Events & Local Life

I Centogusti dell’Appennino di Anghiari

I Centogusti dell’Appennino di Anghiari

I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari: Authentic Flavors of the Land The Mostra Mercato “I Centogusti dell’Appennino” in Anghiari is a celebration of local flavors and rural tourism, held every year between late October and early November in the heart of this medieval village. For a few days, the historic center of Anghiari turns into a great trail of taste, where farmers and producers from across the central Apennines present the fruits of their work. A Journey Through Agriculture, Territory, and Memory I Centogusti dell’Appennino is more than a food fair — it’s a sensory and cultural journey into products that tell the story of the land and its seasons. Cheeses, cured meats, flours, legumes, honey, chestnuts, oil, and wine are the result of an agriculture carried forward with dedication, sacrifice, and respect for the land, often passed down from generation to generation. Visitors can taste, learn, and speak directly with the producers, rediscovering the human and cultural value of food. Workshops, Talks, and Rural Tourism During the event, visitors can take part in bread-making workshops led by local farmers and bakers, along with talks dedicated to rural tourism and agriturismo hospitality. These moments of insight explore the opportunities and challenges of mountain farming, placing quality, sustainability, and local identity at the center. The Village Shops and the Centogusti Osteria The event takes place between late October and early November, one of the most evocative times to visit Valtiberina Toscana, when autumn colors and seasonal produce reveal the region’s agricultural soul. The shops of the historic center host exhibitions and tastings, with the opportunity to buy products directly. Alongside the market, the open-air Osteria dei Centogusti serves traditional Tuscan dishes made with local ingredients — a chance to experience Anghiari conviviality amid authentic flavors and autumn atmosphere. I Centogusti dell’Appennino invites visitors to slow down, listen to the stories of those who work the land, and rediscover food as a cultural expression. It’s an experience best enjoyed as part of a multi-day stay, to explore Anghiari and the Valtiberina at a relaxed pace. Where to Stay to Discover Valtiberina Toscana Discovering the nature of Valtiberina Toscana means taking the time to walk, observe, and listen to the landscape. Trails, hills, and woods accompany the journey at a natural rhythm, inviting you to slow down and experience the environment mindfully. A countryside stay in Tuscany lets you connect with a valley where nature, the seasons, and silence are part of everyday life. Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living element that shifts with the light and the weather. At Le Ceregne Bio, direct contact with the environment shapes a way of traveling built around walks, nature trails, and quiet moments, alternated with cultural visits. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina through slow walking and observation. If you’d like to visit I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari and discover the agricultural, rural side of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our organic agriturismo in Tuscany. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano

Palio dei Lumi Pieve Santo Stefano

Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano: History, Tournament, and the Magic of Illuminations The Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano is one of the most captivating traditions of Valtiberina Toscana, a traditional Tuscan football tournament played in historic costume every year among the village’s four historic districts — Centro Paese, Ponte Nuovo, Ponte Vecchio, and Rialto — as part of the Festa della Madonna dei Lumi. When It Takes Place and How It Unfolds The event runs from late August through September 8th, with the two semifinals held on the Sunday before the 8th and the final match taking place on the 8th itself, the day of the Festa della Madonna dei Lumi. This popular celebration, deeply felt by the local community, is tied to Marian devotion and a religious tradition observed in the village for centuries. The Magic of the Illuminations and the Bonfires on the River The eve of the celebration, September 7th, is one of the most striking moments of the entire event: as evening falls, the village is quite literally lit up. Each district sets up illuminated decorations along the streets of the historic center and at the village’s most distinctive spots, turning the town into a glowing, participatory trail of light. As the procession of the Madonna dei Lumi passes by — accompanied by local bands and the community — two large bonfires, known as pagliai, are lit along the Tiber, near the main bridges, symbolizing light, faith, and shared devotion. This festive illumination is more than decoration; it’s an integral part of the celebration, a collective ritual that brings the whole village together for a night of lights, symbolism, and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Historic Tournament and Local Identity The Palio dei Lumi follows rules reminiscent of calcio storico fiorentino, an ancient full-contact game played in traditional costume, held on a field next to the Santuario della Madonna dei Lumi. The competition culminates in the September 8th final, when the winning team claims the title and is celebrated by the entire community. An Event That Blends History and Culture The event goes well beyond sport and competition — it’s a cultural celebration that recalls old local stories tied to the Marian festival and the village’s history of resilience. In the days leading up to the final, the districts come alive with processions, preparations for the illuminations, and shared moments of festivity, while the village fills with visitors and Where to Stay to Experience the Events of Valtiberina Toscana Experiencing Valtiberina’s events means connecting with the region’s most authentic side — one made of shared traditions, seasonal rituals, and moments of genuine encounter. Festivals, historical reenactments, and local celebrations tell the story of a valley that continues to recognize itself in its own history. A countryside stay allows you to take part in these events at a slower pace, away from the rush and crowds of mass tourism. In this way, every celebration becomes a chance to observe both the land and the community that lives it. At Le Ceregne Bio, hospitality follows the natural rhythm of the seasons, offering a peaceful base from which to reach nearby villages and local events. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina built on anticipation, participation, and a return to silence, where every experience finds its own space and time. If you’d like to experience the Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano and immerse yourself in the light, history, and traditions of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our agriturismo — for a stay that brings together cultural events, nature, and slow time. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro

