Epiphany is a religious holiday celebrated on January 6. In Italy, though, we also celebrate La Befana, an old woman, a witch-like character, who brings gifts to the good kids and coal and garlic to the naughty ones.
The traditions of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in our corner of Tuscany.
The tradition of presepe has ancient roots. In Italy the nativity scene was for a very long time the only Christmas decoration, and it is still a wonderful tradition today.
December 8 is a national holiday. We celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the real beginning of the Christmas holidays: let the celebrations begin!
Tuscany was the first country to abolish death penalty and torture in 1786. Certainly a reason to be very proud.
Urban trekking is an excellent way to discover the lesser-known parts of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It is a way to slow down and experience the local life and one of the most sustainable forms of tourism. Here is the program of the National Urban Trekking Day in Tuscany (October 31, 2009).
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Ognissanti and Il Giorno dei Morti are quite different from Halloween. There are nevertheless some interesting similarities. Here is what All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are celebrated in Tuscany.
Ferragosto, August 15th, is a very popular holiday in Italy. It is a religious holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the most popular day for a “gita fuori porta”, a daytrip to the beach or to the mountains.
The night of San Lorenzo, August 10th, is the night of the shooting stars, a magical midsummer night when all dreams come true.
A list of July “sagre” or village festivals in Tuscany. Good food, wine and music!
This blog is written by a born and bred Tuscan who wishes to share her love for this region with as many people as possible. It's about living here, but also about travelling, learning, experiencing, and enjoying life in Tuscany.
It's about feeling at home in Tuscany.
A wonderful opportunity for the independent traveller seeking privacy and a pleasant atmosphere
