In June there is the Giostra dell’Archidado, a crossbow race where all the ancient districts of Cortona compete to win the so-called verretta d’oro, a golden arrow. The Giostra dell’Archidado was officially established in 1397 to celebrate the wedding between Francesco Casali, the lord of Cortona, and Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman from Siena. Every year the city of Cortona reenacts this historical event during the second Sunday of June. All the city dresses up with flags along all the streets, people dress with medieval dresses, there will be flag wavers and musicians… you will make a step back in time. This year the events around the Archidado joust will take place on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of June. 
If you want to know more about the joust and the linked events, you can click the button below.

During the first weekend of June, linked with the events of the Giostra dell'Archidado, Cortona makes a step back in the Middle Age with the medieval market, that takes place in Piazza Signorelli. Here you could find ancient markets of craftsmen, and you could taste the ancient medieval taste at the Taverna del Balestriere (Crossbowman tavern). In the market you can find many handicrafts from the soap, to the wicker basket market stall, and you could enjoy a fantastic and peculiar atmosphere. If you have the chance, come to Cortona during this period, because you will find yourselves back in time. This year the medieval market will take place on the 31st May 2025, 1st-2nd June 2025. Below you can find the button with the link to the Giostra dell'Archidado website.

During the month of May there is the reenactment of the feast in honour of Santa Margherita, the patron saint of Cortona. Once, during the Middle Ages, in the day of the feast of Santa Margherita, each ancient district of Cortona, that once were called Terzieri because the city was divided into three districts, came to the main square to offer the wax to make a candle in honour of the Saint. Once made, these candles were blessed and brought to the church of Santa Margherita, to offer them to the Saint. Nowadays, there is the reenactment of this tradition, and all people of each district of Cortona, dressed with medieval dresses, parade each one in its own street and they meet all together in the main square of the city, Piazza della Repubblica, where there is the performance of the flag wavers and musicians of the historical group of Cortona. After the performance all the candles for the Saint are blessed, and they started a parade that goes from Piazza della Repubblica to the church of Santa Margherita. This year the reenactment will take place on the 23rd and 24th of May 2025.

Bigordi Banderie is the international festival of flags that each year takes place in Cortona. It was created by the Gruppo Storico di Cortona (historical group of the city), which includes flag wavers and musicians (trumpet and drum players). This year it is the 3rd edition of the festival, and there will be many groups taking part. The name of the festival (Bigordi Banderie) came from the municipal statue of Cortona of 1325, where there were mentioned some flags used during the performances in honour of Santa Margherita, the patron Saint of Cortona. The performers used the Bigordi Banderie, a peculiar type of flags with very long flagpole. The historical group of Cortona still use this kind of flags during their shows, and if you have the chance to see this performances, these flags will let you make a step back in time, when there were the medieval jousts. The festival Bigordi Banderie was founded in 2023, with the will of making Cortona the Italian capital of the flag art. The purpose of this festival is the one of joining in Cortona many different styles of flag shows, from the ancient to the more modern one. During the various edition of the festival, many international groups were invited. This year, among some groups from all over Italy, there will be a Spanish historical group from Tortosa. This event is organized in cooperation with Consiglio dei Terzieri and supported by Comune di Cortona. This year, Bigordi Banderie will take place on the 17th and 18th of May 2025.
If you want to know more about festival and about the historical group of Cortona, you can click the link below to their website.

The Molesini wine shop has announced their new dates for the 2025 Molesini Vintage Release Wine Tour. Each year, they set up this fantastic week full of good food, experiences and obviously excellent wine! On this year, the tour will involve lunches, tastings and experiences, that are not open to the public, so, if you are interested, you need to book your spot in advance. They will let you discover all the famous Italy winemakers and taste from some of the most famous barrels. During each day of the Big Tasting Week, Marco & Paolo lead you through the regions of Montepulciano, Montalcino and Chianti to taste the newest releases from top wineries. You will have the opportunity to taste upwards of 100 wines a day! Here you can find the schedule of the event. Don’t forget to book in advance to guarantee your spot, because the space is limited. The booking deadline is February 6th, 2025.
 
Tuesday, February 18th – Complimentary
Anteprima Chianti Classico Collection DOCG – Florence
Meet at the Terontola-Cortona train station at 8:50AM (details to be confirmed). You will take the train to Florence with the organizers to experience an astounding tasting of Chianti wines. The Anteprima includes a tasting of:
-Chianti Classico DOCG 2023
-Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2022
-Chianti Classico Gran selezione 2021
The tasting is complimentary, but please plan on purchasing your own lunch and roundtrip train tickets.
 
Wednesay, February 19th – Day at leisure
 
Thursday, February 20th – price: € 65
Big Brunello Tasting 2024
Molesini meets Brunello producers from 11:00AM to 5:00PM at Locanda del Loggiato Restaurant in Cortona. You will have the unique opportunity to talk directly to each producer and taste their wines in a private venue dedicated exclusively to our clients. The tasting includes:
-Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2023
-Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
-Brunello di Montalcino Selezione DOCG 2020
-Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2019
Lunch included.
 
Friday, February 21st – price: €40
Master Class Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Please join the private master class at 11:00AM at Osteria del Teatro restaurant where you will focus on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine. They will host one of the most interesting producers from the area as he explains the beauty of his land and its international varietals.
 
Lunch included.
 
Saturday, February 22nd – price: € 60
Finale Gala Dinner
Join at 7:00PM at Locanda del Loggiato Restaurant for aperitvo followed by dinner at 7:30PM. You will enjoy and excellent menu paired with each Brunello from the week!
 
Sunday, February 23rd
Joyn Molesini anytime
Stop by the Molesini Wineshop anytime OR reserve your personal appointment to place your order. The  Molesini team will be available from 11:00-1:00PM and 3:00PM-6:00PM.
 
If you are interested in taking part in the Molesini Big Tasting week, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will give you further information.