Pistoia offers many opportunities for those wishing to explore its millenary history. During the year its illustrious past is recalled by various events, whose roots lie in the culture of the people of Pistoia, who are still tied their warlike and factious past, but profoundly linked to their rich and hospitable land. The fairs, festivals and commemorations of religious and profane events make it possible to relive the splendour of ancient rituals with figures in costume or literary, musical and theatre repertoires, which are almost always accompanied by the sampling of typical dishes made from the fine products of the land, all washed down with some good local wine.

THE FEAST OF THE "BEFANA"

For the feast of the Epiphany, Pistoia welcomes a famous figure for Italians: the Befana. In this city 's version, the sprightly old lady 's broomstick breaks down and she shelters in the Cathedral belltower...
...The Fire Brigade run to her aid with ladder truck and sirens and mend the broomstick so that she can "fly" down on it from the belltower and land in Piazza del Duomo, full of children and families anxiously awaiting her safe arrival.



THE FEAST OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW
In Pistoia this feast, which takes place on 24th August, is dedicated to the children. The square in front of teh old church of San Bartolomeo is filled with toy and sweet stalls, like Pinocchio 's "Lady of Play", where children can choose their gift and wear a typical pastry dough necklace decorated with chocolates and sugared almonds.





PISTOIA BLUES
Every year, in the first half of July, Cathedral Square in Pistoia vibrates with notes and excitement on the occasion of the famous "Pistoia Blues"Show, an international music event, which has hosted artists of the standing of Bob Dylan, Santana and B.B. King in past editions. The festival attracts enthusiasts from all over Italy and Europe: the city becomes a crossroads of music and international cultures for three days and is brought to life by street artists improvising the most varied performances involving the people from Pistoia and outsiders in a magical atmosphere.



Dialogues on MAN
... is a cultural festival dedicated to anthropology and sociology of contemporary art, the festival offers lectures, debates, performances and lectures in a language accessible to all, but great quality content and news. The idea is that the stories intersect with each other, so fertile and innovative in order to provide the public with great stimulating reflections on man now ...



CREDITS IMAGES:
lavaleandherworld.wordpress.com
www.stamptoscana.it
www.quinewspistoia.it
www.erodoto108.com