I absolutely love village fairs and festivals, so I’ll try to explain what they are and what they represent for us Tuscans. I’m sure that with this little guide I’ll whet your appetite, as well as your curiosity to discover a tradition that has lasted for years and will fascinate you, making your trip to Tuscany even more interesting and far from the usual tourist routes.
First of all, let’s start by saying that there’s a difference between: village fair and village festival.
Village Fair
The focus is on food. The typical local product is often tied to the seasonal cycle, the harvest, or ancient farming traditions. Its goal is to showcase the culinary specialties of the area and promote local culture.
If you’ve traveled through Tuscany at least once, you’ve probably seen road signs that say things like: Sagra del Cinghiale (Wild Boar Fair), Sagra della Pappardella, Sagra della Ficattola e del Bombolone, etc.
Well, if I can give you a tip, follow the signs and go! It’ll be one of the tastiest and most fun experiences you can have — because visiting Tuscany also (and especially) means taking part in a village fair.
Village Festival
It can be religious, cultural, or purely recreational. In addition to food, there are often concerts, processions, fireworks (usually on the final evening), dancing, markets, and games between contrade (local districts).
Some examples of village festivals: Wine Festival, Ceramic Festival, Blown Glass Festival, etc.
Speaking of the Wine Festival…
Podere Casanova is located in a small village called Montespertoli, known above all for its excellent wine and olive oil production. One of the most beloved festivals is precisely the Wine Festival, now in its 65th edition!
During the festival, many wine-related events are organized: you’ll find booths from all the local producers and can take part in the famous “Author’s Label” auction, where various wineries ask an artist (usually local) to design a special label. This label is then auctioned off, and the proceeds go to the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence.
The festival lasts 8 days, from Saturday to the following Sunday, and usually begins on the last Saturday of May.
Within the festival, you’ll also find food stands with local products, music, and the famous contrade games. Montespertoli’s historic contrade were created to encourage community participation through cultural and sporting events.
There are 5 contrade: Cappella, Fontanelle, Fornace, Mura, and Pozzo.
Throughout the week, alongside wine tastings, Tuscan street food, music, and markets, the Montespertoli Games take place. Almost all the town’s residents join in!
Over the years, many games have been organized, such as tug of war, human foosball, barrel races, and even theater performances. It’s an event that brings the community together — absolutely not to be missed!
On the final day of the festival, the winning contrada has the honor of raising the historic trophy — a ceramic flask featuring all five contrade — on the Town Hall terrace with the Mayor.
I know, to someone outside the tradition it may seem silly, but for us locals (myself included), it’s a moment of great joy, lightheartedness, and unity.
In short, whether you attend a fair or a village festival, the goal is always the same: to have fun, eat, drink, enjoy good company, and feel like a kid again.
Fairs and festivals take place almost year-round, but the most vibrant periods are from May to July and from September to November.
Below I’ve listed some of my favorites, though I’m sure I couldn’t include them all!
Village Festivals – My Personal Selection
Wine Festival – Montespertoli
Usually held from the last Saturday of May to the following Sunday. Each local farm participates with its own stand: by purchasing a glass, you can taste wines from the Montespertoli area, a local excellence. There are also food stands, music, contrada games, and much more.
Medieval Festival – Malmantile
Generally held from the last Saturday of May over the following three weekends. A fascinating event that transports visitors to a medieval atmosphere: the village comes alive with artisan markets, jesters, musicians, dancers, and historical reenactments. Medieval games and activities for children make it a family-friendly experience.
Medieval Festival – Monteriggioni “Monteriggioni crowned with towers”
From July 4 to 6, 2025. This charming village transforms into a true medieval stage with historical reenactments, performances, markets, and traditional dishes. Visitors can enjoy costume parades, knight battles, and shows with jesters and dancers.
Medieval Festival – Volterra
From August 10 to 17, 2025. One of the most captivating historical reenactments in Italy: the city completely immerses itself in the Middle Ages, offering a unique immersive experience.
