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Palio Marinaro of Argentario (Tuscany)

5 ideas for spending Ferragosto in Tuscany

Mid-August events not to be missed

Tuscany at Ferragosto (August 15th) is not just about the sea and beach parties: there are lots of original and fun things to do on these hot days. Let's discover the unmissable events and some really exciting surprises together!

Contents
  • 1.
    Bruscello Poliziano
  • 2.
    Giostra del Saracino in Sarteano
  • 3.
    Palio Marinaro in Porto Santo Stefano
  • 4.
    Apritiborgo in Campiglia Marittima
  • 5.
    Vintage Festival in Castiglion Fiorentino
1.

Bruscello Poliziano

Bruscello Poliziano in Montepulciano
Bruscello Poliziano in Montepulciano

An event that has been held in Montepulciano since 1939: on the day of Ferragosto, Piazza Grande is transformed into a large auditorium and the Cathedral churchyard becomes a stage where actors and musicians perform. 
The texts and staging of the play are entrusted to the Compagnia dei Bruscellanti, a folk theater company, which chooses the plot depending on the time of year and the most topical subjects.
This performance varies from time to time, in a continuous exchange between epic drama and farce, scenes from everyday life, real events and folk traditions.

1.

Giostra del Saracino in Sarteano

Saracen Joust in Sarteano
Saracen Joust in Sarteano

For lovers of historical reenactments, there is nothing better than watching the Saracen Joust on the day of Ferragosto in Sarteano: a challenge on horseback of medieval origin in which five districts try to defeat a wooden statue, the enemy Saracen. 
The challenge is preceded by a very impressive costume parade.

1.

Palio Marinaro in Porto Santo Stefano

Palio Marinaro in Porto Santo Stefano
Palio Marinaro in Porto Santo Stefano

...and for those lucky enough to be on vacation in the beautiful waters of the Argentario, the Palio Marinaro, a rowing race between the four districts in the town of Porto Santo Stefano, is not to be missed.
Events already begin the week before, but the most eagerly-awaited moment is the actual challenge: on the day of Ferragosto, after the parade of the districts, the competition kicks off.  The crews are made up of a helmsman and four rowers who have to travel ten times the four-hundred-meter distance between two buoys, making five turns offshore and four turns ashore.

1.

Apritiborgo in Campiglia Marittima

Apritiborgo in Campiglia Marittima
Apritiborgo in Campiglia Marittima - Credit: Apriti Borgo on Facebook

The beautiful setting of Campiglia Marittima, a medieval village on the Etruscan Coast, opens its doors in the month of August to the Apritiborgo festival of theater and street arts, with events and shows scattered throughout the historic center.
The event combines shows and local culinary tradition and the final evening is on Ferragosto.

1.

Vintage Festival in Castiglion Fiorentino

Vintage Festival
Vintage Festival

For those who want to travel back in time and experience the legendary atmosphere of the 1950s and 60s for a few hours, in Castiglion Fiorentino, the Vintage Festival takes place during the week of Ferragosto.
The historic village center takes on a new life, with vintage cars and motorcycles on display along the streets and vintage markets, live music and dance performances in the squares.
An interesting Vintage Market will also be set up along the streets of the village center and more than 100 artists will be performing.

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