6 Best Performing Arts in Tuscany, Italy

On the fourth Sunday of May and again on the second Sunday in August, Massa Marittima's three traditional neighborhood groups dress in medieval costumes and parade through the town with much fanfare and flag throwing. The pinnacle of the event is a crossbow shooting competition between the town's districts.

For four Sundays and Shrove Tuesday preceding Lent, this little seaside town produces its world-famous Carnevale, with intricate floats, or carri, representing Italy's most influential celebrities and politicians and sometimes the famous and infamous from around the world. Started in the late 1800s, the Viareggio Carnevale differs from that held in Venice because of its parades of huge and fantastical floats. Traditionally, they were put together by Viareggio's shipbuilders, and the masked celebrants were civil and political protesters. Today, the floats still used as a vehicle to lampoon popular figures. Other events—music, parties, and art displays—also take place during Carnevale. The crowds are huge, with many attending in costume.

Throughout the summer there are jazz, pop, and rock concerts in conjunction with the Estate Musicale Lucchese music festival. It happens in the large, beautiful Piazza Napoleone. Ask the tourist information office for more information.

Every June, Montelupo hosts the weeklong ceramics festival that includes exhibitions of local and international art, demonstrations of techniques new and ancient, and street theater and music. Of course, ceramics from around the world are for sale, too. Additional information about the ceramics festival is available from the Montelupo Fiorentino tourist office.

Pistoia's patron saint, St. James, is honored during this festival held on July 25. One of the highlights is when three knights—one from each area of the city—on horseback do "battle" with a "bear," meaning that they must strike a bear-shaped target while riding. The visitor center has more information on the event.

During the first weekend of November, the city's piazzas are filled with tents featuring exhibitions and games, and the streets are invaded with comic-book fans and gamers for Lucca Comics and Games. During the last week of October, and continuing through the Comics festival, a mostra mercato (market show) takes place as well.