Solemn Forty Hours Festival
Montale's most cherished local festival, blending faith and festivities in Piazza Matteotti
About Solemn Forty Hours
A Tradition at the Heart of Tuscany
The Solemn Forty Hours Festival is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Montale, a town in the Province of Pistoia, nestled at the foot of the Pistoia Mountains and just a few kilometres from the Tuscan plains. Its name recalls an ancient Catholic devotion, the Quarantore, or forty hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the parish church. From these religious roots, a true town festival has grown over time, engaging generations of Montale locals.
Faith and Community
The spiritual heart of the event remains the Propositura di San Giovanni Evangelista, overlooking Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. During the festival, the parish hosts the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, First Communions, Confirmations, a memorial service for the deceased, and the evocative procession that winds through the streets of the historic centre, the highlight of the entire week. Alongside this religious programme, the traditional embroidery exhibition is held in the parish rooms, showcasing the local craftsmanship and popular traditions of the area.
A Square That Never Sleeps
Alongside the celebrations, the Festivities Committee, under the patronage of the Municipality of Montale, organizes a packed entertainment schedule in Piazza Matteotti: live concerts, dance evenings with DJs and entertainment, performances by local sports associations, musical tributes, and tribute bands. Every evening, food stalls remain open, turning the square into the town's main meeting point.
Flavours, Awards, and Fun
- DegustaBirra: A day dedicated to craft beers and local culinary specialities, featuring live music and street performers.
- Bombolone Festival: The sweet tradition that brings the festival to a perfect close, one of the most anticipated moments for the locals.
- Pizza in the Square: A convivial evening with music and long tables open to everyone.
- 'Montalese of the Year' Award: A recognition awarded to an individual who has distinguished themselves for the benefit of the community.
- Harley Davidson vintage motorcycle rally, country dancing, and shows for all ages.
Between the solemnity of religious services and the joy of evenings in the square, the Solemn Forty Hours Festival tells the story of the most authentic identity of Montale and Tuscan popular tradition: a perfect opportunity to discover a village in the Province of Pistoia far from the main tourist circuits.
Solemn Forty Hours — edition 2026
The Solemn Forty Hours Festival 2026 took place in Montale (PT) from 21 to 26 May, confirming the dual nature that characterizes it: religious celebrations in the parish and a grand entertainment programme in Piazza Matteotti. Key moments included the pilgrimage to Impruneta, First Communions, Confirmations, and the final procession through the streets of the centre. In the square, concerts, dance evenings, food festivals, and the customary 'Montalese of the Year' award took place.
Programme Solemn Forty Hours 2026
Religious Programme (Propositura di San Giovanni Evangelista)
- Thursday 21 May — Pilgrimage to Impruneta
- Friday 22 May — Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (10 am - 6 pm)
- Saturday 23 May — Opening of the embroidery exhibition (6 pm); Confirmations
- Sunday 24 May — Celebration of First Communions
- Monday 25 May — Memorial service for the deceased (6 pm)
- Tuesday 26 May — Second Communion of children and procession through the streets of the centre (6 pm)
Programme in Piazza Matteotti
- Thursday 21 — Tribute to Franco Battiato with string trio (9:30 pm)
- Friday 22 — Fognano Band in concert (9:30 pm); presentation of the book on the 50th anniversary of the district tournament; awarding of the 'Montalese of the Year' prize
- Saturday 23 — Bask-in exhibition (7 pm); dance evening with Radio Mitology 70-80, DJ Enrico Tagliaferri at the console and Barsa MC on vocals and animation (from 10 pm)
- Sunday 24 — DegustaBirra (second edition), craft beers and culinary specialities with music and street performers (from 12 pm); Harley Davidson vintage motorcycle rally (12:30 pm); country dancing (3:30 pm); Olimpia Gym performance (7 pm); 'Rock in Movie' (9:30 pm)
- Monday 25 — 'Pizza in the Square' with the Jamese Hart Show group (8 pm); presentation of the district tournament teams
- Tuesday 26 — Bombolone Festival (8 pm); Ligabue Cover Band concert (9:30 pm)
Highlights Solemn Forty Hours 2026
Prices Solemn Forty Hours 2026
Practical information — Solemn Forty Hours
Where it takes place
The centre of the festival is Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in Montale (PT), with religious celebrations in the Propositura di San Giovanni Evangelista and outdoor entertainment in the square.
How to get there
By car: Montale can be reached via the SS66 Pistoiese; the nearest motorway exits are on the A11 Firenze-Mare (Pistoia or Prato). By train: Montale-Agliana station on the Florence-Lucca-Viareggio line, a short distance from the centre.
Admission and prices
Access to the square and events is free; food stalls and festivals require payment for consumption. For the 'Pizza in the Square' evening, booking via WhatsApp at the Festivities Committee number is recommended.
Tips
Evenings continue until late: it is convenient to arrive on foot from the centre. Don't miss the bombolone festival on the final evening.
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Where does it take place — Solemn Forty Hours
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti e Propositura di San Giovanni Evangelista
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 51037 Montale