Events

Grosseto is an absolutely splendid and fascinating city, with many interesting and important cultural and traditional events being organized there each year.

These festivals aim to celebrate the great beauty of the area and never fail to amaze and excite all those who visit this Maremman town. Here is a list of some of the best events held in Grosseto, in chronological order:

January

- “Festa per la Befana” (Festival for the Befana): 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. Dedicated to the children, this festival is held on the 5th and embraces this figure, handing out stockings filled with chocolates and sweets to all the children present.

April

- “Festa del Madonnino” (Festival of the Madonnino): a grand exhibition of agricultural machines, typical products of the Maremma and activities carried out in the territory. It is held in nearby district of Braccagni.

May:

- “Merca del Bestiame” (Cattle Market): a historical celebration of the ancient activities of the Butteri (Maremman Cowboys) of Marchiare. Known as the “captains of the beasts”, this event is definitely interesting and fascinating and is held at Alberese, in the Natural Park of Maremma.

June:

- “Primavera Maremmana” (Maremman Spring): an interesting manifestation held on the streets of Grosseto and includes markets and stalls selling paintings, pictures and handicrafts.

- “Vinarte” : An interesting gastronomic festival that celebrates the extraordinary quality of the typical Maremman products and the wines produced in the south of Tuscany.

August:

- “Festambiente”: This artistic, cultural and musical event is held in the nearby town of Rispescia.

- “Festa in onore di San Lorenzo” (Festival in honour of St. Lorenzo): dedicated to the patron saint of Grosseto, this festival is a mix of cultural events, exhibitions and musical performances.

September:

-“Festeggiamenti in onore di Santa Lucia” (Celebration in honour of St. Lucia): with art, paintings and picture displays.

Must see events:

“Merca del Bestiame” (The Cattle Market): an interesting event held in the nearby district of Alberese, part of the Maremman Natural Park, it is a very popular manifestation because it celebrates and remembers the ancient work of the Butteri (Maremman cowboys).

In fact, the market is seen as one of the most important events of the year in the countryside of southern Tuscany.

During the festival they brand cattle, a difficult and physically draining task but beneficial as it makes cattle easier to recognize in the future.

The Cattle Market also aims to provide an insight in the life of the Maremman cowherd, a  mythical figure that dates back to the end of the 800’s and the beginning of the 900’s.

Today the figure of Buttero is almost all gone and you can admire his skill and importance only during re-enactments of this kind. This makes the market even more special, transforming it into an event that definitely should not to be missed but appreciated for its uniqueness and beauty.