When we talk about Versilia, the first image that comes to mind are the sunny beaches and the dives in the sea; of course the summers here are fabulous but why not discover the wonders of the other seasons as well?
Spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the Apuan Alps, taking long walks on the beach or in the pine forests that overlook the coast; this is also an ideal time to engage in outdoor sports.
In winter, the sea changes its appearance and its colors, which take on a decidedly poetic atmosphere, often give us dizzying sunsets. When the temperatures drop, the Pania turns white and when the sun goes down we can admire its pink shades.
The nature of our lands deserves to be enjoyed in every season, but this is not the only reason to choose it as a destination even beyond the summer holidays: the cultural, artistic, gastronomic, playful and folkloristic events continue throughout the year, so you won't get bored even on rainy days.
In addition, Versilia is the ideal place for lovers of luxury shopping, here you will find exclusive boutiques and the glittering windows of the best brands: taking a tour during the winter sales period can give great satisfaction to your wardrobe.
Viareggio Carnival
The spectacular parades and the festive atmosphere that reigns in the city during the days of masked courses attract thousands of visitors of all ages every year. You can indulge yourself, put on make-up and style and for a day (or even more) have fun impersonating what you like best. The mask is not a must, you can also participate as simple spectators, the joyful atmosphere will immediately infect you.
The papier-mâché floats are the undisputed protagonists of the Viareggio Carnival, majestic and colorful. You will see the parade along the promenade along the sea.
The Viareggio Carnival takes generally place from the end of January to the beginning of March.
Lucca Comics
In the capital, which is a few kilometers from Versilia, you can participate in one of the most anticipated events of the year that has always attracted a multitude of people of all ages.
A huge fair dedicated to comics, animation, games (role-playing, board, card games), video games and fantasy and science fiction imagery. It takes place between the end of October and the beginning of November and is considered the most important exhibition of the sector in Europe.
Wine Art Festival in Pietrasanta
This important initiative is held in the month of March, hosts prestigious producers from all over Italy and many lovers and appreciators of good wine, offering a rich program of debates, tastings, culinary initiatives.
Barsanti and Matteucci International Award
The Barsanti and Matteucci International Award was established in 2020 to commemorate Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci, inventors of the internal combustion engine. This is an award dedicated to those who have distinguished themselves in the field of automotive engineering and who continue to develop motor vehicles by comparing themselves with new technologies in respect of pollution and energy saving.
This event that attracts so much public takes place in Pietrasanta in the spring months.
Giosue 'Carducci Literary Prize
For over 60 years there has been this recognition dedicated to the first Italian Nobel Prize for literature and great poet Giosue 'Carducci. Many writers, including Rondoni, Luzi, Erba, Cucchi have been awarded. On July 27 of each year, the day Carducci was born, the winner is proclaimed in the evocative setting of the Piazza del Duomo in Pietrasanta.
Enolia in Seravezza
The event is dedicated to oil and typical products of Versilia.
Tastings, concerts, historical re-enactments and street artists' shows take place in the alleys that run through the historic center up to the Palazzo Mediceo.
On this occasion, the initiative "Pedalando tra gli ulivi" is also held, a bike route that, through olive groves, sculptors' workshops and small gastronomic stops, takes visitors from Querceta to the splendid Palazzo Mediceo where the events are held.
The Palio dei Micci
In Querceta, on the first Sunday of May, the Palio dei Micci takes place (in our dialect, the micci are donkeys). Thousands of figures parade and give life to exceptional shows that evoke the history, customs and traditions of the past. The Palio is not only a challenge between districts, but above all a choral performance, an event with a popular flavor that attracts people from all over Italy.
The districts compete for the banner by staging, in an imaginative and scenographic way, stories based on facts, places and characters that really existed. To embellish the whole music, colors and the parade of the historical parade that each district organizes to carry out the representation.
At the end of the various performances there is a race with donkeys ridden bareback by the Contrada jockeys. The first to complete six laps of the field will win the Palio.
Demetra in Camaiore
A weekend dedicated to local countryside products, from strawberries to seasonal vegetables, from aromatic herbs to fruit trees, is held in May at the majestic Villa Le Pianore.
Marina in Fiore in Marina di Pietrasanta
At the end of April, Tonfano, a town in the municipality of Pietrasanta overlooking the sea, is colored with beautiful flowers and hosts a festival dedicated to gardening, crafts, with exhibitions and fashion shows.
Christmas markets in Pietrasanta
Every year starting from November there are many events related to the Christmas holidays. Traditional dedicated markets that attract more and more tourists ... different and very original gifts that you can buy !!
Every first Sunday of the month in Piazza Statuto in Pietrasanta
MuSa Virtual Museum of Sculpture and Architecture Via Sant'Agostino 61, Pietrasanta
On the occasion of the Christmas holidays there will be many and very different events that will animate Pietrasanta.
Promotional fair and hobbyist market dedicated to Christmas, every weekend including Friday from November 29th to December 22nd!
Finally the theatrical programming in Pietrasanta starts again!
Link to consult the programming
https://versilianafestival.it/eventi/categoria/teatro-comunale-pietrasanta/
Animated nativity scene, entertainment for children with Santa Claus and face painting
Small craft market Lunch, dinner and snack with typical Versilia products and more
Exhibition of handcrafted nativity scenes by Antonio Giorgi
Conference for social, health and informative purposes
December 15 | Pietrasanta historic center Sagrato del Duomo di San Martino, Piazza Duomo CHRISTMAS CONCERT Women's Choir "Donne Incanto" by Ass. K-Antares
December 16 | Pietrasanta historic center Teatro Comunale "C. Galeotti", Piazza Duomo 14 CHRISTMAS CONCERT PHILHARMONICA DI CAPEZZANO MONTE
December 18 | Pietrasanta historic center Sagrato del Duomo di San Martino, Piazza Duomo CHRISTMAS SONGS – 2nd ed. Concert by students of the Pietrasanta 2 Comprehensive Institute “Special” participation by Santa Claus
December 22 | Pietrasanta historic center Piazza Duomo SANTA CLAUS IS COMING & FREEDOM SINGERS GOSPEL CHOIR in concert
December 22 | Capezzano Monte Church of San Rocco, Capezzano Monte CHRISTMAS CONCERT by CORO VERSILIA Traditional Christmas concert Homage to Giacomo Puccini by the young pianist Giulio Domenici
December 26 | Vallecchia Pieve di Santo Stefano, Piazza del Monumento 1 CONCERT OF SANTO STEFANO organized by Contrada Antichi Feudi
Promotional fair, hobbyist market, school and association stands
70th COPPA SANTO STEFANO Road race, city route of 7.2 km, organized by Atletica Pietrasanta Versilia, recognized by FIDAL
The gigantic papier-mâché floats parade along the Viali a Mare in Viareggio