FESTIVALS AND EVENTS - IN CASOLE D'ELSA

Just a few minutes from the farmhouse holiday facility, on a hill 418 metres above sea level surrounded by the Sienese countryside, is Casole d'Elsa, a small town where some highly characteristic festivals are held:

"Presepe Vivente" (The living Nativity Scene)
Every year from December 25th until January 6th.
Casole d'Elsa (Siena)

"Palio dei Ciuchi" (Donkey Derby)
September 5th - 7th, traditional fete with a donkey race, typical local dishes and lots of music.
Mensano (Siena)

"Festa della Vendemmia" (Grape-picking festival)
End of September/beginning of October, for wine-lovers. The Grape-picking festival is a popular celebration with carts pulled by oxen, good wine and chestnuts.
Mensano (Siena)

"Palio di Casole d'Elsa" (Casole d'Elsa Palio)
An annual race with horses and jockeys, which is run at 6.30 p.m. on the second Sunday in July to honour Saint Isidore. After one of the six Contrade (districts) wins there is dining and singing for all.
Casole d'Elsa (Siena)

Just 18 km from the facility you can visit the city of San Gimignano, famous for its vernaccia wine and towers. It is a real artistic jewel of classic medieval architecture which maintains the charm of a past era.

"Ferie delle Messi"
June 13th, 14th and15th 2008 - Historical-medieval festival by the people of San Gimignano with medieval music and dances, battles, archers, knights and encampments.
San Gimignano (Siena)
www.cavalieridisantafina.it


IN CERTALDO...

20 km from the facility is Certaldo. It is an ancient town with its oldest section at its highest point, surrounded by medieval walls and renowned for its extremely charming alleys and views.

"Mercantia"
16th - 20th July 2008 - International Street Theatre Festival.
Certaldo (Florence)
www.mercantiacertaldo.it

"Boccaccesca"
Over two weekends in the first weeks of October. An exhibition of gastronomic products and pleasures, not to be missed.
Certaldo (Firenze)
www.boccaccesca.it