4 Best Performing Arts in Tuscany, Italy

On the first Sunday in September the Astiludio festival celebrates a flag-throwing tradition that dates back to 1406. Performances and processions are part of the festivities.

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.

San Gimignano is one of the few small towns in the area that make a big deal out of carnival festivities, with locals dressing up in colorful costumes and marching through the streets from 3:30 to 6:30 on the four Sundays preceding Shrove Tuesday.

Pisa is at its best during the Luminaria feast day, on June 16. The day honors St. Ranieri, the city's patron saint. Palaces along the Arno are lit with white lights, and there are plenty of fireworks.