Events

Although events usually take place around the same time each year, it is essential to ask or look on the web for current dates and locations.

Check opening times and days. Museums and Art galleries are often closed on Mondays.

Re-enactments
The Italians are excellent at producing enactments of all types. The costumes and music are carefully chosen and there are often animals, jousts, archery or simply spectacles to keep you amused. Food and wine is usually involved.

There always seems to be some entertainment in the villages and towns in the immediate area of Cortona especially during the religious festivals and the summer. Around the Whit period, there is a enactment lasting a few days in Cortona which includes a procession, medieval wedding ceremony and Archidado (medieval archery contest). There are similar events throughout the summer in one town or another. The websites of the towns usually give information but posters pasted on the local trees and walls offer the most knowledge of these local events. As the old rivalries still exist between towns, each advertises its own festivals and events so don't expect one to give information about others in the same area.

Cortona on the Move is held in summer where a variety of venues each hold a photgraphic/art exhibition.

Arezzo has an impressive enactment, the Giostra del Saraceno, in June and the first weekend in September. There is an international choral festival in Arezzo in the early part of September.

Perugia is famous for music and holds a very large jazz festival during the summer.

The nearby hamlet of Farneta holds a re-enactment of the Easter Story each year. It is organised solely by the community but the music, lighting, script and costumes are of a professional standard. The enactment starts in the church and passes through the only street stopping at significant points in the story (see photo).

Steak BBQThe steak festival held in Cortona mid-August celebrates the Val di Chiana beef (photo below left)

Siena Palio - The medieval horse race takes place on 3 consecutive evenings, twice a year, at 7.30. The main races are held approx July 2nd and August 13th. It is easy to see either of the 2 evening shows that are held prior to the final. The three evening shows are identical. Check dates. Footage from the 2007 Palio appears in the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. 

Music
There is usually a music concert somewhere in or near Cortona. Details are posted on the web nearer the time. Most towns have some sort of music festival during the summer. Perugia, famous for music, has an important jazz festival in the summer.