Glass Festival – Montelupo Fiorentino (La Torre hamlet)
Usually held in early July. Celebrates the ancient glassmaking tradition with exhibitions, workshops, and art installations.
Mercantia – Certaldo Alto
From July 16 to 20, 2025. One of the most famous street theatre festivals in Italy and Europe. The medieval village becomes an open-air stage with performances, street artists, and unique atmospheres.
Isabella de’ Medici’s Night – Cerreto Guidi
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July. The historic center turns into a Renaissance village with over 600 costumed performers, dance shows, duels, fire performances, and traditional food from the period.
Flight of the Donkey – Empoli
Usually in June. Celebrates the donkey with parades, games, music, and folklore.
Beat Festival – Empoli
Between late August and early September. A music event hosting artists from various genres, with concerts, workshops, street food, and a lively atmosphere.
Rock Un Monte – Montespertoli
From July 4 to 6, 2025. Rock festival with local and national bands, food stands, and craft markets. A great chance to enjoy music outdoors.
Unicorn Festival – Vinci
From July 11 to 13, 2025. A magical event dedicated to the fantasy world, with themed markets, shows, and attractions. A true paradise for families and enthusiasts.
Musicastrada Festival – San Miniato
From July 11 to August 3, 2025. A traveling festival bringing quality music to the most beautiful villages, featuring artists from around the world.
Effetto Venezia – Livorno
From July 30 to August 3, 2025. Over 160 events including concerts, theatre, exhibitions, and art installations animate the Venezia district.
Lucca Comics & Games
From October 29 to November 2, 2025. The largest European festival dedicated to comics, manga, cosplay, games, fantasy, anime, and pop culture. The city completely transforms.
Palio
Palio di Siena
On July 2 and August 16, 2025, preceded by three days of events: the “tratta” (horse assignment), trial runs, historical parades. Unmissable!
Palio di Fucecchio
Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Palio di Cerreto Guidi
Saturday, September 6, 2025. A historical reenactment in Renaissance costumes in front of the splendid Medici Villa.
Rowing Palio – Limite sull’Arno
Monday, September 8, 2025. Historic regatta on the Arno river, with neighborhood games, parades, live music, and food stalls.
Local Food Festivals – My Picks
Pizza and Fresh Pasta Festival – Montelupo Fiorentino
From June 26 to 29 and July 3 to 6, 2025. Two Italian specialties take center stage in a delicious food event.
Country Festival – Sammontana (Montelupo)
Last weekends of June and July. Traditional Tuscan cuisine with steak, grilled ribs, bread soup, fried dough (ficattole), and more.
Brioche and Gelato Festival – San Pancrazio (Montespertoli)
From June 28 to 30 and July 5 to 7, 2025. A delicious combination of brioche and artisan gelato.
Fried Flower Festival – La Serra (San Miniato)
Dinner only: May 31, June 1 and 7; lunch only: June 2 and 8. Dishes include pasta with zucchini flowers, fried chops, and Tuscan desserts.
Strawberry Festival – Terricciola
May 3–4 and 10–11, 2025. Fresh strawberries, local wines, markets, music, and strawberry-based desserts.
Cherry Festival – Lari
May 24–25, May 31, and June 1–2, 2025. One of the oldest and most renowned festivals in Tuscany.
Fish Festival – Bassa
Between late June and early July. Fried seafood, clam spaghetti, and many other seafood specialties.
Tortello and Prugnolo Mushroom Festival – Lago Viola (Vicchio)
From April 5 to May 11. Handmade tortelli and prugnolo mushrooms, along with Florentine steak and wild boar stew.
Bread Soup Festival – Massarella (Fucecchio)
Mid-July. Bread soup, live music, and fun.
Pappardelle Festival – Montespertoli
Dedicated to pappardelle with wild boar ragù and other traditional sauces.
These are just some of the many festivals and fairs that light up Tuscany in the summer.
What are you waiting for? Book a trip and dive into our traditions – with minstrels, delicious food, live music, and tons of fun!
I’ll be waiting for you as always at Podere Casanova.
