08/09/2010
HISTORY Step back in time and witness this fast and furious jousting tournament that dates back to 1613. The Giostra Della Quintana in Foligno, the heart of Umbria itself has been home to this world famous historical event since 1946 and takes place every June and September.
Ten knights (representing the 10 wards of Foligno) mount their beautiful galloping horses to compete against each other, as they attempt to catch a series of rings hanging from a statue named the ‘Quintana’.
The games are accompanied by parades and general Italian celebrations. It is an Italian event that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime!
The organisers of this year’s event says, “It is a great feast of people, colours and passions, but also an accurate historical, scenic, iconographic and gastronomic reconstruction of the Italian Baroque”.
If you fancy stepping back in time on 11 – 12 September -
Click here ART & SHOPPING Do you have an eye for a bargain? If so, head to the Brocontage, in the high-fashion city of Milan this month.
This quality-controlled antiques fair is an absolute paradise for all those looking for something that little bit different, for those keen collectors and simply for the curious amongst us.
Pick your way through vintage furniture (I myself bagged the most wonderful Louis XVI chair here), jewellery, art and trinkets. Who knows what you may head home with?
This year the Brocontage takes place between the 17 – 19 September at the Parco Esposizioni Novegro in the heart of Milan.
The organisers have said there will be over 200 exhibitors from all over Italy this year and expect 6,000 visitors to the event. For more information -
Click here SPORT We cannot talk of September events without getting excited over the F1 race at the Autodromo Nazionale racetrack in Monza this weekend. This historic track (one of the oldest tracks in F1) is also one of the quickest circuits on the calendar and will be the 14th race of this F1 season.
Expect a crowd of red and yellow Ferrari flags in honour of the iconic Italian motoring team, as fans pack the grandstand in order to see their most treasured sporting icon.
Nico Rosberg now driving for Mercedes says “Monza is absolutely one of the top race tracks in the world. Not only for the speed and the challenge but also for the passion and enthusiasm of the Italian fans. There is always a special feeling about the Monza weekend and I love racing there”.
The race takes place between 10 – 12 September -
Click here and race to get the last few tickets
FOOD & WINE A visit to Italy is never complete without a glass of wine. Vino al Vino in the beautiful hilltop town of Panzano is the largest wine fair in Chianti and celebrates the local vineyards and farmers produce every year. Between the 17 – 19 September the locals gather to sample the local wines, cheeses and olives, with little tourists aware of this intimate and rather magical event.
Vino al vino is a true gift for the senses.
Click here for more.
Other notable events this month include; the Partita a Scacchi con Personaggi Viventi (Marostica), the Festival of Gennano (Naples) and the Cortonantiquaria (Cortona, Tuscany).