And You'll Find Something For Everyone
Summer vacations might be coming to an end, shops might be opening back up again and it is true you will find that the city centers start to liven up a bit with preparations for back to school yet, there are still many nights to go before school night curfew kicks in - and Prato takes full advantage of filling these evenings with activities that range from the arts to sports, cultural learning to fitness awareness, from aesthetic appreciation to laughter.
Starting the 28th of August there is one exciting event after another...you will always find something tailored made just for your flavor of entertainment at "Settembre - Prato è spettacolo."
History, Religion, and Pride
Check out the Official Site for the Calendar of events
There are two activities that are re-occurring events, both steeped in tradition and a deep sense of pride belonging to Prato. This is part of what makes them Pratese!
The Palla Grossa
Showtime includes the competitive game of a mix between rugby, football, soccer, and sumo wrestling - all in medieval custom...but emotions run high and reputations are at stake. Get your tickets to join in on the fun and excitement of watching the Red, Yellow, Green and Blue teams battle it out for the grand prize. The semi-finals are on the 9th of September and the Grand Finale on the 15th of September.
The official site
The Ostentation of the Sacred Belt
This relic has tied the people, the church, and even the local government together for centuries, so much so that the government records (and not the church) which stipulates the dates for the ostentation (or public viewings). On September 8th, in commemoration of the birth of the Blessed Mother, there is a parade in historic custom, with flag throwers, and even the Palla Grossa players which ends in the Piazza Duomo where the Belt is produced for all to see.
Where the Music Begins
Music fills the Squares
The theme this year seems to music, music and more music. The events start off September with six days of concerts in Piazza Duomo. Styles and rhythms of all types: Gazzelle, Salmo, Mike Patton, and Mondo Cane, the Flaming Lips & Eels and more. They have organized three different locations with 5 stages - filled with music!
In addition to all this music, they dedicate some space to the little ones at "La Piazza dei piccoli 2019" from the 29th of August to the 3rd of September with activities, art, shows and guided storytelling. They have imagined a setting designed to create a small vegetable garden / botanical garden. It will be a wonderful and fantastic place, among dreamy trees, giant cushions and lots of creativity. Participation in the initiatives is free unless otherwise indicated. All laboratories have a maximum number of participants, booking is recommended, through the contacts provided by the organizing associations. See this link for more info.
Beyond Prato you will find so much to do
If you are planning on visiting Prato make plans to include at least one of these events in your program to truly appreciate the inviting atmosphere in this amazing city...or you can check out more of the activities in Prato throughout the year at this link.
This is also the month when you can find lots of exciting things happening in vineyards throughout the region, read here to find out some of the more popular events in wine this month.
We are constantly updating the dates for the new year, if they have not yet been posted by official sites then we write in TBA (to be announced) - so keep checking in with us...or write us on the Forum.
Traveling to Florence while visiting Tuscany? Remember to check out the calendar for Florence and the many select events that happen in this great city. The month of September has the city of Prato hopping with lots of activities, check out the calendar.
