At the Palazzina ex Cavallerizza in Lucca: an unmissable exhibition on the posters of Puccini's operas.

In the evocative setting of the Palazzina ex Cavallerizza, located in Piazzale Verdi in Lucca, an extraordinary exhibition is underway dedicated to the vintage posters of Giacomo Puccini's operas. The exhibition celebrates not only the musical genius of the Lucchese composer but also the graphic and illustrative art that helped spread the fame of his works.

The exhibition features a selection of 100 historic posters, masterpieces created by the most important illustrators of the era. Among these are illustrious names such as Plinio Nomellini and Galileo Chini, whose works captured the essence of Puccini's operas and conveyed to the public the emotion and charm of titles like La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot.

In addition to the posters dedicated to Puccini's works, the exhibition includes a selection of iconic works by the authors themselves, allowing visitors to explore the artistic and cultural context in which these creations took shape. These are true "author" posters, testimonies of a historical period in which visual art and music were deeply intertwined to create unique aesthetic experiences.

Opening hours and costs

The exhibition is open to the public every day, with continuous hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission to the exhibition costs €12 for adults, while a reduced price of €5 is available for students, seniors over 65, and organized groups. Entry is free for children under 10 years old and for residents of the Municipality of Lucca on the first Monday of every month.

The Hokusai Exhibition in Pisa: A Journey into Japanese Art

In Pisa, within the prestigious setting of Palazzo Blu, an extraordinary exhibition is underway dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, the renowned master of ukiyo-e. Featuring over 200 works, including masterpieces never before exhibited, this show offers a unique opportunity to explore the greatest exponent of ukiyo-e, an artistic movement reflecting the lifestyle and tastes of the emerging social classes in Edo, now Tokyo.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The exhibition is open daily with the following hours:

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Ticket prices:

Full price: €14

Reduced price: €10 (students, seniors over 65, groups of at least 10 people)

Special reduced price: €6 (children aged 6 to 12)

Free admission: children under 6 years, persons with disabilities, and one companion.

The famous Antiques Fair of Arezzo is one of the most important and largest antique fairs in Italy, held every first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday.

Pictures and paintings, small jewels, ancient and modern furniture, carpets, clocks, silverware, toys, books and vintage prints, collection stamps, musical instruments, gramophones and radios: it is easy to be charmed and indulge in discovering one of the biggest and oldest Italian Antiques Fairs. 

In 1968 a famous antiquarian and collector of Arezzo, Ivan Bruschi, gave birth to this fair which still today fills with its curious bric-a-brac the old town centre, its streets, yards, Vasari Loggia and wonderful Piazza Grande, every first weekend of the month.

For two days the town changes into a multicolor scenery of treasures waiting to be discovered by tourists and collectors: over five hundreds exhibitors from all over Italy meet here with their furniture and objects of all periods and styles, while antiquarians and restorers have multiplied their business, opening their shops during the fair and showing their best items. Experts of antiques and

modern antique collecting find here plenty of particular specializations, such as, for instance, scientific tools, Art-Nouveau stained glass windows, Art Deco furnishing.

First Sunday of the month: museums free entrance

It is a very important event involving all the State Museums with specials and free tickets access. Therefore, if you plan to visit Florence, Pisa, Lucca or any other Tuscan town our countless masterpieces without spending one Euro!

For instance in Florence you can visit: the Uffizi Gallery, Academy Museum, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, Bargello Museum, Medici Chapels, and many other attractions. All of them free of charge!

List of  State Museums in Tuscany HERE. 

World Wetlands Day - Sunday, February 2

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, we invite you to join the free guided tours of the Fucecchio and Sibolla Nature Reserves.

9:00 AM

Meeting and entry at Porto delle Morette (Castelmartini, Larciano)

Visit to the Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve

12:00 PM

Transfer to the Lago di Sibolla Nature Reserve and packed lunch

2:30 PM

Guided tour starting from the Visitor Center of the Lago di Sibolla Nature Reserve

4:30 PM

Transfer to Fucecchio

5:30 PM

Visit to the exhibition "Wonders in the Marsh", in the presence of the photographers and artists behind the exhibited works

Montelupo Fiorentino celebrates its historic ceramic tradition with a series of unmissable events! Three days dedicated to culture, creativity, and discovery: a unique opportunity to explore the town, the Ceramic Museum, the Ceramic School, and the Bitossi Archive Foundation, with free activities and workshops for all ages. All events are organized with the support of the Regional Council for the Festa della Toscana 2024.

