July is a magnificent month to spend in Tuscany as many festivals take place here during this time of the summer! The first date of the Palio di Siena takes place here on the 2nd July in the city and the second takes place on the 16th August. The entire Piazza del Campo in the city centre is covered in sand and prepared for the high speed horse racing that will take place around it. The different districts of Siena or the contrade each dress in their area colours and ready themselves to race towards victory.
Stay in a beautiful holiday rental in Siena where you can be close to all the action!
Stay in a beautiful holiday rental in Siena where you can be close to all the action!
The prize is the Palio or banner which was made in honour of the Virgin Mary and is paraded through the streets of Siena after the race. After the winner claims his hard earned prize, huge lines of tables laden with delicious food run through the streets of Siena. Locals and visitors come together to eat all these tasty Tuscan delicacies as well as chatter together happily and dance along to lively music. This is truly a magical place to be this time of year!
In the welcoming town of Monteriggioni on the 18th to 20th of July and the 25th to 27th July, one of Italy’s best medieval costume themed festivals takes place! Learn all about what life was like here during the Middle Ages and enjoy listening to the songs being sung and food being served out in the glorious open air. Learn about a fascinating legend of Monteriggioni while you're here too!
In the welcoming town of Monteriggioni on the 18th to 20th of July and the 25th to 27th July, one of Italy’s best medieval costume themed festivals takes place! Learn all about what life was like here during the Middle Ages and enjoy listening to the songs being sung and food being served out in the glorious open air. Learn about a fascinating legend of Monteriggioni while you're here too!
The Giostra dell ‘Orso meaning ‘Joust of the Bear’ in Pistoia is held in honour of St. James, the town’s patron saint. Twelve men dress up as knights and race around a specially prepared track in which two dummies representing bears are stood. It is the night’s task to successfully joust these figures as accurately as possible with his lance in order to win first place.
The apprehensive sound of rolling drums and music are played to heighten the mood as the knights near their target and prepare to strike! The bear was regarded as a beast of Pistoia and so became the unfortunate (albeit dummy) target of this ancient festival.
Why not include a visit to some or all of these thrilling events in Tuscany during the month of July to spice up your holiday plans!
The apprehensive sound of rolling drums and music are played to heighten the mood as the knights near their target and prepare to strike! The bear was regarded as a beast of Pistoia and so became the unfortunate (albeit dummy) target of this ancient festival.
Why not include a visit to some or all of these thrilling events in Tuscany during the month of July to spice up your holiday plans!
Photo credits
picture 1: Roberto Vicario / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Tango7174 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Idéfix / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Roberto Vicario / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Tango7174 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Idéfix / CC BY-SA 3.0
