Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best events in Florence and Tuscany.
BODY ART/Florence Tattoo Convention
November 8–10
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
More than 300 world-renowned tattoo artists will congregate in Florence for three event-packed days. You may never see such intricate body art again—or indeed so much of it. Observe a variety of tattooing methods and take in eclectic music and a series of exhibitions, including one on female self-expression and another on the tribal tattoos of Borneo. More at www.florencetattooconvention.com
GAY/Florence Queer Festival
Until November 12
Most events at the Odeon Cinema, piazza Strozzi, Florence
LGBT cinema takes centre stage with a host of films and exhibitions celebrating gay love and culture. Highlights include romantic satire Heterosexual Jill (November 10) and international hit The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (November 12). More than just films, the festival includes a photographic exhibit, The Pink Choice, on the love of homosexual couples (at the IED until November 23). Go to www.florencequeerfestival.it for more.
TRUFFLES/Sagra del tartufo bianco
November 9–10, 16–17 and 23–24
San Miniato old town centre
From truffles the size of your fist kept under lock and key to truffle cheese, salami, sauces and much more, San Miniato is the place to go to celebrate this edible gold. Wander the medieval hilltop town to discover not only truffles but also an array of traditional food and wine, exhibits, music, truffle hunts, guided visits and more. See details at www.sanminiatoturismo.it.
CAKE/Dolcemente
November 9–10
Stazione Leopolda, Pisa
Taste some of Tuscany’s finest cakes, pastries and chocolates, learn about cake decorating and participate in a panforte-throwing competition. There will also be a British corner as well as workshops and tastings for children. The Dolcemente ticket can be combined with that to the Andy Warhol exhibit at Palazzo Blu. Go to http://dolcementepisa.it to find out more.
ART & CINEMA/Lo schermo dell’arte
November 13–17
Most events at the Odeon Cinema, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Explore the relationship between contemporary art and film through documentaries from around the world, many of which will be introduced by their directors. Highlights include Inside Out: The People’s Art Project (November 13), a look at the largest participatory art installation ever achieved, artist JR’s photos stuck on buildings around the world, as well as the Italian premiere of The Bride (November 15; in Italian with English subtitles), which tells the tragic story of an Italian artist murdered in Jerusalem. Contemporary artists can also take part in a fascinating workshop on the use of moving images in art. See www.schermodellarte.org.
STROZZI/Thursdays squared
Nov 14, Dec 12 and Jan 9, 7:30pm
Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi 1, Florence
Giovedì al Quadrato is back! Free evenings for all in Palazzo Strozzi’s beautiful courtyard with activities and live music ranging from indie to avant-garde. Taste teas from Tealicious on November 14, finding the leaves to match your mood and, on December 12, create a Christmas tree decoration to take home. Entry to the Unstable Territory exhibit at CCC Strozzina is free on Thursday evenings. Go to www.palazzostrozzi.org for more information.
EAT & DRINK/New oil and wine
Various towns in Tuscany
After a late harvest for both grapes and olives, vino novello and freshly pressed oil are both on the table at last: a cause for celebration in Tuscany. Head to one of the numerous sagre in the region’s beautiful towns to enjoy these seasonal treats, or stay in the city for the new-oil fair in piazza Santo Spirito on November 17 or to taste chestnuts and new wine in Fiesole’s piazza Mino on November 10. For a list of upcoming sagre in Tuscany, see page 11.
SAX/Selmer Saxharmonic
November 17, 9pm
Teatro della Pergola, via della Pergola 18, Florence
Cinema meets the saxophone as this 12-man German troupe, playing everything from recorder-sixed sopranino saxophones to the giant bass, takes the audience on a cinematic musical journey through Psycho, Star Wars, The Godfather, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. Visit www.amicimusica.fi.it for details.
VINO/Wine in Progress
November 16–17
Stazione Leopolda, viale Fratelli Rosselli 5, Florence
This annual highlight for Italian sommeliers will be open to the public for the first time. With more than 200 of the best vineyards in Italy, along with 30 olive oil producers and those of numerous other traditional Italian foods, offering tastings over the two days, this event is a treat for the taste buds. There will also be the opportunity to win a sommelier course by guessing correctly during a blind wine tasting. See www.congressonazionaleais.it for more.
RUN/Firenze marathon
November 24
Start at 9:15am, lungarno Pecori Giraldi, Florence
The annual Florence marathon, celebrating its 30th year, promises to be bigger and better than ever, so sign up quickly for the race of a lifetime through the historic city. A children’s course, the Ginky Family Run, and a race for wheelchair users, MarathonAbile, mean that everyone can get involved. More information at www.firenzemarathon.it.