Sunday, February 2

CERAMIC MUSEUM, Piazza Vittorio Veneto 11:

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with free entry.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Guided tour of the Ceramic Museum collection: a journey through time and the history of ceramics, featuring masterpieces of the region. The tour concludes with a live demonstration of pottery or painting at the Museum's Kiln.

Duration: 1 hour. Max 20 participants.

Free activity.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Creative ceramic workshop for children and teens: a hands-on experience in creating and decorating guided by a master ceramist.

Location: Museum Kiln, Via Giro delle Mura 70, just a few minutes' walk from the museum.

Duration: 1 hour. Max 20 participants.

Free activity.

Info & Reservations: museo@comune.montelupo-fiorentino.fi.it | Tel. +39 0571 917650

Sunday, February 16

CERAMIC MUSEUM, Piazza Vittorio Veneto 11:

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with free entry.

Urban Trekking

10:00 AM: Artistic walk through the town of Montelupo to discover contemporary site-specific artworks.

Departure from the museum.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, 3 km route.

Suitable for all.

Free activity.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Guided tour of the Ceramic Museum collection: a journey through time and the history of ceramics, featuring masterpieces of the region. The tour concludes with a live demonstration of pottery or painting at the Museum's Kiln.

Duration: 1 hour. Max 20 participants.

Free activity.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Creative ceramic workshop for children and teens: a hands-on experience in creating and decorating guided by a master ceramist.

Location: Museum Kiln, Via Giro delle Mura 70, just a few minutes' walk from the museum.

Duration: 1 hour. Max 20 participants.

Free activity.

Info & Reservations: museo@comune.montelupo-fiorentino.fi.it | Tel. +39 0571 917650

Saturday, March 1

CERAMIC SCHOOL, Via Gramsci 8:

From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, special opening of the Ceramic School: a unique opportunity to discover the school blending tradition and artisanal innovation. Free entry!

Guided Tour of the Ceramic School

10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM: Guided tours of the Ceramic School with live demonstrations of pottery.

Reservation required. Max 10 participants per group.

Free activity.

Ceramics Experience

From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Ceramics Experience: visit the Ceramic School and take part in hands-on activities, including pottery on the wheel and decorative painting.

Reservation required. Max 20 participants.

Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are mandatory.

Activity restricted to participants aged 18 and older.

Free activity.

BITOSSI ARCHIVE MUSEUM, Via Gramsci 14:

Guided Tour of the Museum

11:00 AM and 3:00 PM: Guided tour of the museum collection, featuring some of the most iconic 20th-century works produced by the Bitossi company.

Reservation required.

Free activity.

CERAMIC MUSEUM, Piazza Vittorio Veneto 11:

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with free entry.

For info & bookings:

Tel. +39 0571 917650

museo@comune.montelupo-fiorentino.fi.it

As usual, every second Saturday of the month, the next Brocantage at Porta a Mare returns to Livorno, an event that has become a fixed appointment for vintage and antique enthusiasts. This market takes place in the stunning setting along the canal and in the adjacent squares of the Center, recently awarded as the best environmental recovery project at the European level.

The center, overlooking the Darsena (future tourist harbor), is situated on the canals that cross the city center (the Fossi Reali), at the beginning of the famous seaside promenade (Viale Italia), which leads to the Mascagni Terrace and the Aquarium, just 200 meters from the city’s iconic monument (the Four Moors), and half a kilometer from the historic Central Market.

It’s a great opportunity to spend a day in Livorno, exploring over a hundred stalls filled with all kinds of objects from the past, while experiencing the charm of the city. And don’t miss the chance to enjoy its rich and flavorful traditional Livornese cuisine!

Chinese New Year in Prato: A Journey Through Culture, Traditions, and Flavors

The year 2025 marks the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese lunar calendar, and Prato is ready to celebrate this occasion with a rich program of unmissable events. The Chinese New Year festivities begin on January 28th at 5:00 PM, coinciding with midnight in Beijing, and continue throughout February.

From the sound of Buddhist bells to the spectacular Dragon and Lion Dances, including guided tours, tea ceremonies, and food tours, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the largest Chinese community in Italy.

