Festas (street parties)

Throughout the year, but mainly between June and October, each and every village or hamlet in Tuscany will put on a small evening street party or Festa to celebrate the wine harvest or the day of their patron saint. Usually set in the town square, local car park or church grounds, the event will feature a sit-down meal served on paper plates. The food is prepared by the women of the village, sold for a pittance and is 100% local produce, all washed down with a splendid local table wine straight out of the barrel. Of course each festa is different. Some have ballroom dancing competitions, others live local bands, while some last for a week with a different theme each evening. All comers are welcome, but the only way to find out when and where they are is via the big posters plastered around the town squares of Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo or any other such town.

Radda
A lovely little festa set in the gardens in front of the town's walls. The food is always very good, while the live bands will surprise and delight.
Late August.

Piannella
Usually Piannella goes on for a whole week with different types of regional food on offer each night. There'll be a fish night, a beef night, rabbit and so on. But whatever you choose it's all good, as is the wine, the grappa and the ballroom dancing that takes place next to the municipal football pitch where the event occurs.
3rd week August or so.

Gaiole
This is one of the area's least pretentious towns that, usually devoid of tourists, tends to put on a quite unusual Festa. Last year it was a ballet troupe on the big stage, while previously I have seen beauty competitions and the local brass band. Whatever the event, the wine comes from the surrounding vineyards, which are many, and the food is wonderful.
Throughout August and September.

Volpaia
More lavish than the others and more popular they actually have a private invitation-only area where I saw Prime Minister Tony Blair sit and eat with various local dignitaries and politicians. The rest of us had to make do with a party in the main square where each bar sold local wine and a huge hog was roasted on a spit to the accompaniment of a local band whose favourite song was 'Lady in Red' by Chris De Burgh. Popular with teenagers from Siena and Florence, this isn't as local as the rest.

Vetine
This tiny little town hosts a splendid festa with a medieval theme where a lot of locals wander about in period garb. Also on offer is the customary food and wine, a fine local brass band and a bevy of African drummers who go at it as if there is no tomorrow.
Late August.