Prato’s ‘Settembre Pratese’ Festival
This week, the Settembre Pratese festival aims to highlight the natural beauty of late summer in Tuscany by creating new traditions as well as bringing old ones to life. While not as internationally renowned as other cities in Tuscany, Prato is recognized by Italians and tourists alike for its dynamic nature.
September 1 – 17: SETTEMBRE PRATESE FESTIVAL. Prato, Piazza Duomo, Piazza Mercatale and Piazza Santa Maria.
With more than 50 events, festivalgoers can expect a wide array of concerts, sports matches, workshops, and historical reenactments.
Settembre Pratese kicks off its first week with a concert each evening (all beginning at 9 pm). The inaugural act is singer-songwriter Gianna Nannini, who emerged on the Italian music scene in the mid-1970s and has since released over 27 albums and completed 20 world tours. Nannini will perform pieces from her new rock album “Hitstory” to mark her 40-year career (Sept. 1).
On September 3, The Grace will present two intimate sunrise concerts at 6:30 and 8 am. The performances, a tribute to Jeff Buckley — who Rolling Stone calls one of the greatest singers of all time — will be on the rooftop terrace of the Palazzo Pretorio Museum. Breakfast will be provided afterwards, along with an opportunity to tour the downstairs museum.
Buckley is best known for his album Grace and for his cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” His voice is internationally identified for his tenor vocal range – between 3½ to 4 octaves – of which he made full use. On stage, he would carry his voice in falsetto while also varying his pitch and volume.
Italian singer-songwriter Carmen Consoli is next on the program (Sept. 4). She has released 11 studio albums, selling 2 million copies in Italy with 11 platinum and two gold certifications. On September 5, the irreverent Milan-based band, Elio e Le Storie Tese, will entertain the audience at Settembre Pratese. A favorite also on Italian TV as well as at the MTV awards, their albums have achieved gold status in Italy.
Prato’s hometown orchestra, the Camerata Strumentale, conducted by Jonathan Webb, will be on stage in piazza del Duomo on September 7 (9:30 pm). The homage to Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and Gershwin will spotlight voice soloist Cristina Zavalloni, who is known for her moving interpretations of classical and jazz standards.
From September 2 to 11, Piazza Santa Maria will transform into a safe space catered entirely to kids and families. Highlights include family yoga classes, live street performances, interactive art and music workshops in addition to games.
On September 8, a historical pageant will parade through Prato in dazzling costume to celebrate the Feast of the Madonna. After an ancient ritual in which three keys open the chest which contains the “Cintola” (revered in this town famous for its textile production as the cloth belt of the Virgin), the pageant will gather in the Piazza del Duomo (10:15 pm) where the belt will be publicly displayed, before proceeding to Piazza S.M. delle Carceri, which will be illuminated by a fireworks show for all to enjoy.
From September 9 to 17, Piazza Mercatale divides into three areas, transforming into a meeting place for lovers of ancient traditions, sports and food and drink. Here guests will find medieval reenactments, a dog show, and a day dedicated to Cosplay (dressing in Japanese anime costume).
Another highlight is the Finger Food Festival. Featuring top quality street food, craft beers and live music, and with free admission, this is Italy’s first culinary event of this kind (Sept. 9).
Food will make way for sports: players from Prato’s neighborhoods will compete in the local variant of Florence’s “Calcio Storico” (soccer/rugby/football from the Renaissance period), “Palla Grosso,” on September 10, 11 and 16, with the final on the 17th.
The Italian National Beach Soccer league will put on an action-filled charity game. Brazil and Italy will battle it out to raise money for the Prama Project, which is constructing a new play center in Prato for children with disabilities (Sept. 13).
The closing event is a medieval market, hosting artisans who will create their crafts on-site using time-honored methods (Sept. 17).
Come out and enjoy this yearly festival, because in the words of the organizers, “If there is a month during which Tuscany gives the best it is surely September. It is the moment of the grape harvest and wonderful colors and, in Prato, a time to celebrate.”
For more information and the full program, visit www.settembreprato.it (Magenta interns rae knopik/ additional reporting by poppy jackson)