Palio della Balestra Sansepolcro

The Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro, a Centuries-Old Tradition of Valtiberina “Si Balestri il Palio, con virtù ed onestà, e che la vittoria arrida a lo migliore in campo!” The Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro is one of the most heartfelt historic traditions in Valtiberina Toscana. Held every year on the second Sunday of September, the competition pits crossbowmen from Sansepolcro and Gubbio against one another, reviving an ancient rivalry rooted in the Renaissance. The rivalry between the two towns has been documented consistently since 1594, though the tradition runs even deeper: as early as the 15th century, crossbow shooting was reportedly practiced as both a civic and military discipline. Local tradition even holds that Piero della Francesca defended Sansepolcro’s colors in 1453, a detail that shows just how deeply this practice was woven into the town’s everyday life. The Historic Procession and Entrance into the Square The Palio begins in the afternoon, when the historic processions of Sansepolcro and Gubbio wind through the streets of the old town. Ladies, armed guards, musicians, and trumpeters accompany the crowd, creating a striking atmosphere full of color, sound, and Renaissance flair. The entrance into Piazza Torre di Berta is one of the day’s most exciting moments. Here, flag-wavers perform intricate routines and choreographed displays, paying tribute to the city’s districts before the competition officially begins. The Crossbow Challenge: Balestra all’Italiana The competition takes place at the shooting range, roughly 50 meters from the central target, known as the corniolo. Crossbowmen from both towns take turns firing their bolts in an atmosphere of total silence and concentration. Every shot counts. Victory often comes down to mere millimeters, carefully measured by the judges. Once the match ends, the winning crossbowman is proclaimed alongside his historic procession, which parades once more through the streets, greeted by townspeople and visitors who have gathered from across Valtiberina. An Event Lived by the Community The Palio della Balestra is far more than a historical reenactment — it’s an event deeply felt by the people of Sansepolcro. It marks the high point of Settembre Biturgense, a month packed with cultural events and side activities that involve the entire town. Attending the Palio means connecting with the truest identity of Sansepolcro and Valtiberina, where tradition, historical memory, and community participation continue to coexist naturally. Where to Find Information About the Palio della Balestra To learn more about the event’s history, explore the full Settembre Biturgense program, and discover related activities, visitors can check the official website of the Balestrieri di Sansepolcro, which gathers documents, historical accounts, and updates on the tradition. Where to Stay to Discover Valtiberina Toscana Discovering the nature of Valtiberina Toscana means taking the time to walk, observe, and listen to the landscape. Trails, hills, and woods accompany the journey at a natural rhythm, inviting you to slow down and experience the environment mindfully. A countryside stay in Tuscany lets you connect with a valley where nature, the seasons, and silence are part of everyday life. Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living element that shifts with the light and the weather. At Le Ceregne Bio, direct contact with the environment shapes a way of traveling built around walks, nature trails, and quiet moments, alternated with cultural visits. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina through slow walking and observation. If you’d like to experience the Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro at a relaxed pace, immersed in the traditions of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our agriturismo — for a stay that brings together culture, countryside, and slow time. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Eventi in Valtiberina Toscana

