One thing you can be sure of if you’re planning a holiday in Italy is you won’t get bored! In a country crammed with vast collections of some of the world’s most magnificent artistic and cultural attractions, there’s frankly enough to see and do to last a lifetime.
But galleries and churches aren’t for everyone. If you prefer more of an immersion in local culture, then planning your trip round one of Italy’s colourful festivals and events is a good alternative. Many are connected to tradition, religion or, very often, dedicated to a local food delicacy. But whether it’s carnival floats, flag waving or the joy of an outdoor music or food festival, these are a great way to add some local flavour to your holiday in Italy.
Italy’s Most Spectacular Events
For colour, drama and sheer dazzle factor, few events are as dramatic as Siena’s Palio, an extravaganza of horse racing, pageantry and action. With over 50,000 people gathering in Siena’s Piazza del Campo to watch the dramatic bareback race, the day itself is simply epic. But the whole event is bookended by four days of ritual celebrations, with impressive pageants, parades and even a pre-race horse blessing.
Food Festivals
Naturally, a food festival doesn’t provide the same grand scale visual spectacle, but it will certainly give you some insight into local culture. And some food festivals go hand in hand with other events. At the international Truffle Festival in Alba, Piedmont, each autumn, the city showcases traditional pageantry relating to the history and culture of Alba.
If you prefer smaller scale events, the chestnut festival in Palazzuolo sul Senio, close to Florence, and the Borgotaro Mushroom Fair in the province of Parma are two of my favourites, both offering a brilliant opportunity to participate in a local event and sample some delicious produce.
Music Festivals
Music festivals are a great excuse for a holiday in Italy. Pescara, Barga in the Lucca province and Umbria all host fabulous jazz festivals, with the latter being one of Italy’s most prestigious.
The country’s best known open air summer opera festivals are also a real treat, a chance to enjoy exquisite music under starry skies and in magical surroundings. The most famous are the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago in Tuscany, and the festivals held in huge open air arenas at Macerata in the Marche and in Verona in northern Italy.
Medieval Pageantry in Italy
For me, the most evocative celebrations in Italy are those that blend several elements, whether historical, religious, traditional or cultural. These events completely encapsulate the spirit of a town, revealing a local pride that can go back centuries.
The landlocked region of Umbria puts on a whole calendar of medieval festivals, including those in Assisi, Perugia and Todi, and many involving jousting, pageantry, flag-throwing and historical parades. Visit Umbria in the spring or summer and you’re likely to stumble across a medieval festival, such as Gubbio’s Festa dei Ceri Mezzani or the Palio della Balestra.
Religious Celebrations
In spite of the underlying solemnity of Italy’s principle religious celebrations, the accompanying pageants and processions are still a great excuse for visiting a specific town or city. Most of us are familiar with the ‘Carnevale’ festivities in Venice but the period heralding the start of Lent is celebrated widely, with the most famous celebrations taking place in Viareggio in Tuscany, Putignano in Puglia and Acireale and Sciacca in Sicily.
Not surprisingly, Easter is associated with multiple celebrations. One of my favourites is the Easter Sunday Explosion of the Cart (Lo Scoppio del Carro) event in Florence, a 350-year old tradition involving a dove-shaped rocket that whizzes down the length of the city’s Duomo towards a cart, fitted with fireworks, set right outside the cathedral.
Saints’ Days are also a great opportunity to mingle amongst the locals in colourful displays and processions. Some of the main events take place in Sicily, celebrating Saint Agatha in Catania and Saint Rosalia in Palermo, as well as Saints Peter and Paul in Rome.
Flower Festivals
What could possibly be nicer than a springtime flower festival? Just as everything starts to bloom in May and June, volunteers and artists come together in cities across Italy to create intricate colourful floral carpets made of petals. Originating in the Vatican City in the 1600’s and using up to 400,000 flowers at a time, the festival is mainly about the intricate mosaic displays. The best known are in Spello in Umbria, Noto in Sicily and Genzano on the outskirts of Rome.
Also read, 10 Flower Festivals and Gardens to Visit Around the World
Car and Bike Events
You don’t need to be a speed enthusiast to appreciate the iconic Mille Miglia and Giro d’Italia events. The Mille Miglia (or Thousand Miles) has evolved from being a high-speed endurance race to a vintage car rally, with participants driving classic Alfa Romeos, Bugattis and Ferraris. Starting in Brescia in Northern Italy, it does a loop down to Rome and back, passing through scenic towns such as Siena, Parma and Ferrara.
The Giro d’Italia is equally impressive. With the 3-week cycling event playing a big part in the country’s sports calendar, you’ll find fans lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the race.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you enjoy watching or participating in events of this nature? Can you recommend any memorable celebrations in Italy or elsewhere in Europe? Are you planning a trip to Italy this year? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.
