Events

Arcidosso is an absolutely beautiful and fascinating city that hosts many cultural and traditional events of great prestige and interest throughout the year.

Here is a list of the major events held in Arcidosso, in chronological order:

January:
- “Benvenuto al nuovo anno” (Welcome to the new year): a delightful event during which torches are lit along the center of this historic village.
February:
- “Festa della Pina” (Pine Festival): a traditional festival celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. During this festival there is a procession to the parish church of Santa Maria ad Lamulas.

April:
- “Canttamaggio”: traditional chorals and celebrations held on the evening of the 30th  in honour of “May”.

May:
-“Festa di Primavera” (Spring Festival): local festivities in honour of the spring season, organized in the historic centre of Arcidosso.

-“Via delle Erbe” (Way of the Herbs): in its third year in 2007, this interesting event aims to promote the local plants and herbs of Monte Amiata through meetings, guided tours, demonstrations and musical entertainment.

June:
-“Montagnando”: already in its fifth year in 2007, this is a moment of contact with the natural environment of Amiata through excursions, guided tours and tastings of the dishes and typical products local to the mountain area.

-“Mercatone”: held on the 13th, it is a grand market in honour of St. Antonio of Padova.

-“Festa della Poesia” (Poetry Festival): organized in the small district of Salaiola

-“Festa del Patrono” (Festival of the Patron): a traditional festival in honour of St. Giovanni, patron saint of the district of Stribugliano.

- “Festa della Luna” (Moon Festival): in the small district of Salaiola.

August:
-“Scrittori da bere” (Writers to drink to): a delightful event in its 2nd year. A traditional beer festival, it offers visitors the chance to try some of the typical products of the area and listen to interesting works by writers presenting their books.

-“Festa del Patrono” (Festival of the Patron): held on the 10th, Arcidosso celebrates St. Lorenzo, its patron saint.

-“Festa dell’Assunta” (Festival of the Assumption): a traditional celebration held on Labbro Mountain in honour of David Lazzeretti, better know as the Prophet.

-“Festa paesana” (Town Festival): held in Stribugliano it includes a procession of horses.

October:
-“Castagna in Festa”(Chestnut Festival): in its 21st year, this festival hosts events and musical entertainment to celebrate the chestnut of Amiata.

November:
-“Festa dell’olio” (Oil Festival): a gastronomic fair held in Montelaterone.

December:
-“Natale insieme” (Christmas together): events and celebration during the Christmas period in Arcidosso, including concerts, musical entertainment, traditional games and torchlight demonstrations.

Must see events:
“Castagna in Festival” (Chestnut Festival): This festival is seen as one of the most important events organized in the small town of Arcidosso.

Held in the month of October, it is a moment of great cultural and gastronomic interest, offering participants the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this ancient mountain village, extraordinarily rich in architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

The festival is held in the town center, where visitors can enjoy performances by street artists and musical shows, as well as an interesting costume parade.

The event’s main purpose is however, to promote and celebrate the Castagna (chestnut) PGI Monte Amiata and has in recent years become a source of great pride for the town, both for the attention that it receives, as for the opportunity to showcase their typical products.

“Festa dell’olio a Montelaterone” (Oil Festival at Montelaterone): a wonderful food and wine festival held on the streets of the historic center of Arcidosso, the event is organized during the third weekend of November and is not to be missed.

The festival celebrates the best extra virgin olive oil produced locally, an oil which is famous and appreciated all over the territory.

Visitors have the opportunity to try the high quality dishes typical to this part of Monte Amiata, as well as the traditional products produced here.

The festival is one of the best periods to go to Montelaterone and visit the incredible beauty of this small but charming district of Arcidosso.

A trip to the cellars and old mills of the town is a must as they are only opened for this festival and are an opportunity to experience the past and traditions of the zone.

During the festival there are interesting demonstrations and musical performances, as well as street markets selling handicrafts and dishes from the excellent local cuisine.