In the next few days, small villages around Maremma Tuscany will offer a variety of wine & food festivals, as well as fire rituals to remember the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. These traditional events celebrate local eno-gastronomy, the colors and flavors of autumn, and the territory’s history through mixed Christian and profane symbolisms. Let’s have a look at two of the most characteristic events in the upcoming days!

End of Autumn Celebrations for Foodies

The small village of San Giovanni delle Contee, near Sorano, will be bustling with activities on the days 21, 22, 23 and 25 of November. Wineries will open up to the public to allow for tastings of new wine, new olive oil and local specialties. There will be music, a tombola raffle and fireworks. The occasion? Celebrating autumn and Saint Catherine. Here is a more detailed program:

Friday 21
Wineries open at 19:30 – tastings of typical local products and wines
At 22:00, warm up with a 70s rock dance concert!

Saturday 22
Classical music concert by ‘Ensemble Classica Trio’ at 17:00 in the local Church
Wineries open at 18:30 – tastings of typical local products and wines
Itinerant music by the streets from 22:00 with the drums of Pitigliano and then blues music

Sunday 23
At 17:45, stories will be told about the local participation in the world wars.
At 19:30, an apericena (a mix of aperitif with dinner) will take place in the parish hall, followed by tombola raffle

Tuesday 25
Mass at 18:00
Local products’ tasting in the parish hall, followed by fireworks.

Focarazza Fire Festival

On the 24th and 25th of November, the small village of Santa Caterina (Roccalbegna – Mount Amiata area) celebrates the ancient Focarazza ritual, in memory of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and a historic victory achieved by the locals in a battle against Siena on the Saint’s feast day. You can read more on our article “Focarazza fire ritual: sacred meets profane in Tuscany”