Summer in Calcinaia – Chiare, fresche e dolci sere

A festival spread throughout the summer

«Chiare, fresche e dolci sere» is the summer cultural program of the Municipality of Calcinaia, in the heart of the Valdera area, in the province of Pisa (Tuscany). For over twenty years, the event has accompanied the local summer with a widespread schedule that winds through the main town and the village of Fornacette, bringing shows, concerts, and meetings to squares, gardens, and civic museums. The title, inspired by Petrarch's verses, perfectly captures the spirit of the festival: fresh, convivial, open-air evenings spent with the community.

A multidisciplinary program

The lineup stands out for its great variety of artistic expressions: from classical to contemporary and pop music, from theater to musical comedies, from dance to poetry readings, and even photography walks and food and wine tastings. Many events involve local theater companies, folk groups, and artists, alternating with nationally and internationally renowned names.

• Music and concerts including tribute acts, world music, and singer-songwriter performances;
• Theater and musical comedies for all ages, including shows designed for children;
• Tastings and meetings that combine culture with local products.

Hosted festivals

Among the most anticipated events are the concerts of the Sete Sóis Sete Luas Festival, a Mediterranean and Atlantic cultural network that brings international artists to Calcinaia from Portugal, Cape Verde, Réunion, and other countries bordering the two seas. The festival also hosts several dates of the Musicastrada Festival, dedicated to world music, which enlivens the squares of Valdera during the summer months.

The festival venues

Performances take place in numerous spaces within the Municipality of Calcinaia: Piazza Indipendenza and its gardens in the historic center, the «Lodovico Coccapani» Ceramics Museum, and in Fornacette, the «Manolo Baggiani» Bicycle Museum, Piazza Timisoara, and the areas around the church of Santo Stefano. This choice of a "widespread" festival allows for the promotion of the entire municipal territory, involving the smaller villages and local landmarks.

An appointment for the community

More than just a season of shows, «Chiare, fresche e dolci sere» has become a collective summer ritual for the people of Calcinaia over the years: an opportunity to meet outdoors after the hot days, discover artists, taste local products, and experience the convivial atmosphere of small Tuscan towns. Almost all events are free, confirming the popular and inclusive vocation of the festival promoted by the Municipality of Calcinaia.