Events
In the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, between areas of undisputed charm and beauty, lies the town of Roccastrada.
Each year this centre hosts many delightful and fascinating events and traditional festivals, here is a list of the main events held in Roccastrada, from January to December:
July:
-“Festa dell’appetito”(Festival of the appetite): held during the last two weeks of the month in the district of Ribolla, this festival includes food stalls, as well as musical entertainment and games.
-“Sagra della Patata”(Potato Festival): a traditional festival organized in Roccastrada.
-“Festa della Trebbiatura”(Festival of the Trebbiatura): Held at the same time as the Potato Festival, this event offers visitor typical dishes, entertainment and demonstrations of the ancient occupations of the area.
August:
-“Medioevo nel Borgo”(Medieval in the Village): held in the small district of Roccatederighi in the first week of August, this is a historic festival that includes a costume parade, musical shows, reconstructions and representations of ancient occupations, all of which manages to transport the historic centre of this village back to the Middle Ages.
-“Estate alla Rocchigiana”(Summer at Rocchigiana):a delightful summer event held in Roccatederighi.
-“Palio Storico di Roccatederighi”(Historic Palio of Roccatederighi): Held on the 14th, a ‘palio’ is a banner or cloth won during some type of traditional race or contest, in this case a donkey race between the ancient districts of the town.
September:
-“Settembre Roccastradino”(September Roccastradino): a traditional event held during the first half of September and includes food stalls, musical shows and markets.
-“Sagra della zuppa di pane con cipollotto”(Festival of the bread soup with onions): a gastronomic fair, in its 24th year in 2007 and organized in the district of Roccatederighi.
December:
-“Festa della castagna”(Chestnut Festival): held in Sassofortino, at the same time as an interesting handicraft fair.
-“Pane e Olio in Frantoio”(Bread and Oil in Frantoio): a very important celebration, held in Roccatederighi, during which visitors can meet the local oil producers and try their products.
-“International Music Festival”:an entertaining musical event in Roccastrada.
-“Festa del santo Patrono”(Festival of the Patron Saint): festivities in honour of St Martino, patron saint of the town, held on the 11th.
Must see events:
“Palio Storico di Roccatederighi”(Historic Palio of Roccatederighi): Held in the lovely district of Roccatederighi, close to Roccastrada, a ‘palio’ is a banner or cloth won during some type of traditional race or contest, in this case a donkey race.
Without a doubt, an event of great interest and extraordinary particularity, this Palio has very old roots, making it very special and worthy of being appreciated in all its beauty and uniqueness.
During the fascinating donkey race jockeys from the various town districts compete to bring victory to their district and win the ‘palio’, a painted cloth of great pride and honour.