From the month of June to September, the city of Pistoia is animated by the " PISTOIA FESTIVAL " a which offers a wide range of events ; up to 97 days of music from Blues, Classical to Opera, movies under the stars, expositions, lectures and encounters with tradition.

A must is the SAINT BARTHELEMY holiday on the August 24th. Between sacred and profane, we can participate to the rite of the Mass and receive the holy unction and at the same time have the children amuse themselves at the different stands that are filled with toys and candies.

Another very important holiday in the city of Pistoia is Saint Jacob's " SAN JACOPO " , the city's patron Saint on July 25th, where the spectacular " GIOSTRA DELL'ORSO " takes place in his honour. This event which takes its name from the city's heraldic animal, is held in the suggestive Cathedral square. The city's four districts contend themselves the " Palio ", a precious banner made of painted and decorated material, in a fast equestrian tournament.

PISTOIA BLUES, International Blues Festival. An annual event created in 1980 which takes place the first or second weekend of July. Artists such as Bob Dylan, BB King, Ray Charles, Patti Smith and Santana have honoured the festival with their presence.

" SANTA CELESTINA " Saint Celestina, a holiday celebrated at San Marcello (in the mountain area) , with the traditional launch of the Hot air Balloon of Saint Celestina, a balloon created with paper and fed with hot air that is released on September 8th for this occasion. The tradition indicates that if the balloon flies over the City's bell, a very luck year awaits the mountain inhabitants.