May in Tuscany: spring scents, markets and festivals around Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia.
Friday, May 2, 2025,
Planning your spring escape to Tuscany? Now is the perfect time to explore!
In Tuscany, May is a month that awakens the senses — colors, aromas and traditions return to fill squares, historic centers, and hilltop villages.Whether you’re an art lover, a vintage treasure hunter or simply looking for an authentic local experience, here’s what not to miss if you’re visiting Lucca, Pisa, Pistoia and their provinces.For vintage lovers: the charm of antique markets Pisa and Pistoia, 10–11 May - Lucca, 17–18 May Wandering through a Tuscan antique market means taking a small journey back in time. Every second weekend of the month (10–11 May), both Pisa and Pistoia host their historic antique fairs.In Pistoia, the market is held in the evocative "Cattedrale" on Via Pertini, where collectors and curious visitors alike can admire finely preserved furniture, precious porcelain, silver goblets, lace, rare coins, and art — both sacred and secular. There’s also a touch of nostalgia in the vintage clothing, comics, and ethnic crafts that line the stalls.In Pisa, over a hundred exhibitors animate the historic center around Piazza dei Cavalieri and Piazza Garibaldi. A dream for romantics and collectors alike: delicate ceramics, crystal glasses, sepia-toned paintings, calligraphy-filled postcards, embroidered linens, antique books, and coins from across the world await discovery.And then there’s Lucca, with one of Tuscany’s oldest and most beloved antique markets, taking place 17–18 May across the old town. From Piazza San Martino to Piazza Bernardini, through Via del Battistero — the city's “antiques street” — the market stretches like a colorful tapestry. It's a celebration of craftsmanship and memory, where even a small trinket can tell a big story.Looking for something more creative? Discover the Artisan Market in Lucca Lucca, 24–25 May If it’s originality you’re after, the Artisan Market of Lucca (24–25 May) is not to be missed. Held in the city’s most beautiful squares - Piazza San Giusto, Piazza Cittadella, and Piazza XX Settembre - this market brings together a vibrant community of local makers.You’ll find handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, leather goods, natural cosmetics, painted stones, and even pens turned from wood. A joyful showcase of Tuscan creativity and tradition, perfect for taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.Culture under the stars: “Dialoghi sull’Uomo” in Pistoia Pistoia, 23–25 May 2025 For those who love cultural travel, Pistoia offers one of the most thought-provoking events in Italy: the festival Dialoghi sull’Uomo. Held in the town's historic squares, it brings together anthropologists, philosophers, artists and scientists in an open dialogue about the challenges of contemporary life.This year’s theme is “Living in the world: ecologies of dwelling and coexistence” — with reflections on climate change, sustainable living, and our shared responsibility for the future of the planet. It’s a chance to explore deep topics in a welcoming, accessible way — and a perfect excuse to fall in love with Pistoia’s elegant charm.
See full program In the heart of cherry country: the Sagra della Ciliegia in Lari (Pisa) Lari, 24–25 May and 31 May–2 June 2025 If there’s one fruit that symbolizes the joy of spring in Tuscany, it’s the cherry — and Lari, a picturesque hill town near Pisa, has been celebrating it for over 60 years.The Sagra della Ciliegia is more than a food fair: it’s a full immersion into Tuscan rural life. The streets of Lari burst with red as over 19 traditional cherry varieties are displayed, tasted, and awarded during the festival. There are street performances, music, artisan stalls, and of course, local food specialties made with cherries — from jams to desserts and liqueurs.The view alone — the one that enchanted the Grand Duke of Tuscany himself — is worth the visit.Looking for the ideal place to stay during your spring getway?Take a look at the wide selection of charming homes on tuscanhouses.com and find the perfect one for you!
See full program In the heart of cherry country: the Sagra della Ciliegia in Lari (Pisa) Lari, 24–25 May and 31 May–2 June 2025 If there’s one fruit that symbolizes the joy of spring in Tuscany, it’s the cherry — and Lari, a picturesque hill town near Pisa, has been celebrating it for over 60 years.The Sagra della Ciliegia is more than a food fair: it’s a full immersion into Tuscan rural life. The streets of Lari burst with red as over 19 traditional cherry varieties are displayed, tasted, and awarded during the festival. There are street performances, music, artisan stalls, and of course, local food specialties made with cherries — from jams to desserts and liqueurs.The view alone — the one that enchanted the Grand Duke of Tuscany himself — is worth the visit.Looking for the ideal place to stay during your spring getway?Take a look at the wide selection of charming homes on tuscanhouses.com and find the perfect one for you!
