This summer, Tuscany never sleeps! For the weekend of August 23-25, the Region is promoting Toscana, Arcobaleno d’Estate, an explosion of coordinated events from the coast to the cities.
The crux of the initiative is a simultaneous aperitivo, held in locales all over Tuscany, but also around the world thanks to the Toscani nel Mondo association! If you’re in New York, say cin-cin to Toscana at Per Lei on the East Side. In Siem Reap in Cambodia you can raise a glass at the Oasi Italiana Restaurant. Other events will be held in Bangkok, Miami, Melbourne, three places in Brazil (Jacutinga, Belo Horizonte and São Paulo), Berlin, Accra in Ghana, London, Paris and Montreal. So if you’re not here, you can pretend you are!
On August 24, there’s a mass jump in the sea planned at 5.30pm, all along the coast of Tuscany, so jump in and then enjoy activities offered by many bathing establishments. The same Saturday night a Notte Bianca will take place in Lucca, where everything will be open and there will also be a treasure hunt along the city walls.
In Florence, Arcobaleno night will be celebrated with a special opening of Forte Belvedere on Saturday August 24: a free aperitivo for residents (5€ otherwise) and special access to the current exhibit with guided tours (reservation required at www.musefirenze.it). The locations of Estate Fiorentina, including the beach on the Arno, Limonaia di Villa Strozzi, the loggia del Pesce and the Fortezza del Basso, will all be putting on their party hats with live music and an aperitivo to celebrate summer. The City of Florence’s museums (Palazzo Vecchio, Brancacci Chapel and others) will have extended hours.
For full information, in Italian, see www.arcobalenodestate.it.
