Fiat 500's fans and in general to everybody interested in old-timers, but it is open to the public and everybosy can enjoy the view of these cars which represent a piece of Italian history as well, thanks to the 500 Italy actually started up on four wheels and began its journey towards modernity .

Feast of Ciambellino– Siena

If you are nearby Rigomagno, a small medieval village in the municipality of Sinalunga (Siena), you can visit the Feast of Ciambellino . According an old tradition people used to get together on the streets of the village during the Sunday after Easter, called "in albis", in order to chat, inviting friends and relatives home to have a drink and a cake, and so a group of young people decided to enhance the typical Easter cake, the Ciambellino. That's how the Feast of Ciambellino was, and since 1968 it has taken place every Sunday after Easter. The ciambellino is a cake shaped like a doughnut, with a diameter of about 20 cm., it has always played an important role on the typical Easter's breakfast in Valdichiana and on the following days. Its shape actually recalls Jesus Christ's crown of thorns, while the dough, rich of eggs and yeast, is a symbol of spring's fertility. The ingredients are simple and tasty, according to the tradition: eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla, butter, liqueur, aniseeds, oil, grated lemon and orange, yeast. It is usually baked in the wood stove, for a better taste. It is usually accompanied by a good Vinsanto (a sweet white dessert wine). The day starts at 10 with the Mass and the blessing on the ciambellino, but the feast reaches its climax at 15.00 in the afternoon, when everybody comes to the main square to try this cake, and later there are dances and songs. At 20.00 people have dinner inside the rooms of the association, a house which has been restored following the bio architecture's principles. During the feast you'll find stands where you can sample the ciambellino baked on the square, or listen to popular music and play popular games. Of course you can also visit the town, a real peaceful oasis. .

Medieval Pescia– Pistoia

The whole town of Pescia, in the province of Pistoia, is absorbed in a peculiar atmosphere from dawn till dusk,, with street shows, medieval costumes, while Ladies and Knights take a stroll. This is the setting of Medieval Pescia : every town district is decorated with different colors, belonging to the 4 city quarters (Ferraia, San Francesco, San Michele, Santa Maria) where shows with music, sword fighting and street performances with flag flyers will take place. Furthermore you'll find old taverns and inns where you can taste typical food and drinks. Laboratories for medieval clothing, medicine, food, cosmetics and numismatics are organized too.