There’s no end of theatre and music or food and wine in Tuscany, and then there are events and festivals bring together those passionate about these arts. You can count on a packed programme for the summer season, but autumn doesn’t disappoint either, with its more nuanced atmospheres, warm colours, grape harvest and scent of wine, it has surprises in store.
Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico
Theatre of Silence in Lajatico, in the province of Pisa
Silence is also music. A concept embraced in the village of Lajatico, nestled in the Pisan hills among woods and cultivated fields where nature dictates its rhythms and melodies. Once a year, the quiet around the village is disturbed, or more precisely, transformed. The event is inspired by its most illustrious citizen - the tenor Andrea Bocelli – and transforms the landscape into a stage. The Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence) is a natural amphitheatre situated on a hill a 1.5 km from the town centre. For a few days, this natural site comes alive with music, thanks a line-up of internationally renowned artists personally invited by Bocelli and which changes every year. After which, everything returns to the way it was - silent - in complete respect for the environment. A trip to this place of tranquillity and magic is a worthwhile experience and, if possible, go when the shows are being held (usually in July): since 2006 this stage has hosted the likes of Laura Pausini, Gianna Nannini, Roberto Bolle, Placido Domingo and José Carreras, to name but a few.
Effetto Venezia in Livorno
Effetto Venezia in Livorno
Venezia Nuova (New Venice) is Livorno’s oldest surviving and most characteristic district and is also its liveliest and most alternative. Begun in 1692 with the expert assistance of Venetian engineers, it was constructed on land reclaimed from the sea, a ‘new’ district for the older city (almost entirely razed to the ground in World War II). It was to become the fulcrum of Livorno's commercial activities. Over the centuries the district has taken on different functions and forms, but it is still the authentic core of the city, winding its among the noble palaces, churches, bridges and canals for boats - you can even take a boat tour to explore them – it’s just like a mini Venice. All year round you can enjoy the district, its restaurants and numerous live-music venues but, between end of July and beginning of August, its streets and canals light up with colour and are alive with shows and concerts thanks to an event eagerly awaited by the locals and non-locals alike: Effetto Venezia.
Wine fair in Montescudaio
The events that enliven this corner of Tuscany do not stop with the end of summer. In autumn, the festivals continue with lots to offer wine and food enthusiasts, who can celebrate the grape harvest at one of the many events promoting local wine specialities. These include the Mostra Mercato del Vino in Montescudaio, which for over fifty years has been held on the first weekend of October. The programme includes wine tastings from the Vino Doc Montescudaio Consortium, pairings with typical dishes and street food all around the village as well as musical performances. Don't miss this autumn event that celebrates a culture and tradition that has been handed down here since Etruscan times.