This is a unique chance to explore a fascinating blend of East and West, experience moments of joy, and deepen your understanding of Chinese traditions. It’s an extraordinary experience, suitable for all ages, that will captivate all your senses.

Below is a program featuring selected events:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH

5:00 PM

Bells Ringing and Buddhist Ceremony

Location: Pu Hua Si Buddhist Temple, Piazza della Gualchierina 19, Prato

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH

9:00 AM

Breakfast with Chopsticks

Meeting Point: Xiao Meng Lou Restaurant, Via A. Marini 1

Participation by reservation (max 30 people per session) – Cost: €15 per person (cash payment on site) – Duration: 2 hours

Guided by the exceptional mediator, teacher, and writer Jada Bai, enjoy a rich and original Chinese breakfast while breaking cultural barriers, challenging stereotypes, and learning more about Chinese culture.

Reservations by February 5th at orientiamocina@gmail.com (max 2 seats per person).

11:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Guided Tour of Pu Hua Si Buddhist Temple

Location: Piazza della Gualchierina, 19

Participation is free by reservation (max 25 people per group)

Discover the Buddhist Temple, a cultural hub for the Chinese community in Prato, recently enriched with precious statues from the Fujian province in China. Learn the fundamentals of Buddhist doctrine and meditation during this guided tour.

Organized by the Mindfulness Center of Pistoia and Prato.

Reservations by February 5th at orientiamocina@gmail.com

12:00 PM

Street Food Tour (First Session)

Meeting Point: Union City Supermarket parking lot, Via Becagli 1/e

Participation by reservation (max 40 people per session) – Cost: €25 per person – Duration: 2 hours

Explore the diverse regional cuisines of China in the Macrolotto Zero district with cultural mediators and sinologists. Taste authentic dishes and learn the stories and symbolism behind them, particularly for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Note: Not recommended for those with gluten or shellfish allergies.

2:00 PM–6:00 PM

Dragon and Lion Dance Parade

Industrial area Macrolotto 1 and 2

Afternoon route: Via Piemonte, Via Veneto, Via Val d’Aosta, Via Puglia, Via Friuli Venezia Giulia, Via Trentino Alto Adige, Via Puglia, Via Basilicata, Via Calabria, Via Veneto, Via Piemonte, Via Cipriani, Via dei Trebbi, Via Ghisleri, Via delle Colombaie

6:00 PM

Street Food Tour (Second Session)

Meeting Point: Union City Supermarket parking lot, Via Becagli 1/e

Participation by reservation (max 40 people per session) – Cost: €25 per person – Duration: 2 hours

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH

9:00 AM

Breakfast with Chopsticks

Meeting Point: Xiao Meng Lou Restaurant, Via A. Marini 1

Participation by reservation (max 30 people per session) – Cost: €15 per person (cash payment on site) – Duration: 2 hours

9:00 AM–11:30 AM

Dragon and Lion Dance Parade

Macrolotto Zero and the historic city center, blending ancient and modern elements that only Prato can offer. The parade starts from the Buddhist Temple and winds through shops, following the Chinese tradition of driving away bad luck for the upcoming year.

Highlights: Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri for the spectacular Lion Dance – a unique cultural exchange between East and West.

2:00 PM and 3:00 PM

Guided Tour of Pu Hua Si Buddhist Temple

Location: Piazza della Gualchierina, 19

Participation is free by reservation (max 25 people per group).

3:20 PM–7:00 PM

Tea Ceremony (Two Sessions)

Location: Metastasio Theatre, Via Cairoli 59

First Session: 3:20 PM–5:00 PM

Second Session: 5:30 PM–7:00 PM

Participation is free by reservation (max 40 participants per session).

Immerse yourself in the art of the Zen tea tradition, guided by ZENTE in collaboration with the Mindful Peace International Association. This cultural experience promotes dialogue between Prato and the Eastern culture. Participants will enjoy a serene, introspective environment with oriental decor and musical accompaniment.

Reservations at biglietteria@metastasio.it or by phone at 0574.608501 (Tue–Sat, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM/4:00 PM–6:00 PM).

