Main Events
FESTIVALS, CONCERTS AND EXHIBITIONS
SELECTION OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN CORTONA
The most important and significant events take place from spring to autumn.
These events are popular because they reflect the traditions, customs and beliefs of the city.
6 Dicember 2025 al 6 January 2026
Christmas Party in Cortona
Cortona, with its unique atmosphere and timeless charm, is preparing to get dressed up for the most magical time of the year. As every year, our enchanting city is about to draft the final program of the festivities, which promises once again to be rich in events, lights, and surprises designed to delight young and old.
While we await the complete officialization of the calendar, we can already confirm some of the most beloved and unmissable events that will return to illuminate our village:
- Inauguration of the Christmas Lights (Luminarie) and Video Mapping Shows: The switching on of the evocative illuminations and the spectacular projections on the facades of historical buildings will officially kick off the “Christmas of Stars,” transforming the center into a luminous work of art.
- The Big New Year’s Eve Party: On the evening of December 31st, the appointment is in the square for a fantastic party open to everyone, featuring live music and a DJ set to dance and toast together to the arrival of the new year.
- The Arrival of the Befana: The celebrations will conclude sweetly with the traditional visit of the Befana, a special and highly anticipated moment dedicated to all children.
Get ready to experience Cortona in an unforgettable Christmas setting, amidst markets, music, shows, and the warm welcome typical of Tuscany.
Every Fourth Sunday of the month
Antiques Market
All year round
The charm of the past comes to life every fourth Sunday of the month in the historic heart of the city, when the charming Piazza Luca Signorelli transforms into a lively antiques market. In this evocative setting, framed by the ancient city walls and historic buildings that characterize the center, around 50 selected exhibitors from all over the region gather.
From 9:00 to 20:00, vintage enthusiasts and seekers of hidden treasures can immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere, strolling among stalls full of charm.
Among the stalls you can find artistic ceramics, old books, vintage prints, glass and porcelain objects, vintage jewelry, old vinyl records, historic postcards and much more.
Info
Tel. 0575 62984
infocortona@apt.arezzo.it
Friday, April 18, 2025
Historic Center
Good Friday Procession
Good Friday is the Friday before the Christian Easter. On this day Christians commemorate the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
From 9:00 pm the holy procession begins with its faithful and its ancient Saints and will pass through the main streets of Cortona, ending at 11:00 pm at the Cathedral.
The following day (Saturday) at the Cathedral of Cortona, starting at 11:00 pm, the Easter Vigil of the night of the Resurrection begins with the blessing of the fire, the candle and at 11:00 pm the traditional “Flight of Christ” will begin in Piazza del Duomo. The mass, as usual, will be accompanied by a choir and will end around 1:00 am
1 May
Piazza Luca Signorelli
Cortona in Fiore – May 1, 2024
On Thursday, May 1, Cortona is transformed into a riot of colors with the Flower and Copper Market Exhibition (9 am-8 pm in Piazza Signorelli, Repubblica and Garibaldi). Among floral stalls, crafts, honey and garden installations, the event offers workshops for children, including “Floral Face Painting” (5-6:30 pm, Piazza Signorelli) and readings by Libreria Nocentini.
At 4 pm, performance by the Flag-wavers in Piazza della Repubblica, followed by the awards ceremony for the “Cortona in Fiore” competition (Council Hall). Schools will also participate, with floral installations and creative activities.
From 5:30 pm, guided tour of the Duomo and floral-themed menus in participating restaurants.
Various events
from May – June
Giorstra dell’archidado 8 June 2025
Archidado Joust
Historic Center
The Giostra dell’Archidado has its origins in the Middle Ages and precisely just before the year 1000, but since 1994 the districts of Cortona have challenged each other with crossbows, recalling the celebrations that took place for the wedding of Francesco Casali and Antonia Salimbeni.
The Giostra dell’Archidado is an event not to be missed, captivating and exciting both for the people of Cortona and for the tourists who are lucky enough to be in Cortona during the medieval week.
