Words by Pat Eggleton
Here is a selection of some of the best events in Tuscany during summer.
The Tuscan Sun Festival
Cortona, 30th July – 6th August
The Tuscan Sun Festival was the inspiration of the impresario Barrett Wiseman and Russian cellist Nina Kortova, who are regular visitors and part-time residents of the area. They wanted to stage an annual music event in a warm, welcoming atmosphere and in 2003, along with Frances Mayes, author of “Under the Tuscan Sun”, they founded the Tuscan Sun Festival. It was, in fact, Mayes who suggested the town of Cortona (Arezzo province), with its intimate Teatro Signorelli, as the venue.
The event brings together music, art, literature, film, local culture, well-being events and food and wine. World-class concerts take place at the Teatro Signorelli and this year Sting and his wife Trudie Styler will appear together in “Twin Spirits” , a work about the composer Robert Schumann and his wife Clara Wieck. There will also be an opera gala and a ballet gala featuring stars of the American Ballet. Visual artist Daze will be creating art works in public space during the festival and there will even be workshops where you can create your own fresco.
Booking information is on the Festival website.
Giostra dell’Orso – Joust of the Bear
Pistoia, 25th July
Don’t worry – it’s not a real bear! The joust takes place in the evening after a procession in honour of St James, the patron saint of the town. Its origins are obscure but it probably goes back to the traditions of an ancient “palio” [ceremonial horse race]. Twelve men dressed as knights and bearing medieval names take part and their task is to hit two bear-shaped targets with their lances to fanfares and drum rolls. The bear is the heraldic symbol of Pistoia. This event is the highlight of the “luglio pistoiese”, a month-long festival of fairs, sagre [food festivals] and other events in Pistoia Province.
Website.
Volterra AD 1398
Volterra, 15th – 22nd August
For this event the historic centre of Volterra turns into a fourteenth century city on a feast day. The streets are peopled with knights, craftsmen, performing artists and medieval tradesmen and you can stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere as well as buying the merchants’ wares.
In the Parco Archeologico E. Fiumi, to the backdrop of the Medici fortress, you can gather with the townsfolk to see medieval soldiers in their tents, learn about their weapons and war machines and watch duels being fought. You can also purchase refreshments at a medieval tavern and meet some simple “medieval” country folk.
Website.