Events in Valtiberina Toscana | Festivals, Fairs, and Yearly Highlights

Events in Valtiberina Toscana Valtiberina Toscana is a land that tells its story through its events. Historic festivals, food fairs, cultural gatherings, and moments tied to memory, food, and community life mark the calendar throughout the year, following the natural rhythm of the seasons. Discovering the events of Valtiberina Toscana means experiencing the region from the inside, taking part in authentic, deeply rooted traditions where every celebration forms part of local history and village identity, adding to everything that makes things to do in Valtiberina Toscana so distinctive throughout the year. Spring: Nature’s Awakening and Popular Traditions Spring is one of the best times to visit Valtiberina. The woods come back to life, days grow longer, and the villages fill once again with festivals tied to the land and local tradition. Among the most notable events: The Mostra Mercato dell’Artigianato della Valtiberina Toscana in Anghiari The Sagra del Fungo Prugnolo in Pieve Santo Stefano, a symbol of spring and rural cuisine The Fiere di Mezza Quaresima in Sansepolcro, one of the town’s oldest and most cherished events, featuring markets, stalls, and community celebrations Spring is the perfect season to combine cultural events, nature walks, and village exploration. Summer: Historic Festivals, Theater, and Community Life Summer is when Valtiberina’s collective identity comes fully alive. Squares and historic sites turn into places of gathering, storytelling, and shared experience. Among the main events: The Palio della Vittoria in Anghiari, a historical reenactment of the 1440 battle The Palio della Balestra in Sansepolcro, tied to the tradition of the Italian crossbow Tovaglia a Quadri, held within the walls of the Castello di Sorci in the Anghiari area — a dinner paired with a theatrical performance that blends food, folk theater, and local storytelling. During the event, the castle becomes a stage, and dinner unfolds alongside a play inspired by the region’s history and everyday life In spring, the villages come alive with festivals rooted in the land and local tradition, offering the perfect chance to discover the villages to visit in Valtiberina Toscana in a lively, genuine atmosphere. Autumn: Culture, Memory, and Local Flavors Autumn brings a slower, more reflective rhythm, marked by warm colors, harvests, and culturally significant events. Among the most important: I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari, dedicated to local products and cuisine Events celebrating the Marrone DOP of Caprese Michelangelo Truffle-related festivities, particularly in the Città di Castello area The Premio Pieve – Saverio Tutino, held in September in Pieve Santo Stefano, a nationally significant cultural event dedicated to memory, diaries, and life stories Autumn is the ideal season for lovers of culture, food and wine, and genuine atmosphere. Slow Tourism and Sports Events Alongside traditional festivals, Valtiberina also hosts events dedicated to slow, sustainable movement in harmony with the landscape. Among the most well-known: L’Intrepida, a vintage cycling event in Anghiari that draws enthusiasts from across Italy and celebrates the valley’s white gravel roads, villages, and scenery It’s an event that brings together sport, memory, and territory, perfectly reflecting the spirit of Valtiberina. A Calendar That Follows the Rhythm of the Seasons The events of Valtiberina Toscana aren’t created for mass tourism; they grow out of the real life of local communities. Each celebration tells: A story A tradition A moment in the year Taking part in these events means getting to know Valtiberina authentically, following its own natural pace. Events as an Expression of Local Identity In Valtiberina Toscana, events aren’t created to entertain — they exist to tell a story. Every festival, fair, or historical reenactment is the direct expression of a community that continues to live and pass down an identity deeply tied to the region’s art, traditions, and craftsmanship. Here, you don’t simply watch a show: you step into the squares, share long tables, listen to stories, and recognize familiar faces. In this way, events become genuine opportunities for connection between residents and travelers, where the line between organizer and participant grows pleasantly thin. This is what sets Valtiberina’s events apart from those found in more touristic destinations: they’re real moments, rooted in collective memory, seasonality, and a strong sense of belonging to the land. How to Plan Your Trip Around Local Events Choosing to visit Valtiberina around a specific event means shaping a more thoughtful, engaging trip. Since the villages are close together, it’s easy to weave festivals and events into a broader itinerary built around nature, culture, and slow living — alternating celebrations with walks through the countryside and trails of Valtiberina Toscana. A good approach is to: Pick one or two key events tied to your travel dates Balance festival days with quieter moments exploring villages and trails Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries This way, the event itself doesn’t become the sole focus of the trip, but rather part of a richer, more balanced experience — one where Valtiberina reveals its most authentic side. Choosing the Right Events for Your Trip Valtiberina’s events vary widely, making it possible to shape experiences suited to different travel styles. Understanding which type of event fits you best is the first step toward experiencing the region authentically. Those who love history and tradition will enjoy historical reenactments and identity-driven festivals, where the stories of the past remain very much alive within local communities. Travelers drawn to culture and memory will find real depth in events centered on diaries, storytelling, and rural life. Food and seasonal-produce enthusiasts can follow the calendar of fairs and markets tied to the valley’s signature products and the agricultural year. And those who favor an active, sustainable approach can turn to slow tourism events, non-competitive sports, and mindful movement through the landscape. Valtiberina doesn’t offer events meant to be consumed quickly — it offers moments meant to be lived with attention, woven into a journey built on time, listening, and discovery. Where to Stay to Experience the Events of Valtiberina Toscana Experiencing Valtiberina’s events means connecting with the region’s most authentic side — one made of shared traditions, seasonal rituals,

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