The Carnival of Viareggio Carnival is the most important and spectacular of Tuscany, and one of the most famous in Europe.On the Versilia sea avenues of the town parade with floats made of papier mache, which are of two categories, large and masked groups, each consisting of eight items about three feet high. This year the courses are held masked held on 4, 5, 12, 19, 21 and February 26 and March 3.
www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com/

The renowned summer festival of Lucca has now also a winter look. Between March and April 2012 in fact Lucca will host in the town theatre some exciting concerts, out of the summer program. The season will start with the famous singer James Taylor, who will be followed by the funk group Tower of Power. For jazz lovers the calendar will than see the legendary duo of Joe Sample and Randy Crawford, and the Al Di Meola World Sinfonia Trio. Lucca Winter Fest | 2012: 10 march, James Taylor & His Band 24 march, Tower of Power 2 april, Joe Sample & Randy Crawford 6 april, Al Di Meola World Sinfonia Trio
www.summer-festival.com/winter/

In July, Piazza Napoleone in Lucca, one of the most beautiful square in Tuscany, will host the Lucca Summer Festival, the very best of international live music. For summer 2012 several famous international artists will be performing in June and July. Among these you will find Tom Petty, Norah Jones and many others. The complete programme will be soon available.
www.summer-festival.com/lucca/

Pistoia Blues Festival is the most important blues festival in Italy and one of the best in the World! Located in the heart of Tuscany with the beautiful ancient buildings and squares and the most fantastic italian wine and food, Pistoia Blues over the years has put together the best international rock and blues rooted acts.
www.pistoiablues.com/

The oldest and most prestigious music festival in Europe after Salzburg, which attracts the greatest concert, opera and contemporary artists in the world, takes place every year in Florence, the cradle of Renaissance, the capital of the European culture. The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is one of the most important and awaited annual events famous also for the direction of the conductor Zubin Mehta and for the long musical tradition of 'Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Tickets can be hard to come by, so check the online schedule and purchase tickets in advance.
www.maggiofiorentino.com/

It is said that the first Palio was run in memory of the famous battle of Montaperti. Today the horse race has become, without doubt, Italy's most important historic event. The Palio is contested between the various contrada of Siena and is held twice a year. The Palio di Provenzano (in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano) is run on July 2nd . The Palio dell'Assunta is celebrated on August 16th.
www.ilpalio.org