Florence comes alive in May with festive celebrations and outdoor events. Labor Day kicks off the month with parades and a lively flag-throwing competition in Piazza della Signoria. The charming Festa del Grillo brings families to Cascine Park for a traditional celebration, and just outside Florence, the streets of Scarperia are transformed into breathtaking floral tapestries for the Infiorata festival. It's a perfect time to enjoy the warmer weather and the timeless traditions of Tuscany.
1 May 2024
Florence celebrates Labor Day with the exciting Trofeo Marzocco, one of the largest flag-throwing competitions in Europe. Teams from across Italy, dressed in traditional costumes, gather in Piazza della Signoria to compete in dazzling displays of skill and coordination. The event begins around 3 pm and continues into the evening with awards for teams, individual performers and musicians. It's a festive and colorful tradition that brings history to life in the heart of the city.
4 May 2025
Held on the first Sunday of May in Querceta, near Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coastline, the Palio dei Micci is one of Tuscany's most playful and colorful events. Eight districts compete in a traditional palio race - but instead of horses, they ride donkeys. The day also features historic parades, flag-throwing displays and performances in medieval costume. It's a fun and unique event filled with local charm and festive spirit.
Website: https://www.prolocoquerceta.it/palio-dei-micci-it.php
25 May 2025
Just under an hour's drive north of Florence, the medieval town of Scarperia transforms its streets into magnificent floral tapestries for the annual Infiorata festival on the last Sunday in May. Residents work for weeks to create intricate murals made entirely of petals and natural elements, which fill the streets and piazzas. Sunday dawns on carpets of fantastic floral creations filling the streets and squares of the central city. As the event draws so many visitors, shops and museums remain open on this day.
Website: https://prolocoscarperia.it/evento/infioratascarperia/
24 - 25 May 2025
On the last weekend of May, wineries across Tuscany open their doors for Cantine Aperte, offering visitors the chance to explore cellars, meet local winemakers and enjoy guided tastings. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover Tuscany's rich wine traditions in a friendly and festive atmosphere - perfect for wine lovers!
Website: https://movimentoturismovino.it/cantine-aperte-movimento/
End of May
Florence's Cascine Park comes alive with the enchanting song of the cricket for the annual Festa del Grillo. Originally celebrating Ascension Day, this local event has become a joyful springtime gathering with markets, parades and family-friendly entertainment. While the tradition once included selling live crickets in little cages as good luck charms, today visitors will find charming mechanical crickets instead — a playful keepsake from this much-loved Florentine tradition.
31 May - 8 June 2025
In the heart of the Chianti region, the town of Montespertoli celebrates its wine heritage with the annual Mostra del Chianti. Enjoy tastings of the region's finest wines, along with local food, art exhibitions and cultural events. The festival also features traditional music and lively celebrations, making it a great day trip from Florence for food and wine lovers.
Website: https://www.mostradelchianti.it/
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