The Viareggio Carnival
February - Viareggio
One of the best organized carnivals in Italy

Lo Scoppio Del Carro
Easter - Florence
A dovecote is turned into a explosion of fireworks to remember the first crusader over the walls at Jerusalem. Boom!

Luminara and Regata
16/17 June - Pisa
The past glories of the Maritime Republic of Pisa are remembered with lights and boat races

Historical football
24 June - Florence
4 teams of 27 players confront each other in turn over 50 minute matches in Piazza della Signoria. Physical contact is encouraged.

Palio of Siena
2 July and 16 August - Siena
The most famous Italian event of all and not put on for the tourists.

Tuscan Steak Festival
14/15 August - Cortona
Plenty of 'bistecca alla fiorentina' being grilled to celebrate the classic meat of the Valdichiana

Giostra del Saracino
1st Sunday September - Arezzo
Also taking place on the penultimate Sunday of June. The horsemen of each quarter of the town, dressed in 14th century costume, gallop at a dummy similar to those used by medieval knights to keep in trim.

Palio della Balestra
2nd Sunday September - Sansepolcro
The crossbow men of Sansepolcro and Gubbio compete as they have done for centuries in a test of accuracy with reproduced weapons. This is the rematch. Gubbio host their tournament on the final Sunday of May.