From 24 to 28 of June
Piazza Luca Signorelli
Cortonese Musical Week
“Filarmoniche in Piazza”
16th Edition
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
9:15 p.m. Piazza L. Signorelli – Cortona
• Concert of the “Società Filarmonica Cortonese” – Cortona (Arezzo)
welcoming of the students of the University of Georgia, Coriona Campus
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
9:15 p.m. Piazza L. Signorelli – Cortona
• Concert of the “Filarmonica Giuseppe Verdi” Farorta of Cortona (Areso)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
9:15 p.m. Plazza L. Signorili – Cortona
• Concert of the “Filarmoeica Giacomo Poccini di Pezzuolo Umbro” (Perugia)
Friday, June 27, 2025
9:15 p.m. Piazza L. Signionelli – Cortona
• Concert of the “Banda di Passignano sul Trasimeno* Passiprano eul Trasimeno (Perugia)
Saturday 28 June 2025
9:15 pm Piazza L. Signorelli – Cortona
• Concert of the “Società Filarmonica Cortonese” – Cortona (Arezzo)| and performance of the Band “Prime Note” of the Comprehensive Institute “Cortona I” and “Filarmonica” Cortonese”
The Citizenship is invited to participate
From 25 to 29 June 2025
Nume Festival
The Outstanding Talent Festival
INTERNATIONAL CLASSICAL MUSIC ACADEMY AND FESTIVAL
An international classical music festival as part of a prestigious string academy. NUME Festival proposes to its public acclaimed artists from across the world and promotes emerging artists. A pure musical encounter, full of energy and passion in the heart of Cortona. Live the experience!
Each year we select the greatest talents from around the world to participate in a high-level tuition free Academy. Many of the young talents taking part in the course are already at the beginning of their careers as soloists or chamber musicians and have won important prizes in international competitions.
From 28 June to 6 July 2025
Festival della Musica Sacra
IT TAKES PLACE IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
The Cortona Sacred Music Festival, founded in 2004, is an annual event that combines art, spirituality and culture. This event offers concerts, celebrations and meetings in historic and evocative locations such as the Signorelli Theater and the Eremo delle Celle.
Every year, the festival offers important themes and artists, celebrating the beauty of sacred music in all its forms.
From 17 July to 2 November 2025
Cortona on the Move
Photography Festival
Since 2011, Cortona On The Move is the international festival dedicated to contemporary photography that transforms the Tuscan village into a center of art and visual culture. Every year, exhibitions, events and workshops invade the historic buildings, alleys and squares of the city, creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation.
The festival celebrates the great masters of photography and emerging talents, telling stories that explore the world through the lens.
Mid August 2025
Piazza Luca Signorelli
European Festival of Folk Music and Dance
Since 1999, the European Festival of Popular Music and Dance has celebrated the richness of cultural traditions through performances that bring together artists from all over Europe.
This unique event transforms Cortona into a vibrant stage, where music, dance and folk costumes animate the squares and historic sites of the city.
Every year, the festival offers an engaging experience, promoting dialogue between cultures and the charm of European folk traditions. professionalism.
From 10 to 16 August 2025
Sagra della Bistecca
Steak Festival
Since 1962, the Sagra della Bistecca has been an unmissable event in the Cortona summer, dedicated to the celebration of Tuscan culinary tradition.
This event, which takes place every year on August 15th, transforms the Parterre of Cortona into a large outdoor party, where the absolute protagonist is the Florentine steak, cooked on imposing grills and served with simplicity to enhance its authentic flavor.
Between music, conviviality and good food, the festival is an unmissable experience for lovers of Tuscan cuisine and local traditions.
From 23 August to 7 September 2025
Cortona Antiquaria
Antiques Fair
Since 1963, Cortona Antiquaria has been one of the most prestigious events dedicated to antiques in Italy. Every year, between August and September, the historic center of Cortona is transformed into an elegant showcase, hosting exhibitors and collectors from all over Europe.
Furniture, paintings, ceramics and art objects of great value find space in this exhibition market, which celebrates the timeless charm of antiques in a setting rich in history and culture.
11 12 13 14 September 2025
Cortona Art
FOOD TRUCKS & STREET ARTISTS
GIARDINI DEL PARTERRE
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
6:30 PM Parterre Gardens: Festival Opening with the authorities.
7:00 PM Parterre Gardens: Food Area and Market Opening
Followed by: CortonArt Open Lab, presentation of the new Performance Arena with local artists.
FRIDAY the 12th
7:00 PM Parterre Gardens: Opening of the food area and market
9:00 PM TVCHVLCHA Night, DJ set featuring 70s, 80s, and 90s music
SATURDAY the 13th
12:30 PM Parterre Gardens: Opening of the food area and market
3:00 PM Parterre Gardens: Closing of the food area
7:00 PM Parterre Gardens: Reopening of the food area
7:00 PM Piazza Signorelli: Street Art Show #1
7:30 PM Piazza della Repubblica: Street Art Show #2
8:30 PM Parterre Gardens: Street Art Show #3
9:00 PM OUTSIDE BAND Concert
SUNDAY the 14th
12:30 PM Parterre Gardens: Opening of the food area and market (continuous until the evening)
4:30 PM Parterre Gardens: “Piparula” workshop for children (details to follow)
5:00 PM Parterre Gardens Parterre: Street Art Workshop for children (juggling and acrobatics)
7:00 PM Piazza Signorelli: Street Art Show #1
7:30 PM Piazza della Repubblica: Street Art Show #2
9:00 PM Parterre Gardens: Buskers Show
Free admission
