festivals in Tuscany and Umbria 2014

Frank, you might try these two websites:

Umbria

Tuscany

I googled "festivals in Umbria 2014" and then chose the "inyourlife" site. It actually led me to an interesting festival in Cascia, Umbria, on just the day I will be in the general area. I had never heard of Cascia or the festival, but who knows, it might work out. I have not checked, but I imagine you can check out other places in Italy, maybe elsewhere, on this site.

Larry, Thank you for the information. It has helped.

Hi Frank, We were in ASSISI in May 2012 for a week. During our stay there was a festival called Calendimaggio. There were many events involving Medieval tournaments and pageants with costumed participants all over the town. I think for the best info explaining the activities I would go to www.annesitaly.com. Anne is an American ex-pat, married to an Italian and living in Assisi. We enjoyed an evening at a farmhouse with dinner and then visiting entertainers made up of the local farmers. It was a lovely evening and we met the locals as well as visitors over dinner. Ther was also a printed schedule for the whole weekend available at the tourist info stand as well as at our accomodation. I think that each hilltown nearby may have a festival on a different date in May. Try slowtravel.com for more info. Umbria is so beautiful, food is delicious and not as touristy as Tuscany although we still love Tuscany. Enjoy your trip. Sherry

For a very Italian festival, consider Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio. It takes place on May 15 each year. Gubbio isn’t in Tuscany or Umbria, but it’s only a short drive from towns that are, such as Cortona and Assisi. You can get a flavor for the festival at www.ceri.it. I attended a few years ago while staying in Assisi and really enjoyed the experience.

In Assisi there is an international music festival the first two weeks of July, "Assisi Performing Arts". Both vocal and instrumental music, classical, musical theater, sacred, opera, choral, chamber, solo recitals, jazz. At least 2 concerts every day, sometimes 3!

As far as I know, unless region borders have changed, Gubbio is in Umbria; the festival is definitely worth a visit. Take the funivia to Mount Ubaldo, where the footrace concludes.