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Grape harvesting Chianti style Long live Bacchus!
[Susan Glasspool]
A number of events and festivals are held throughout Tuscany and are the occasion for visitors and locals alike to take part in the festivities as well as taste some of the local wines.
One of the best known, and certainly the oldest, events of this type - the Grape Harvest - is held at Impruneta, a pretty little town situated to the south of Florence and easily reached by bus or car. Being in the country its economy has always been based on farming, and the production in particular of wine and oil. It is also the famous however for its centuries-old production of terracotta (oil and wine jars, pots, roof and paving tiles).
The tiles designed and used by Brunelleschi to cover the cupola of the Florence Cathedral were, and still are, made by hand at Impruneta. In recent years the town has also been discovered by tourists as one of the first stops when touring the Chianti.
The town itself is built around the main square, Piazza Buondelmonti dominated by the Basilica of Santa Maria, which, along with other art treasures (many in its fascinating museum), contains a famous painting known as the miraculous Madonna of Impruneta, said to have been painted by St. Luke, and the object of great devotion for centuries.
The Impruneta Grape Harvest dates from 1926 and ever since then, from late August onward, has passionately involved the entire town in the preparation of the allegorical floats illustrating the grape harvest (all volunteers are welcome!).
The four wards of Impruneta – Fornaci, Pallò, Sant’Antonio and Santa Maria – work day and night to try and complete their floats in time for the great parade around Piazza Buondelmonti on the afternoon of the last Sunday of the month. The final finishing touches, yet another bunch of grapes to decorate, a last rehearsal by the groups of dancers and majorettes, who add a colourful touch to the event, a stitch or two to the costumes, and everthing is ready...we hope!
The parade and accompanying performance is in fact made up of hundreds of participants who create a joyful and colourful display. The best float is judged by a jury and often hotly contested so, at the end of the day, both tears and cheers can accompany the result!
It is worth going in the morning while the floats are still undergoing their last-minute finishing touches and in plenty of time to bag a front row position in the square.
80th Grape Festival
Afternoon of September 24th 2006
Impruneta also hosts another important traditional event - the Ancient Fair of St. Luke - during the week around the feast of the local Patron Saint, St. Luke (October 18th). This fair of Medieval origin dates back over one thousand years and combines farming and folk culture with religious implications.
The fair gets really thick with stalls selling everything under the sun, from umbrellas to parrots. The Tuesday is dedicated to agriculture with a horse and cattle fair, saddlery, farm machinery and so on. Wednesday offers a donkey race and other games to amuse the locals and Thursday is marked by the horse races and the closing firework display. Great fun for all! October 15th to 22nd.
Tourist office: 055.2313729
www.comune.impruneta.it
How to get there:
CAP buses departing from Largo Fratelli Alinari (more info on www.capautolinee.it or call 055.214637)
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http://www.capautolinee.it