Italians have always had a reputation for enjoying good food, good wine and a great party so it's not surprising to find that one of Italy's most historic and culturally significant regions host some of the best festivals around. Tuscany, home to title 'birthplace of the renaissance', is known as a centre for culture and the arts with Florence as aits greatest city, dominated by its museums and art galleries it is a truly spectacular experience and not to be missed. But Tuscany isn't just about cultural pursuits, the region has a long tradition of putting on festivals and competitions which have inspired and entertained thousands! If your thinking of visiting Tuscany there are some great last minute deals available so why not see what the region has to offer.

Some of the most significant religious festivals are available in the spring season with Easter celebrations taking pride of place. In Montefioralle the Fritelle festival sees local people cooking up a real treat, the Fritelle is a delicious rice cake treat created in the region. Florence offers a great display with festivities centred on the Cathedral Square; here a procession of the clergy is followed by the burning of a cart full of rockets and other fireworks which has been performed since the 10th century, this Easter event is a real spectacle and not to be missed.

The summer brings a host of events from Tuscany's renaissance history displaying combat from the age. The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo is one of the most spectacular of these displays, the jousting tournament sees champions from across the city compete in a tournament of precision and skill before one man claims his prize, the golden lance. Other martial arts displays include crossbow competitions such as those in Cortona and Marittima which parades and competitors in traditional medieval costumes. In nearby Spello they hold the annual Infiorate, this celebration of religion is sees the town adorned with street art in the form of flower petal pictures, a sight not to be missed.

Other events of the summer include traditional Roman-style horse races in Castiglion Fiorentino and Sienna which feature processions through the towns before huge feasting tables are laid out in the streets for after the events. In June Florence offers one of the most heated and potentially violent events of the calendar, the Calcio Storico football tournament. The tournament sees teams from each corner of Florence competing in costume in a no-holds-barred match which can often result in violence but can offer an exciting spectacle.

Heading into autumn the party doesn't stop in Tuscany with grape and wine festivals celebrated across the region. Inpruineta offers one of the biggest and best known wine festivals of the region with a large procession and range of events including live performers, music, dancing and of course tasting! If you're looking for something a little more authentic and less touristy why not try the Chianti wine festival in Panzano, Chianti. Here you can sample and buy wines from around the region in a more informal atmosphere.

The end of the year brings several food events to the region; the white truffle fair is an annual event Miniato where you can try these local delicacies in everything from salami to oil. One of the grandest events of the Tuscan calendar is the feast of Montalcino with a multitude of entertainment events being held including costume procession, drum parades and archery competitions. Whenever you choose to visit Tuscany and whether its renting a local villa or staying in luxury Tuscany hotels entertainment and events are never far away.

For more information on planning Tuscany holidays or if you want to find Tuscany villas why not visit www.yourwaytotuscany.com.

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