Cantamaggio Itinerante

Cantamaggio Itinerante in Scansano

The Cantamaggio Itinerante is an event dedicated to the folk tradition of canto del maggio, one of the most ancient and deeply rooted expressions of the rural culture of the Tuscan Maremma. The festival takes place in the municipality of Scansano, in the province of Grosseto, and was born from an idea by the Auser of Scansano and its president Carlo Pellegrini, designed as a moment of gathering, rediscovery of folk traditions, and involvement of local administrations and communities.

The May tradition in Maremma

The 'maggio' is a ritual song linked to the renewal of nature and the arrival of spring: the maggerini once traveled through the countryside and towns, singing auspicious verses in front of houses and receiving gifts and local produce in return. This custom, widespread throughout the hilly area of the Maremma, is kept alive today by choirs and spontaneous groups that pass down repertoires, melodies, and improvised verses. The Cantamaggio Itinerante brings these groups together in one great day of celebration.

A festival that changes town every year

The event is itinerant: each edition is held in a different municipality of the Maremma. The first edition took place in Magliano in Toscana, the second in Campagnatico, and the third arrives in Scansano; the baton will then pass to Roccalbegna. The festival is supported by the municipalities of Scansano, Magliano in Toscana, and Campagnatico, as well as local associations such as the Pro Loco, Avis, and the town's districts.

Seven groups of maggerini in the village squares

The heart of the day is the traveling performance of the singing groups, which start from different locations in the historic center and stop periodically at gathering points in the town. Stops include Piazza Cecconi, Piazza delle Cascine, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Ferrucci, and the RSA garden. Seven ensembles from the Maremma participate in Scansano: I Poggiolani, Le Donne di Magliano in Toscana, i Menestrulli, the Coro di Pomonte, the Cantori di Civitella Marittima, the Maggerini dell'Olmini, and the Maggiolini del Batacchio.

The grand finale at the Teatro Castagnoli

The day concludes with the grand finale at the Teatro Castagnoli, where the groups gather for the final performance. Special guests Mauro Chechi and Eugenio Fagnoni, poets in 'ottava rima' and iconic figures of the Maremma May tradition, also take the stage, while the event is hosted by journalist Carlo Sestini.

An experience to enjoy in Scansano

Known primarily for its Morellino wine, Scansano hosts an authentic and popular festival with the Cantamaggio Itinerante, capable of uniting generations around song and local heritage. An ideal opportunity to discover a corner of the Tuscan Maremma and a tradition that continues to live on in the voices of its singers.