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by: Admin
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Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 Time: 2:08 AM

Probably the oldest and most famous annual event in Tuscany is the Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place on 2 July and 16 August in the Piazza del Campo, the main square in the city of Siena. Jockeys representing different areas, or contrade, of the city compete fiercely against each other, watched by up to 25,000 spectators. The evening before the Palio, the whole city dines out together on long tables in the squares of each contrada.

The Fochi di San Giovanni, another festival dating back many centuries, is held in Florence every year on 24 June. The birth of the patron saint of Florence, St. John the Baptist, is commemorated with a procession and a spectacular firework display in the Piazzale Michelangelo.

The historic Tuscan town of San Gimignano organizes a medieval fair every June. The Ferie delle Messi has many attractions including a parade, jousting tournaments, archery, and stalls displaying local produce, wines and crafts.

Several wine festivals take place throughout the year in various places in Tuscany. Visit the Chianti wine festival in Montespertoli from late May to early June, and later in the year, you can sample new wines at the festival in Montecarlo, near Lucca, in November.

It is a good idea to check the dates of festivals before planning a visit, as they are subject to change from year to year. Also book your hotel room well in advance, as events like these tend to be very popular with visitors.

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