In Pistoia, the second Saturday and Sunday of the month an antique fair is held which attracts  many dealers from all over Tuscany. Here you can find very valuable antiques: furniture, majolica, porcelain, jewelery, clocks, coins, old lacework, crystal goblets and profane and religious period paintings.

On the stalls you can find clothing, utensils and ethnic products, as well as magazines, comics, used garments and other items from the past. 

The market takes place in the so called Cattedrale - not to confuse with the real Cathedral - (Via Pertini) - eccept July and August.

There are about 100 exhibitors who animate the historic city center with various kinds of antiques every second Saturday and Sunday of the month except July and August.

You will find ceramics, glassware and cutlery for a romantic table setting and a very good range of embroidered linen (perhaps an untouched trousseau from a failed marriage). Also sepia paintings, watercolours, vintage  postcards (full of insight into how we lived in the past and complete with shaky handwriting), out-of-print books for the attentive book collector, silver and gold coins from every corner of the globe and much, much more.

Where: Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri, Piazza Garibaldi

When Carnival arrives Viareggio is transformed. Well, actually the locals are transformed. It’s not easy to figure out what happens during the Carnival if you don’t live in the town.

Subtle humour and a wish to have fun are felt by all ages and it sparks a self-mockery that becomes the theme of the costumes and groups. With mastery and care, the locals make their clothes and write the script of their costumes, taking to the streets and seaside promenades en masse.

Another particularity of Viareggio is that every Saturday, before the Sunday costume parade, every neighbourhood has its own party: music, street food, fried fish, tortelli and fish gnocchi go hand in hand in the long night in the neighbourhoods. Torre del Lago is the first neighbourhood to start the party, followed by the Marco Polo neighbourhood, then it’s the turn of Vecchia Viareggio and concluded by Baccanale Darsena. The Viareggio Carnival begins with the opening ceremony where the keys of the town are handed over to Burlamacco and the last parade ends with a spectacular firework display.  

The idea of the Carnival was conceived in February 1873 at the tables of the Casinò café, where the young rich of Viareggio decided to hold a parade of floats to celebrate Carnival in the streets and among the people. The spectacular event, today among one of the famous in the world, first took place on Shrove Tuesday in 1873. Burlamacco, the  carnival’s clown-like mascot and most famous mask, dates back to 1930 and first appeared accompanied by Ondina, the other official mask, against the backdrop of piers stretching out into the sea, in the poster for the 1931 event. 

The floats will travel down the five large carnival routes on 5 Sundays. The last parade will end with fireworks. The magical papier-mâché giants will be accompanied by the folk groups, entertainers and townspeople in the most original costumes who will invade the scene. Finally, for those who wish to stay out late, parties and masked balls are also held in the region’s best-known bars and clubs.

For further details

☞ https://viareggio.ilcarnevale.com/en/

Saturday, February 8-5 p.m.

1st Opening Night Parade

At the end Fireworks display

Sunday, February 16-3p.m.

2nd Parade

Saturday, February 22-5 p.m.

3rd Night Parade

Thursday, February 27-6p.m.

4th Night Parade

Sunday, March 2-3 p.m.

5th Parade

Tuesday, March 4-3 p.m.

6th Closing Parade

The event will conclude with the proclamation of the winners and a fireworks display

The Grand Carnival Parade will take place in the historic center of Florence on February 9, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM.

The event will begin in Piazza Santa Maria Novella with "Waiting for Carnival", featuring music and entertainment to build excitement for the parade, introduce the delegations that will march, and encourage both adults and children to participate in costume and compete for prizes.

Everyone in costume is welcome to join the parade and enjoy an afternoon full of fun, music, and joy. Music, confetti, and friendship will be the main ingredients of this great celebration, which is open to all and has one simple dress code: come in costume!

At 3:30 PM, the Carnival Parade will depart from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, following this route:

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Via de’ Banchi, Via Barbadori, Via de’ Rondinelli, Via Tornabuoni, Lungarno degli Acciaioli, Por Santa Maria, Via Vacchereccia, Piazza della Signoria.

The largest indoor market for artisanal products in the region doubles its events in February! In addition to the usual fourth weekend (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23), a special Valentine’s Day edition has been added, running from Friday 14 to Sunday 16, with opening hours from 9 AM to 8 PM each day—a fantastic opportunity to celebrate love.

