Events

ALL EVENTS…MONTH BY MONTH

JANUARY

Twelfth Night in Castiglione della Pescaia

During the Christmas period, from mid-December to Twelfth Night, the events organised in Castiglione della Pescaia involve the whole town.
We start with the traditional Christmas markets where you will find interesting ideas for presents, and continue with theatre performances and firework displays, reading of Christmas stories in the square, as well as “notti bianche” with shops open until late at night, raffles, concerts and – for children – the chance to meet Santa Claus and the Befana dispensing gifts.

FEBRUARY

Feast of Saint Guglielmo in Vetulonia

The first Sunday after the 10th of February is the Feast of Saint Guglielmo, and on this occasion the Sagra della Cialda, a typical local sweet, is organised.
In the early afternoon there is a procession to celebrate the Saint starting from the small church; participants carry a relic of the saint (a thumb), weapons, banner and a painting showing the votive image.

APRIL

Feast of Saint Guglielmo in Buriano

Every year, on the second Sunday after Easter, in Buriano, Saint Guglielmo, the patron saint of Castiglione della Pescaia, is celebrated.
The congregation meets for a fascinating procession which goes from Buriano to the Romitorio of San Guglielmo, outside the village.
On this occasion, the “pianeta” is carried from the farm “La Badiola”; it is a fabric with gold quilting which was donated by the Grand-duchess of Tuscany, Maria Antonietta, to commemorate her fall from a horse.

MAY

Feast of San Guglielmo in Tirli

The first Sunday in May is the feast of Saint Guglielmo.
The congregation meets for a historical procession with the Saint’s relics, which are kept in the Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo.

JULY

Feast of Sant’Anna in Tirli

The 27th of July is the feast of Saint Anna, dedicated to harvesters.
Also on this occasion the congregation meets for a procession at the Eremo di Sant’Anna, outside the village, and after Mass the celebrations begin.

Theme Wining and Dining Events in Castiglione della Pescaia

Enthusiasts of festivals in Maremma should remember that – throughout the summer – in Castiglione della Pescaia there are wining and dining events dedicated to typical food from the region, including fish, tortelli (stuffed pasta) and plenty more.
These events take place in the Casa Mora area, near the baseball pitch, and are often accompanied by live music: an excellent opportunity to savour local delicacies and for an entertaining evening in good company.

Wining and dining events in Tirli

In Tirli, a hamlet near Castiglione della Pescaia, several wining and dining events are organized throughout the summer, accompanied by live music like all other festivals in Maremma.

Wining and dining events in Buriano

Also in Buriano there is an excellent opportunity for Maremma festival enthusiasts: throughout the summer, in Buriano, several gastronomy events are organized, with local specialities and live music.

Festival of Tortello and local cuisine in Vetulonia

In July and August it’s time for the Festival of Tortello and local cuisine.
An unmissable event for gourmets and Maremma cuisine enthusiasts

AUGUST

Festa del Mare in Castiglione della Pescaia

On the 14th and 15th of August, in Castiglione della Pescaia, the Festa del Mare (Sea Festival) takes place, with religious and folklore elements merging for an event which is very much in the heart of the locals and appreciated by tourists who are fascinated by these rituals.
It all starts on the evening of the 14th with a procession, leaving from the Church of Santa Maria Goretti with all religious, civil, military dignitaries and the labara of the five boroughs, the rowers of the Palio Marinaro with oars bearing the colours of the crews, and the young godmothers. The small boat with the statue of the Virgin Mary is also carried along the roads of the town before reaching the east pier, from where the procession continues in the water.
At that point a large circle of light is created with fishing boats and other small craft to accompany the Virgin Mary on her sea journey.
The 15th of August, on the other hand, is the day of the Palio Marinaro with the five boroughs of Castello, Portaccia, Piazza, Marina and Ponte challenging each other in an exciting 2,100-metre race on the river Bruna aboard launches with oars in a quest for the prestigious prize.
This event is always long-awaited, suffice it to say that it has been taking place for as many as 50 years!
To wrap up the night, everyone goes to the beach for the firework display and to celebrate Ferragosto together.

Palla eh! Tournament in Vetulonia

The last weekend in August is the time of the “Palla eh!” Tournament.
It’s a favourite sport in Vetulonia, which has participated in dozens of tournaments as historical contestant.
The origins of this game are very ancient; it is apparently a tradition passed on from one generation to the next, which supposedly dates back to games played by the ancient Romans. Its rules are similar to those of tennis, as are the scores: you must hit the ball with one hand and make sure that it does not bounce more than once on the court.
In towns and villages in Tuscany there is no dedicated “ground” for this sport: it is played on the streets or in the squares, which is what makes it especially attractive for visitors.

Theme Wining and Dining Events in Castiglione della Pescaia

Throughout the summer – in Castiglione della Pescaia there are wining and dining events dedicated to typical food from the region, including fish, tortelli (stuffed pasta) and plenty more.
These events take place in Casa Mora, near the baseball ground, and are often accompanied by live music: an excellent opportunity to savour local delicacies and for an entertaining evening in good company.

Wining and dining events in Tirli

During the summer in Tirli, a hamlet near Castiglione della Pescaia, several wining and dining festivals are oganised, accompanied by live music.

Wining and dining events in Buriano

During the summer in Buriano several wining and dining events with typical products are organised, accompanied by live music.

SEPTEMBER

Palio delle Contrade – La corsa dei ciuchi a Vetulonia

The first Sunday in September is the day of the Palio delle Contrade – La corsa dei ciuchi.
It is a traditional race between donkeys from the four districts of Vetulonia (Borgo, Torre, San Guglielmo and Colonna).
During the days before the actual race there is a religious celebration and procession in honour of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio.
The next day you have the traditional blessing of the Palio, with Standard-bearers and Captains accompanied by drummers to the Church of Santi Simone e Giuda. Snare drummers escort the jockeys who reach the square with their donkeys. The winner from the previous year’s race is the first to go in.
This is the most spectacular part because you have comparse in spending period costumes made by the citizens of Vetulonia.
At the end of the preliminary rounds the prize is awarded to the winning borough, followed by celebrations at the Casa del Popolo.
This is a traditional festival which takes place every year and always brings to mind ancient atmospheres full of charm, which fascinate us because they bring back rites and traditions from the old farming world.

NOVEMBER

Oil festival in Vetulonia

On the second Sunday in November: Oil Festival with the possibility of tastings and ancient mills on display; in Vetulonia alone there were 11 of them!

DECEMBER

Christmas events in Castiglione della Pescaia

During the Christmas period, from mid-December to Twelfth Night, the events organised in Castiglione della Pescaia involve the whole town.
We start with the traditional Christmas markets where you will find interesting ideas for presents, and continue with theatre performances and firework displays, reading of Christmas stories in the square, as well as “notti bianche” with shops open until late at night, raffles, concerts and – for children – the chance not to be missed to meet Santa Claus and the Befana dispensing gifts.