Some summer events in Pisa

(Teatro del Silenzio, photo by Sunny)

I have just received the newsletter from the tourist office in Pisa with a list of some of the events that will liven up the city and its territory! The list is not exhaustive but these should be the main events.

Volterra: The Leaning Tower in Alabaster

From April 20 to December 31, 2011
Visitors can admire the extraordinary alabaster copy of the Leaning Tower of Pisa at the Sala Ex Ospedale Civile in Piazza San Giovanni in Volterra. The sculpture is 2.4m tall and has been created by the members of the Arte in Bottega craftsmen’s guild. The statue is a unique masterpiece which displays the outstanding skillfulness of the alabaster craftsmen in Volterra and an exceptional attention to detail.
www.torrependenteinalabastro.com

A Night at the Spa

San Giuliano Terme, May 5-12-19-26, 2011
From 8pm until midnight: thermal pools, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation areas, aperitifs and light snacks for an exclusive and unusual evening. 35 euros per person. Reservation is required.
www.bagnidipisa.com

Maggio in Musica

Calci, May 6-13-20-27, 2011
The Propositura di Calci, Stefano Messerini music school, the Corale Santa Cecilia, the Filarmonica G. Verdi, with the sponsorship of the Town Council of Calci and of the Unità Pastorale della Valgraziosa, present “Maggio in Musica”: a series of concerts held in Calci at the ancient Romanesque Pieve (May 6 and 27 at 9:15pm) and at the Valgraziosa Theatre (May13 and 20, at 9:15pm).
Entrance is free.
Info:
almanaccodicalci.blogspot.com

A Walk in the Italian Risorgimento

Pontedera, Montopoli in Val d’Arno, Santa Maria a Monte, Sunday May 15, 2011
A walk through historical landmarks in the Pisan Valdarno to discover the mansions which once belonged to some of the protagonists of the Italian Risorgimento. The walk celebrates the 150th anniversary of the unification of the country.
Program:

• 2pm – Departure from the parking lot of the Cineplex complex in Pontedera
• 2.30pm – Montecastello: arrival at the Villa Torrigiani-Malaspina
• 4.00pm – Le Pianora: arrival at the Villa Mayer-Passerin d’Entreves-Scaramucci
• 5.00pm – Marti: arrival at the Villa Majnoni-Baldovinetti
• 6.00pm – Varramista: arrival at Villa Capponi-Farinola-Piaggio (complimentary wine tasting offered by the Varramista winery)

Return to Pontedera between 7.30 and 8.00 pm.
Dinner in the Italian Risorgimento Style
Those who wish to experience a dinner as it would have been at the time of the Italian Risorgomento can join us at the club Il Cavatappi (30 € per person). This walk is made possible by the kindness of the present owners of the historic buildings mentioned who have enthusiastically agreed to open their homes to visitors.
Reservation is required.
Max number of participants: 80
Price for the walk: 10 € to be paid in cash before departure.
Transportation between the various stops of the tour is provided by the City Councils of Pontedera and Santa Maria a Monte.
Info and reservations:
Centro per l’Arte Otello Cirri
Tel. 0587 57282 (from Monday to Friday 10am-12pm)

Festa del Parco

Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, from May 19 to 29, 2011
11 days rich in events aimed at promoting the Regional Parks of the region and their wildlife and vegetation.
www.parcosanrossore.org

Cortelandia

Castelfranco di Sotto, Saturday May 21, 2011
Two days of walks in the heart of the Cerbaie, through fields and woodlands, on easy trails marked by boards made by the pupils of the local schools and serviced by kiosks serving refreshments.

• Saturday, 21 May: Guided walk through the fields of Villa Campanile and along the ancient trail of the via Francigena (Galleno).
• Sunday 22 May: Guided walk in the forest of Serradigo-Macchione to the eco-museum at Macchione in Orentano.
• On Saturday night participants can participate in a “veglia” (vigil).
• Related events:
• Saturday 21: walk in the oasis of carnivorous plants (ex opera Landini) in Fucecchio (Fi).
• Sunday 22: show dedicated to Tree Climbing and to the use of donkeys for the transportation of firewood, S. Maria a Monte (PI).
• Saturday 21 and Sunday 22: playing in nature: the Robinson Park, S. Croce sull’Arno (PI).

