September is one of the best months to visit Tuscany. Although summer is getting to an end and the days are becoming shorter, the weather is still warm, and there are many outdoor events and activities to enjoy. This month always offers a curious mix of summer events and autumn events related to the grape harvest and the start of the truffle season.
Events in Tuscany September 12 to 18, 2016
Truffle Festival | September 8 – 22 | Girone (Fiesole)
Type: Food Festival
When: September 8 – 22
Where: Girone (Fiesole) – Via Aretina 24
Entrance: Free
The 32nd Truffle Festival near Fiesole is an excellent opportunity to taste local dishes flavored with the highly appreciated and precious truffle mushroom.
The event will be held at the Circolo ARCI Il Girone, where you can taste specialties made with truffles, from appetizers to main courses, but also pizza and other dishes will be served. Every night the kitchen opens at 7.30 pm.
La Luminara di Santa Croce | September 13 | Lucca
Type: Folkloristic Event
When: September 13
Where: Historical center of Lucca
Entrance: Free
Every year on September 13th the procession of the Luminara di Santa Croce winds its way through the historical center of Lucca. During the procession the Volto Santo or Holy Face, a wooden crucifix is carried along the streets starting at 8 pm from the Basilica of San Frediano to the Cathedral of San Martino. Where the Blessing is given and where the traditional Mottettone (a polyphonic choral and instrumental composition, composed each year by musicians from Lucca) takes place.
This is one of the main events of Lucca and is particularly enchanting because of the thousands of candles that illuminate streets and buildings.
Real Time and the Time of Reality | September 13 – January 8 | Florence
Type: Exhibition
When: September 13 – January 8
Where: Palazzo Pitti – Gallery of Modern Art – Florence
Entrance: Adults 8.50€, children 4.25€
Website
The exhibition consists of a selection of 80 clocks out of the total of 200 pieces in the collection of Palazzo Pitti, from the 18th to the 20th century.
The collection will allow visitors to admire the astonishing technical and artistic quality of these timepieces in the various forms and formats in which they were designed.
Cirk Fantastik | September 15 – 25 | Florence
Type: Contemporary Circus – Theater – Music
When: September 15 – 25
Where: Parco delle Cascine – Viale degli Olmi / Piazzale del Re – Florence
Entrance: Several events are free, adults 10€, children €6, tickets available online
Website
The eleventh edition of the international contemporary circus festival Cirk Fantastik is bigger than ever with 60 shows of performing arts from the best European artists. The afternoon programs are especially for a younger audience, while the evenings are filled with shows for a diverse and curious audience. During the day you can also follow free workshops or go to circus school.
Among the performing companies are: Circo “eia” (Spain), Brunette Bros (Denmark), Juri the cosmonaut (Italy/Czech Republic), Teatro Necessario (Italy), Magda Clan (Italy), Trespertè (Spain), Los Filonautas (Germany/Argentina), Zenhir (Italy), Nani Rossi (Italia), Trio Trioche (Italy/Switzerland), Luigi Ciotta, Osvaldo Carretta, Nando e Maila, Guido Nardin, Otp, Vola Tutto, Beppe Tenenti, Aurelia Dedieu (France), Circo Nai and many more.
The complete program is available on the festival’s website.
The animal-free circus festival will put up its tents in the biggest park of Florence Le Cascine, just south of the city’s historical center. The park can easily be reached by tram from the station, stop Cascine, or by bus 17 stop Piazza Kennedy.
Cantine Aperte | September 17 -18 | Tuscany
Type: Enogastronomic
When: September 17 -18
Where: Various locations in Tuscany
Website
During the Cantine Aperte (Open Winecellars) weekend organized by the Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement), wineries throughout Tuscany will open their doors for wine tastings and other harvest-related events. Among the scheduled events vineyard hiking, guided tours, visits to the wine cellars, and learn about wine making and the traditions of the harvest.
You can visit wineries in the areas of Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Pisa and Siena. Some tours and visits require a reservation. The complete program is available on the website of the Movimento Turismo del Vino.
Mercatino Francese Belle Epoque | September 17 – October 2 | Florence
Type: Market
When: September 17 – October 2
Where: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella – Florence
Openings hours: Open every day from 10 am until midnight.
Entrance: Free
Experience the magical atmosphere of 19th century Paris at the French Market Belle Epoque in Florence. Stroll through the market packed with French products such as wine, cheese, linens, herbs and teas. Enjoy a croissant or a glass of wine while listening to jazz music.
