Calendimaggio of Fivizzano

The Calendimaggio returns to Fivizzano

In the heart of Lunigiana, the village of Fivizzano, in the province of Massa-Carrara, Tuscany, is rediscovering one of its most beloved traditions: the Calendimaggio. The event returns in 2026 after a thirty-three-year hiatus, bringing back to the square a spring festival that generations of Fivizzano locals remember with affection. The appointment is for Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with free admission.

An ancient festival of nature's awakening

The Calendimaggio has its roots in ancient pagan rites, the cult of Nature and the goddess Flora, celebrating the renewal of life with the arrival of the warm season. In the Middle Ages, chivalric tournaments, songs, and dance competitions were added to the May calends. In Fivizzano, this heritage lives on today as a grand spring fair dedicated to greenery, flowers, and the identity of the Lunigiana region.

Floriculture, plants, and craftsmanship

The heart of the event is floriculture: Piazza Medicea and the streets of the historic center host over fifty exhibitors, including nurserymen, agricultural companies, artisans, and local producers. Scheduled events include:

• exhibitions and workshops dedicated to rose cultivation and gardening;
• meetings on the history of roses and garden design;
• botanical walks and herb workshops;
• perfumery workshops and floral art installations;
• book presentations and seminars on olive cultivation.

Flavors of Lunigiana

There is also plenty of room for gastronomy, with a market of typical products and local excellence: cheeses, honey, wines, and local specialties. The food area is curated by Slow Food LuniApua, while the "Luna di Maggio" exhibition, organized by ONAF and the Consortium for Lunigiana DOP Honey, showcases honey and beehive products.

Re-enactment, music, and competitions

The village is brought to life by the Fivizzano Historical Group with costumed figures, performances by the Music School and local choral groups, as well as historical re-enactment moments. During the two days, four competitions involving exhibitors, merchants, and residents will also take place: best stand, best shop window, best flowered balcony, and best floral installation.

A collective event

The Calendimaggio is promoted by the Municipality of Fivizzano together with the Associazione Medicea, with the collaboration of the Natural Shopping Center, the Pro Loco Jacopo da Fivizzano, the Historical Group, and Slow Food LuniApua, and with the support of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park and the Alpi Apuane Regional Park. An opportunity to rediscover one of the most charming historic villages in the Tuscan Lunigiana.