May in Tuscany: spring scents, markets and festivals around Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia.: Read More
Easter in Tuscany is always a good idea!
Monday, April 14, 2025,
From the candle-lit streets of Camaiore to the sweet Easter treats of Lucca and Pisa and the countryside charm of Pistoia — discover ancient traditions, local flavors, and unforgettable landscapes during your Easter getaway.
Solemn rituals and timeless charmIn the heart of Lucca’s countryside, every three years, the village of Camaiore hosts the Triennale del Cristo Morto, a moving nighttime procession involving the entire community. 17th-century wooden statues, thousands of handmade oil lamps, and a powerful silence transform the old town into a glowing path of devotion and reflection.In Vico Pisano, Good Friday is marked by a traditional live Via Crucis that winds through the medieval streets. Across the provinces of Pisa and Pistoia, ancient confraternities still bring the Passion to life with dramatic reenactments, songs, torches, and period costumes.A journey through Easter flavorsBut Easter in Tuscany is also a feast for the palate, thanks to a variety of local pastries and desserts, each unique to its area.In Lucca and the Garfagnana, the star is the Pasimata: a sweet or savory bread loaf flavored with anise seeds, symbolizing sharing and spiritual unity.In Versilia, the undisputed stars are the homemade tarts: filled with custard, ricotta, semolina, or rice and chocolate. The most beloved? The rice and chocolate tart, also called Torta coi Becchi (tart with beaks) for its signature crimped edge made of pastry.In the Pisa area, a similar version is known as the Torta coi Bischeri, enriched with raisins, candied fruit, and spices. In Massa, the tradition is a hearty rice cake, while in Pistoia, Easter gifts often include scole, sweet anise-flavored buns.Don’t miss the Quaresimali, cookies shaped like alphabet letters – still found in local bakeries – perfect for a sweet souvenir.Easter Monday: legends and countryside picnicsIn Tuscany, Easter Monday is all about outdoor trips, shared meals, and old legends.In Lucca, the day is known as the Pellegrino’s Day, inspired by a local legend of the Risen Christ wandering door to door, seeking hospitality and testing people’s generosity.To this day, many locals mark the occasion with a traditional walk to Santallago, in the Pisan Hills: a festive hike with friends, boiled eggs rolled in the grass for fun, rustic picnics featuring roasted lamb, and spontaneous races to the hilltop.A growing favorite for Easter holidaysIt’s no surprise that Tuscany ranks among the top destinations for Easter travelers. While iconic cities like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca draw visitors from across Europe, it’s the charming villages and local customs that truly enrich the experience.Blending faith, nature, and flavor, Easter in Tuscany is the perfect occasion to slow down, savor, and be surprised.Looking for the ideal place to stay during your Easter break in Tuscany?Take a look at the wide selection of charming homes on tuscanhouses.com and find the perfect one for you!
How to Make Tordelli at Home
Tuesday, April 1, 2025,
Want to try making tordelli with your own hands? Here’s a simplified version of the traditional recipe: a great way to bring a bit of Tuscan flavor into your kitchen.
For the pasta:300g fine durum wheat semolina200g lukewarm waterA pinch of saltFor the filling:300g ground beef100g ground pork100g finely chopped mortadella50g grated Parmesan cheese50g Pecorino Romano100g stale bread soaked in milk400g chard2 eggsExtra virgin olive oilNutmeg and thymeSalt and pepperFor the sauce:Tuscan meat ragù (or butter and sage for a vegetarian version)Grated Parmesan cheeseInstructionsPrepare the filling: soak the bread in milk and squeeze it well. Boil the chard in salted water, drain, squeeze it well, and roughly chop it. Brown the ground meat in olive oil for a few minutes, then add the chopped mortadella and continue cooking to blend everything together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, let it cool slightly, and then add the soaked bread, grated cheeses, chard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, plenty of thyme, and finally the eggs. If the mixture is too soft, add some breadcrumbs; if it’s too firm, add a bit of milk.Make the pasta. arrange the semolina in a mound, gradually add the water and a pinch of salt. Knead until you have a smooth, homogeneous dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.Shape the tordelli: roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut out circles about 6 cm in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, fold it over into a half-moon shape, and seal the edges with the tines of a fork.Cook the tordelli: bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tordelli for about 5-6 minutes (taste to check the cooking time).Serve: top with Tuscan ragù (or butter and sage for a vegetarian version) and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.It takes a bit of time and patience, but the result is pure Tuscan joy!