The song of Maggio (May), widespread in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines area, in Garfagnana and in other areas of Tuscany, is one of the oldest and most important local traditions. It is a form of popular theater deriving from ancient spring rites. The village where this tradition is still particularly felt today is Pieve San Lorenzo.

It consists of a representative form with a tragic theme, but with a happy ending, almost always concerning the struggle between good and evil.
These songs, divided into verses made up of quatrains or quintuplets and narrating the deeds of the paladins, take place outdoors and are characterized by simple sets and costumes with bright colours, sequins and accessories such as fake swords, helmets with feathers, tin crowns.

The singers, coming from the countryside on May, were mostly farmers. The performances are often accompanied by the music of violins and accordions.