All events are free of charge.
Length of the walks: from 9.00am to 8.00pm
Departure: Villa Campanile, Orentano and Galleno.
Refreshments are not included.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for hiking.
Info:
Consorzio Forestale delle Cerbaie
Tel. 0583 23006; cell. 334 8027631;  fax. 0583 238834
cfc@consorzioforestalecerbaie.it – www.consorzioforestalecerbaie.it

Mangialonga

Pontedera, Sunday May 22, 2011
La Mangia… longa (play on words with the words marcia, march, and mangia, to eat, in marcialonga, marcelónghe) is a long walk dedicated to the local food and drinks. The walk will take participants through hills and villages in the Pontedera area.
Participants will depart from the Valdera Equitazione “Lo Scoiattolo” horseback riding center, will stop in Treggiaia at the Church of the Madonna di Ripaia and in Montecastello and then will return to “Lo Scoiattolo”.
At each one of these destinations participants will taste a traditional dish so that by the end of the walk they will have had a full meal accompanied by local wines of the Valdera region.
Moreover, at 9.30am it is possible to participate in the event “Aspettando la Mangia….longa – L’appetito vien camminando…” (literally, “waiting for the Mangia…longa – Appetite grows with eating”), a short 5km walk in the hills around Treggiaia (also starting from the Lo Scoiattolo Centre).
Meeting point: “Lo Scoiattolo” di Treggiaia, a large parking lot is available.
Departures: 11.20am, 11.40am, 12.00pm, 12.20pm, 12.40 pm (groups of max 100 people)
Fee:
Adults € 20,00. Children (6 to 10 y.o.) € 10,00. Children of 5 y.o.and younger: free of charge.
Reservations are accepted from 4 April to 14 May.
Info:
Ufficio Turistico Pontedera
tel. 0587 53354
ufficioturistico@comune.pontedera.pi.it – www.comune.pontedera.pi.it

Palio dei Barchini

Castelfranco di Sotto, Sunday May 29, 2011
The tradition of the Palio dei Barchini con le ruote (literally, the Palio of small boats on wheels) stems from the desire to revive the old rivalry among the local sandmen who, on important occasions, used to compete on their small boats in the river Arno. The present palio, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a modern recreation of the old challenge and it is held on unique “boats on wheels” “sailed” by two rowers… on the road.
Each boat represents one of the four village neighbourhoods or contrada (San Pietro a Vigesimo, San Michele in Caprugnana, San Bartolomeo a Paterno and San Martino in Catiana), named after the churches of the four ancient medieval hamlets.
The Palio takes place in the afternoon and is preceded in the morning by a parade in period costume with musicians, flag wavers and a different theme every year.
Moreover, there are many satellite events to entertain visitors to the village on the days which precede and follow the Palio, among which a smaller version of the Palio, called il Palio Rosa, a tug-of-war competition and a medieval dinner.
This year’s dates: May 29, 25th Palio dei Barchini con le Ruote; June 26, a special Palio on the occasion of the Holiday of Corpus Domini like in 1987, when the Palio was organised for the first time.
Info
Comune di Castelfranco di Sotto
www.comune.castelfranco-di-sotto.pi.it
Comitato Palio dei Barchini con le Ruote
info@paliodeibarchini.it – www.paliodeibarchini.it

Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars)

Terricciola, Sunday May 29,2011
www.comune.terricciola.pi.it

Bagno Sotto Le Stelle (A Bath under the Stars)

Casciana Terme, from June 3, 2011
www.comune.cascianaterme.pi.it

Urban Trekking

Pontedera, Sunday June 4, 2011
www.comune.pontedera.pi.it

Giugno Pisano (June Celebrations in Pisa)

Pisa
1 – 8 – 15 – 22 – 29 June 2011: Night lights in the churches of Pisa
Special night opening of the churches of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, San Sisto, San Pietro in Vinculis and Santa Cristina(9pm-12am).
From 1 to 26 July 2011: Donne d’Italia. La metà dell’unità
The exhibit hosted by Palazzo Blu is dedicated to outstanding women on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy and will be open every night until 10pm from Monday to Friday and until 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
June 16, 2011: Luminara di San Ranieri.
Special jubilee edition celebrating the 850th anniversary of the death of the Patron Saint of the City of Pisa.
17 June 2011: Palio di San Ranieri
From 17 June: night opening of the Leaning Tower and of the Monumental Cemetery in Piazza dei Miracoli.
25 June 2011: Gioco del Ponte

Il Mare nel Bicchiere (The Sea in your Glass)

Various coastal towns, from June 2, 2011
Aperitifs on the waterfront of the coastal towns of the Pisa province: Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone.

