Events & traditions

Throughout the year big international events and small quality events attract an audience of fans from all over Italy and abroad to the Piana di Lucca. Live the passion and excitement of these year round events, activities, experiences and proposals for all tastes which take place in the city and surrounding villages.
While Lucca Comics & Games in the fall transforms the city into the universe of fantasy, color and fun.

In summer the Lucca Summer Festival sets the evenings ablaze in Piazza Napoleone and on the stands of the Walls of Lucca with Italian and international music stars. But music resonates all year round in the Piana di Lucca, particularly classical music from the great composers and musicians born in this very land.
Festivals and events are dedicated to Maestro Giacomo Puccini with concerts, operas and meetings in churches, historic palaces, museums, theaters and squares in the historic center of Lucca.

Other major events have become distinguished in their respective fields. Lucca Film Festival Europa Cinema, Lucca Biennale Cartasia which transforms paper into works of art and design, Photolux International Biennial Festival of Photography, Lucca Art Fair of modern and contemporary art, LU.BE.C. for cultural heritage, technology and tourism.

The Piana di Lucca is an area to be discovered and experienced by doing sports and outdoor activities, among nature landscapes and carefree company.
Running, and walking with the Francigena Tuscany Marathon, Lucca Marathon events, the Marcia delle Ville among the fabulous historic mansions in the countryside, the Porcari Corre which climbs up to the small panoramic hill La Torretta.
Movement and wonder also come by bike. You can choose to arrive in Versilia with the Cicloclassica Puccini or pedal in the Padulata in the former bed of Lake Bientina or the La Vinaria cyclostorica paired with good food and excellent wine.
With your feet on the ground, on two wheels or with your head in the clouds, because in the Piana di Lucca you can also fly in a hot air balloon during the Air Festival.

Territorial traditions of food and wine to savor the most authentic essence of the Piana di Lucca.
The highlight is the Settembre Lucchese with the Luminara di Santa Croce on the evening of Sept. 13 through the streets of Lucca’s historic center, with markets, fairs, historical re-enactments by crossbowmen, musicians and flag-wavers.
Verdemura and Murabilia in April and September, are dedicated to gardening and outdoor life in the unique location of the bulwarks of the Walls of Lucca. The refined beauty of the Ancient Camellias of Lucca on display in March in the precious Camellietum Compitese.

In the Piana di Lucca, tradition is within the reach of … plate, fork and glass with the many food and wine events dedicated to typical local products.
The bread of Altopascio has its Festa del Pane, which enlivens the small village in September. Montecarlo’s prestigious doc wine is the star of the Wine Festival, Via Vinaria and Montecarlo Jazz&Wine. Also superb are the other wines from the hills of Lucca, which are proudly displayed and ready for tasting in the Calici di Stelle and Anteprima Vini della Costa Toscana events.
Desco in December is the last major event of the year with a rich menu of cooking exhibitions, taste workshops, tastings and conferences on the culinary traditions of a land that never ceases to give emotions.