CORTONA MAIN EVENTS
MOST RELEVANT EVENTS IN TOWN
Cortona, known for its rich cultural heritage, hosts several events throughout the year, with the most important and significant taking place from spring to fall. These events are popular because they reflect the town’s traditions, customs, and beliefs. Some notable events include the “Sagra della Bistecca”, a steak festival featuring the largest wire rack in Italy, the “Joust of Archidado”, a historical re-enactment of medieval games and parade, and the “Mostra Antiquaria”, an antique fair.
Antique market
The fourth Sunday of the month
The fourth Sunday of the month inside the city walls, in Piazza Signorelli takes place the antique market of Cortona, The markets are scheduled from 9.00 at 20.00 in Piazza Signorelli. Among the various stalls used items, collectibles and modern. The market hosts about 50 exhibitors.
Info line
tel. 0575 62984
infocortona@apt.arezzo.it
PROCESSION OF THE HOLY FRIDAY NIGHT
7 April 2023
From 09.00 pm starts the Saint procession followed by his faithful and its ancient Saints. The procession will travel across all the main streets and squares of the town ending around 12.00 pm at the Cathedral (The Duomo) (Please bring candles with you). The Good Friday is the Friday before the Christian Easter. On this day Christians commemorate the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This anniversary is observed with special practices and rituals by the faithful of many Christian denominations.
The next day (on Saturday) at the Duomo (the Cathedral) of Cortona at 11:00 pm the Easter Vigil begins the night of the Resurrection with the blessing of fire, the candle, at 11.00 pm will start the traditional “Flight of the Christ” in Piazza del Duomo. The Holy Mass and the ritual as tradition will be accompanied by the Choir Zefferini ending around 01.00 am.
FLOWER COPPER FAIR AND COCK
30 April – 1 May 2023
Fiera del rame del fiore e del coccio is the traditional copper, flower and earthenware fair in Cortona with numerous exhibitors, both local and from various Italian regions, who will exhibit their goods in worked copper thanks to their creativity, industriousness and professionalism. The fair will animate the historic center of Cortona in particular Piazza Signorelli and via Casali which will turn into a welcoming garden full of flowers and ornamental plants. An excellent opportunity to stroll through the alleys and squares in a suggestive atmosphere.
CORTONA IN FIORE
Sunday 1 May 2023
Cortona in Fiore, the world of flowers in the city center. This is the event with which Cortona greets the return of spring. A special Sunday dedicated to flowers, plants and their well-being, with sector experts and professionals engaged in the care of the city’s greenery.
Joust of Archidado
The Archidado Joust traces its origins back to the Middle Ages and was officially created in 1397 to celebrate the wedding of Francesco Casali, the Lord of Cortona, and Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman from Siena. In the city of Cortona, this historical event is recalled every year on the second Sunday of June, when people are lead back to the ancient medieval splendor of the city. The streets are decorated in medieval style, ladies, knights, flag flyers, crossbow shooters, soldiers, pages, civil and religious authorities, all dressed with fine costumes, liven up the city center, which is rich in history and artistic beauties of every time.
FULL PROGRAM 2023
During this festival are various sacred concerts in the city of Cortona with the main purpose is to announce to the city and to all those visiting the gospel of hope, fostering dialogue between the values of faith and culture traits tending to the enhancement of the extraordinary resources available.
Website cortonacristiana.it
“We Are Humans” is the theme of Cortona On The Move 2021. We are all protagonists: human beings take centerstage once again, in they daily life, relationships, affections and shared experiences and values. A tribute to the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of our human condition between intimate and public dimension.
Website cortonaonthemove.com
17 Festival Europeo di Musica e Danza popolare
13 August 2022
Folkloristic dances with groups from Russia, Spain, Lithuania, in addition to the organizer “Il Cilindro” Company
Hours
Start From 09:00 pm
Where: Piazza Signorelli
FREE ADMISSION
SAGRA DELLA BISTECCA – Steak Festival
From 13 to 15 of August 2022
La Sagra della Bistecca (Steak Festival) is one of the most important gastronomic in the area, and is held every year at the gardens of the Parterre (public gardens of Cortona). In a wire rack giant 14 meters (the largest in Italy) are cooked T-bone steaks, strictly Chianina meat, cooked in blood, according to an old Tuscan tradition. In addition to side dishes, bread and fruit menu includes excellent Chianti wines Cortona or the Doc, great to accompany our meat. At the “Sagra della Bistecca” will find not only steaks but also gastronomic stands with typical Tuscan products and Cortonesi.
Opening time
from 6pm to 11pm
Telephone: +39 0575 630352
Email: info@comunedicortona.it
SAGRA DEL FUNGO PORCINO
19 – 20 August 2023
The festival of “porcini mushroom” is held in Cortona every year in August at the Parterre Gardens, where the fresh mushrooms from Trentino are protagonists of every dish, from appetizers to side dishes. All accompanied by the excellent local wine.
The festival start from 6.00pm to 11.00pm. Book tables is not possible. Usually this festival is not too busy so don’t panic, just make sure to be at least one hour in advance before the closing.
CORTONA ANTIQUARIA 61 Ediction
An event of great importance for the Italian antiquities market, and an extraordinary longevity which makes it one of the most prestigious events in Italy. It is, in fact, since that day in 1963 that Cortona continuously between the end of August and beginning of September, lives immersed in antiques, serving as a point of reference for many lovers of art collecting.
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