Museo Arti e Mestieri

Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, Saturday June 11, 2011
Inauguration of the Museo delle Arti e dei Mestieri della Toscana (Museum of the crafts and trades of Tuscany) in Sasso Pisano
www.comunecastelnuovovdc.it

Concert

Certosa di Calci, Saturday June 18, 2011

Notte Bianca (The White Night)

Pontedera, Saturday June 18, 2011
www.comune.pontedera.pi.it

Notte Rossa (The Red Night)

Volterra, Saturday June 25, 2011
www.volterratur.it

Notte Bianca (The White Night)

Terricciola, Saturday July 9, 2011
www.comune.terricciola.pi.it

Musicastrada

From July 17, in many towns of the Province of Pisa.
28 free concerts in the most beautiful towns of the Province of Pisa. A month-long journey through this territory rich in traditions, folklore and emotions.
The full program is available at www.musicastrada.it

Teatro del Silenzio 2011 – Bravo China

Lajatico, Thursday July 21, 2011
The 2011 edition will have a special flavour, because Teatro del Silenzio and its Honorary President, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, have enthusiastically accepted the proposal of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and will host “Bravo China“.
“Bravo China” is a show in which internationally acclaimed Chinese artists meet the most renowned interpreters of the host country in the fields of “bel canto”, ballet and pop music to create an exceptional performance which fosters an outstanding convergence of cultural and artistic traditions from two far-off countries such as China and Italy, bringing them closer on this occasion of this unique appointment at the Teatro del Silenzio. The past 9 editions have touched the 5 continents, including venues such as Hollywood, Rio de Janeiro the Acropolis in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.
The Italian cast includes the violinist Uto Ughi, the Etoile of the Opéra Garnier of Paris Eleonora Abbagnato, and the flautist Andrea Griminelli.
Tickets will be on sale from March 29, on the website: www.fourone.it
From April 4, tickets will be available from authorized online stores such as: www.vivaticket.it and www.ticketone.it .
Info:
www.teatrodelsilenzio.it

Calici di Stelle

Terricciola, Wednesday August 10, 2011
www.comune.terricciola.pi.it

Palio di San Rocco – Veglia Francigena

San Miniato, Monday August 15, 2011
www.cittadisanminiato.it, www.comune.san-miniato.pi.it

A.D. 1398

Volterra, 21 and 28 August 2011
Grand recollection of the glorious past of Volterra: fiery knights on their horses, proud noblemen, beautiful ladies, craftsmen and merchants, peasants and commoners, flag wavers and bowmen, musicians and minstrels will bring the medieval times back to life in the beautiful town.
www.volterratur.it

San Genesio – The City of Children

Casciana Terme, Monday August 22, 2011
The community of Casciana Terme has celebrated Saint Genesio, friend and patron of children, for over 50 years,. For three days, children take charge of the town through the Mayor’s symbolic gift of the keys to the town to the Lord Chamberlain of the Kingdom of Children, interpreted by a local child. Ciambellano, the Italian word for Chamberlain, is also the name of the traditional cake which celebrates this occasion: a ring-shaped cake filled with candied fruit and raisins.
Casciana is closed to traffic for the entire duration of the festival and the centre is “invaded” by cheerful children: the “Land of Toys” comes to life, with street shows, clowns, competitions, book stalls and workshops. www.comune.cascianaterme.pi.it

Walking Festival

Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, from September 3, 2011
Step by step to gain time. A sequence of slow movements which assume a deeper meaning thanks to the extraordinary set that hosts and guides them. An itinerary on an ideal map which is not only a geographical but also an emotional space.
In the protected environments of the parks, the Walking Festival brings a multitude of events to the 6 main Nature Reserves in Tuscany.
www.tuscanywalkingfestival.it, www.parcosanrossore.org