Events
Immersed in the splendid scenery of Mount Amiata, the town of Castel del Piano is a village of absolute beauty and charm, the ideal place to host the various interesting events and demonstrations that are organized here each year.
Here is a list of the major events held in the village of Castel del Piano, from January to December:
January:
- “Concerto di Capodanno” (New Year’s Concert): a traditional festivalheld in the Church of the Prepositura.
“Befanate”: with no literal English translation, the Befana is much like Santa Claus for the Italians and is depicted as an old lady who brings gifts on the day of the Epiphany. This festival honours this figure and the Epiphany with dances and songs through the streets of the town.
-“Festa delle Contrade” (Festival of the Districts)
-“Mercatone”, a traditional fair held on the 20th in honour of St. Sebastiano and St. Fabiano.
February:
- “Carnevale” (Carnival): a local festival and a gastronomic fair to celebrate carnival.
March:
- “Motoraduno nazionale delle frittelle” (National motorcycle gathering of the fritters)
April-May:
-“Fiera di San Vincenzo” (Fair for St. Vincenzo): a popular local event held on the third Monday of Easter.
May:
-“Mostra”(Display): an interesting display of mushrooms, plants and flowers.
-“Sagra della lasagna”(Festival of the Lasagna): a traditional gastronomic fair held on the forth weekend of the month in Montenero d’Orcia.
-“Mercatino dell’antiquariato”(Antiques Market): a delightful market held in the historic centre of the town on the last Sunday of the month.
July:
-“Festa della Pro Loco”(Festival of the Pro Loco): The Pro Loco is a group of elected citizens who organize various festival throughout the year. This festival is a traditional event held on the second Sunday of the month.
-“A cavallo in montagna”(A horse in the mountain): A traditional equestrian meet organized in the town and surrounding countryside.
August:
-“Feste titolari”(Title Festival): a celebration for the four local districts: Brogo, Storte, Monumento and Poggio.
-“Concerto”(Concert): a traditional and classical concert, organized by philharmonic Rossini in the Piazza della Madonna on the 14th.
September:
-“Benedizione e presentazione del Palio”(Benediction and presentation of the Palio): on the Sunday before the palio (a ‘palio’ is a banner or cloth won during some type of traditional race or contest) a solemn mass in held in the Parish Church and piazza della Madonna to bless the Palio cloth.
-“Palio delle Contrade”(Palio of the Districts): a traditional palio race held during the first week of the month.
-“Fiera delle Merci e del Bestiame”(Market and Cattle Fair): a local event organized on the 9th.
-“Sagra della bruschetta” (Festival of the Bruschetta): an interesting gastronomic fair held in Montegiovi on the last week of the month and celebrating the bruschetta, a toasted bread seasoned with garlic and olive oil and sometimes other toppings, including vegetables or meat.
October:
-“Festa della Castagna”(Festival of the Chestnut): an interesting gastronomic event during which there are shows and musical entertainment.
December:
-“Cantine”(Cellars): a traditional event held on the streets of the historic centre of Castel del Piano on the 8th, during which the cellars are opened and visitors can try the typical wines and products of the area
-“Babbo Natale”(Santa Claus): a delightful visit from Santa Claus held on the 24th on the streets of the historic centre and capped off by a traditional classical concert by a philharmonic
-“Saluto dell’anno vecchio”(Salute to the old year): a wonderful Christmas event during which there is a candlelight procession along the streets of the town, as well as various stalls, mistletoe, a float parade and a chance to enjoy the delicious mulled wine of the area
Must see events:
-“Palio delle Contrade”(Palio of the Districts): One of the most beautiful and important events held in the village of Castel del Piano and the entire Amiata zone.
A ‘palio’ is a banner or cloth won during some type of traditional race or contest, in this case a very ancient historical horse race, which recreates the 15th century customs and traditions of the area with enchanting and incredibly beautiful performances and events that never fail to fascinate and captivate all who attend.
The palio is held on the 8th of September in honour of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Graces, who is the patron saint of the town.
The main event of this traditional festival, the horse race, takes place in the main square and is between the four ancient quarters of Castel del Piano: Moumento, Poggio, Storte and Borgo.
The winner of this race is awarded the “palio”: a painted cloth that is of great pride and honour to the entire victorious district.
This event is the ideal time to experience the magical and unforgettable town of Castel del Piano.
It is an amazing opportunity to experience the past of the area and discover the ancient traditions and culture that make it such an alluring and enchanting place, rich in beautiful historical buildings and magical monuments.