The "jewel box," as the organizers call the Officine Storiche di Porta a Mare, offers exceptional comfort thanks to its award-winning urban redevelopment, recognized at the European level. The venue will be filled with exhibitors showcasing their handcrafted creations to thousands of visitors from all over Tuscany.

Monthly appointment with Collecting in Florence, where the monthly market of all that is collectible takes place outdoors on the banks of the Arno in the Tuscany Hall car park in Florence. Among the various stands, enthusiasts will be able to find books, jewellery, small pieces of furniture, plates, candlesticks, clocks, chandeliers, dolls, porcelain, coins, records, DVDs, etc.

GIARDINO PALAGHIACCIO GIGLIO BIANCO

TEATRO CARTIERE CARRARA - Lungarno Aldo Moro 7 - Firenze

Open from 10.00 to 19.00.

FREE ENTRY.

Second among the antique-dealers' market places of Tuscany for the number of its exhibitors and length of life, the Antique market of Lucca can boast of a solid tradition of quality and reliability thanks to professional antiquarians of high prestige who have always been an important presence in town. 

At the third weekend of each month (on Saturday and Sunday), from 8 am to 7 pm, Lucca opens its gates for a joyful event involving a large portion of the historical centre: from Piazza S. Martino, Piazza Antelminelli and Via Del Battistero - the historical antique dealers' street- ‚ to Piazza San Giusto, and Piazza S. Giovanni up to Piazza Bernardini. It is a gorgeous display of colorful stalls offering not only past vestiges of remarkable artistic value, but also traces of souvenirs impressed on a post-card, on a book, on a knick-knack or on an ornament. 

Furniture, clothes, fabrics, paintings, rare components of old instruments, lamps and chandeliers, old working tools, records..... a wide pattern of old or antique objects‚ patiently gathered and collected after explorations which

are getting more and more difficult. All these things speak to both the tourist and the lover, of a world, which has gone, but not willing to be forgotten yet.

Two unforgettable days around the most charming

streets of the town. It is Art facing Art, History meeting History. A really unique occasion to know Lucca better and taste the pleasure of peeping through the stalls in search of something beautiful to take home and - why not?- probably also making a good bargain! 

Historic Football in Piazza Santa Croce

On Saturday, February 17, 2025, the reenactment of the historic Match of the Siege returns, the same game played by the Florentines on February 17, 1530, while Florence was under siege by imperial troops.

Before the match, the Basilica of Santa Croce will welcome a delegation composed of players and historical reenactors from the Calcio Storico Fiorentino procession, accompanied by the Gonfalone of Florence. The delegation will receive a blessing from the Rector Father of the Basilica and then move back to the square to watch a performance by the flag-wavers of the Historic Procession, followed by the match, which will begin at 3:30 PM.

The event is free to attend.

Saturday Night Spa

Saturday, February 22

from 7:00 PM to midnight

For an evening of pure relaxation, pamper yourself with a soothing bath under the stars in the thermal pool with rejuvenating whirlpools and

reinvigorate yourself with a steam bath in Europe's largest thermal cave at 34°C.

Includes:

Steam bath in natural thermal cave at 34°C (20 minutes)

Bathing under the stars in the 750 sqm thermal pool at 34°C with underwater whirlpools

Bathing in the Bioaquam thermal path at 34°C with rejuvenating whirlpools

Access to the Thermarium area

Access to the "Bioaquam Pavilion" the new covered and heated relaxation area of 310 m2

Lounge music

€35.00 by reservation

Bioaquam Café poolside open with à la carte menu

(payment upon consumption)

For more information, call 

+39 0572/9077992 or email terme@grottagiustispa.com

https://terme.grottagiustispa.com

Arti e Mestieri is an arts and crafts market in the historic center of Lucca, with a big number of exhibitors that meet every last weekend of the month in Piazza San Giusto, Piazza Cittadella and Piazza XX Settembre with many traditional and original products from Tuscany.

At Arti e Mestieri there are ceramists, painters, sculptors, leather, glass and papier-mâché artisans, weavers, jewelers, cabinet makers, seamstresses and embroiderers, knitting and crochet experts. The artisans-artists offer their exclusive products in a colorful market: bijoux in silver, ceramic and crochet, natural products for body care, fountain pens worked on the lathe, bags, belts and leather bracelets, painted stones, scented lavender, splendid paintings and sculptures.