It seems that summer has come to a close before it even really began. Aside from a few hot days that promised sultry skies and dripping humidity, it seems like autumn has been upon us for months. The true perks of the season, however, are just coming into their own and bringing excitement for the colder weather. Here are a few September Celebrations that are worth a visit:
Juliet’s Birthday Celebration in Verona: Cortile Mercato Vecchio Sunday September 7th . This is a festival complete with medieval costumes, a market, and performances and art exhibitions. Begins at 10am and goes all day. Tip: Get there the day before and enjoy the opera of Romeo and Juliet at the Arena.
How to get there from Florence: Take a train from either Santa Maria Novella (change trains in either Bologna or Padova) or Campo Di Marte (direct to Verona Porta Nuova). The train station is close to the center so it is easy to take a taxi or walk.
Cacio al Fuso, Pienza: This is a celebration of Pecorino, or sheep’s milk, cheese, a product that Pienza is famous for (best in Italy). There are tons of cheeses that can be sampled during the fair, and a cheese-rolling competition.
How to get there from Florence: While it is possible to take the SITA bus to Siena and catch another bus to Pienza, it is difficult in terms of timing. This may be one where a car rental would be best.
Chianti Classico Exhibition 2014: Piazza Matteoti in Greve in Chianti September 11th to September 14. 4 days of food and wine celebrating wines from the Chianti region of the Greve farms.
How to get there from Florence: Take the bus from the SITA bus station near the train station in Florence. It takes about an hour to arrive.
Mushroom Festival in Casole D’Elsa: Pievescola September 7-9 and 13-16. Food festival with tastings, craft markets, races and photo exhibitions.
How to get there from Florence: SITA buses leave every couple of hours for this town in the Province of Siena.
Festa Dell’Uva Impruneta: Last Sunday of September. A parade starting at 3:30, dances and tastings of products celebrating the grape.
How to get there from Florence: You can get there by SITA bus from the station, and it is just outside the city.
Vendemmia: One of the most important events of the year in Italy is the Grape Harvest which begins in September when the grapes are picked and used to make wines and the other seasonal delicacies such as Schiacciata con uva (grape flatbread), as well as dishes using the grapes as major ingredients. One of the best ways to experience the Harvest is to get involved by picking and crushing grapes along with the local farmers.
Join one of our Harvest tours that run once a year. Included is all transportation and meals on a local farm where you will have the experience of a lifetime. www.italyonabudgettours.com
