Summer is coming. If you’re staying anywhere in Italy, you might not believe me. Sure it’s been slightly nippy over here, but that hasn’t stopped us from getting into the party spirit.
As June approaches, the Maremma becomes one big festival. Not a weekend will go by between now and the end of the August without some sort of event or celebration. It’s one of the reasons why tourists love the region so much. There’s always something to do and see in the summer months.
I’m no party pooper. In fact, I love a good celebration more than the next guy. So I thought I would share five of this weekend’s (25-26 May) best.
1. Festa della Birra, Grosseto centre
Who says the Germans are the only ones who can dedicate a festival to beer? This weekend Grosseto‘s centro storico will be transformed into a mini beer hall. Throw moderation out the window and get your fill of the best local, international and artisan beers of the year.
And because beer is best enjoyed with carbs, there will plenty of tasting plates to go around. Think porchetta sandwiches, bruschetta and cheese.
2. Il Balestro del Girifalco, Massa Marittima
Easily one of the Maremma’s most anticipated events, the Balestro del Girifalco is my top pick for this weekend. I’ll be there with bells on and so will most of the Maremma and half of Tuscany. The Balestro del Girifalco is part medieval festival, part archery competition and all pomp and grandeur.
Sunday 26 May is the day to visit. The party starts after lunch with a parade in full medieval costume, followed by a magnificent performance by the city’s flagwavers. When the last flag is lowered, the competition can begin. Twenty-four archers representing the three ancient terzieri of Massa Marittima will fire arrows across the piazza to hit a target. The closest to the centre wins a silk banner and golden arrow for their terzieri.
The Balestro del Girifalco has its roots in the 14th century, but after all these years it’s never sold out, never descended into the realm of gimmicks. Tickets into the piazza to watch the show are €8 and can be bought in Piazza della Chiesa on the day.
3. Festa della Fragola, Marsiliana
It may not have the hype of the Balestro del Girifalco or the free booze of the Festa della Fragola, but Marsiliana’s strawberry festival is a much loved mainstay in the Fiora Valley.
While strawberries and cream are the stars, there will be plenty of other Maremman classics on the menu including beautifully slow-cooked tripe in a tomato sauce and fried lamb cutlets. Wash it all down with local red and white wine and you have yourself a party!
In true county fair spirit, there will be live music throughout the weekend and a few tractors will be whipped out of storage to add atmosphere. Don’t miss the fireworks display on Sunday evening.
4. Sorano Soprende, Sorano
A celebration of the Slow Food movement, this event is all about dishes that have been created with the 0km rule in mind. That means everything you see and taste will be organic, locally sourced and seasonal, thus reducing the impact on the environment and promising a better flavour.
Keep an eye out for the antique and handicraft markets, cooking demonstrations and live shows staged throughout Sorano‘s city centre.
5. Festa della Ciliegia, Seggiano
Dubbed the ‘Queen of the Monte Amiata Spring’, the humble cherry is so sweet and plentiful this time of year that it deserves its own festival. Seggiano will be serving it up at food stalls in both savory dishes and desserts with plenty of well-matched wine to boot.
But the Festa della Ciliegia isn’t just about fruit. The locals go to a lot of work to create a really full and interactive festival. There will be music, children’s shows and various competitions, a football tournament, a treasure hunt, guided tours, film screenings, a tasting room and awards for local products of excellence. In sum, something for everyone.