FERIE DELLE MESSI:
Location: San Gimignano, Siena
Date: the 2nd weekend in June
An important part of San Gimignano’s history is brought back to life on this weekend when two crucial battles (Monatperti in 1260 and Campaldino in 1289) were fought and won by the armies of this town. The men are costumed in original battle dress and the women and children participate in creating an atmosphere in the town that is purely medieval. Activities consist of jousting tournaments, song singing, art markets and, on display, items from years past and religious benedictions.

I TAPPETI DI SEGATURA COLORATA:
Location: Camaiore, Lucca
Date: Corpus Domini – Friday, June 20th
The Rugs of Colored Sawdust - the streets of this Camaiore are covered with colored sawdust that's artfully sprinkled to create likenesses of religious themes. The townspeople work throughout the night to prepare this stunning display for the next day's benediction and parade. Then there is a colorful parade (the Parade of Corpus Domini) that proceeds over the top of the sawdust pictures. You will also enjoy an abundance of religious images that are painted on the pavement according to ancient customs.

SAN GIOVANNI:
Location: Firenze
Date: Tuesday, June 24th & Sunday, July 6th
As the patron saint of Florence, San Giovanni the Baptist is heartily celebrated throughout the month of June. On the evening of June 24th, rowboats bearing twinkling candles are released in the river’s current, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm. The following Sunday culminates with the final soccer match (games have been played every Sunday throughout June to determine the two final teams) played in a slightly different style with rules dating back to the Renaissance times. Players are costumed in epoch dress and locals enjoy themselves with food and song as they watch who comes out victorious. Winners of the match are celebrated in the following street party, where the rowboat ceremony is repeated in their honor.

THE TRATTA:
Location: Siena
Date: Thursday, June 26th
The Tratta (lottery) takes place on this day for the palio (race) that's run on July 2nd. Horses are put forward for selection and are carefully inspected for suitability and good health. On this day, the horses are ready by 7:00 a.m. in the courtyard of the Podesta, to make their appearance in groups of five or six, for trial races. Ten horses are then chosen by the Captains. The Tratta is then officiated by the mayor as 2 young pages each dip into a barrel of tickets, one picking out a contrada (neighborhood) and one picking out a cavallo (horse). During the next four days, the horse will be lovingly cared for, pampered and guarded until the day of the race.