It is a bad time for Italian Festivals, apart from budgetary cuts to cultural events. The reggae festival Rototom Sunsplash had to migrate to Spain after 14 years in Italy. This is all because the authorities consider it an apology of an illegal plant (you know what I mean).

Meanwhile garlic is still legally used in the kitchen and as a medicine. You can also use it to repel vampires and 'maloccchio' the evil eye.

The small town of Pietrasanta sees the best festival of the Tuscan coast: 'La Versiliana' (site only in Italian). Music, dance and theatre together with visual arts exhibitions and workshop for children.

If you prefer the mountains try the "Sound of the Dolomites" festival. Music and trekking in the Italian alpine region of Trentino.