The Feast of Saint Celestine

September 8 is a much-awaited day in the municipality of San Marcello Piteglio because it is the day on which the village's patron saint, Santa Celestina, is celebrated. To mark the occasion, a fun tradition is held, the "Balloon Launch" at the center of Piazza Matteotti. The event dates back to the 19th century, when two local brothers met the son of Joseph Montgolfier, who gave them the formula to create paper air balloons. The San Marcello Piteglio Hot Air Balloon, in fact, is actually a large paper balloon that as soon as it begins to hover in the air, it rips open and falls shattering back to the ground, after a hundred meters from its starting point. According to tradition, if the balloon goes over the church steeple, it will be a lucky year for the whole mountain. The festivities begin with a solemn procession in honor of the saint, and after the launch, the celebration continues with tastings of local products and concerts.