May Festival

The May Festival, the spring heart of Orbetello

Every year, in the second half of May, the historic center of Orbetello (Province of Grosseto, Tuscany) comes alive with the May Festival, an event that for over two weeks fills the squares, streets, and historic walls of the town overlooking the Lagoon. Organized by the Pro Loco Lagunare with the contribution and patronage of the Municipality of Orbetello, the festival is famous for its formula that blends the sacred and the secular, mixing popular devotion, local traditions, sports, music, theater, and gastronomy.

The procession of San Biagio on the water

The most evocative and defining moment of the festival is the procession dedicated to San Biagio, the patron saint of Orbetello. The pageant begins at the Peschiera di Ansedonia and crosses the Lagoon by boat, carrying the Saint's relics to the Spiaggetta area; from there, the procession continues on land, accompanied by the Orbetello Band and the Butteri Maremmani, until it reaches the Cathedral. It is an ancient rite that binds the Orbetello community to its waters.

The Corsa dei Barchini and the Rioni

The true highlight is the Corsa dei Barchini, one of the oldest rowing competitions in the Maremma and Italy, with origins dating back to the 19th century. The regatta features crews from the historic districts (Rioni) of the city — Porto, Duomo, Piazza d'Armi, Neghelli, and Stazione — competing along the Mura di Levante before a large crowd. In recent years, the race has also opened to a women's category. The day of the race is preceded by the blessing of the crews and the historic pageant of the Duke of Arcos, which parades through the town in costume.

Culture, performances, and awards

The calendar offers a variety of events: book presentations at the Municipal Auditorium, theater shows, cabaret and comedy nights in Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi, live music in the historic center, a Fiat 500 rally, and the traditional tombola. There is also space for local awards, with the presentation of the Anguilla d'Oro, Cavaliere d'Italia, and Premio al Merito, moments of recognition for those who have distinguished themselves for the community.

The flavors of the Lagoon at the Taverna Pro Loco

The territory's food and wine excellence is not to be missed: the Taverna della Pro Loco, set up in the Orto del Priore, offers a traditional lagoon menu based on the motto "Bread, eel, and imagination." The Orbetello eel, the iconic product of the Lagoon, is the absolute star of local cuisine during the festival.

An event that tells the story of Orbetello

The May Festival is much more than a fair: it is the occasion where Orbetello shares its story with visitors and strengthens the bond between its districts, the Lagoon, and its roots. An unmissable appointment for those who want to discover the authenticity of the Tuscan Maremma in spring.