Throughout Italy, the variety of local character and color is staggering. This is mainly due to the survival of regionalism, particularly in the south of the country.
Old traditions, customs and lifestyles are still highly respected and there is a deep attachment to the land, reflected in a healthy interest in food and produce, as well as the persistence of seasonal religious and secular events. Annual festivals, whether in rural or urban areas, range from wine tastings and food celebrations to elaborate commemorations of every imaginable patron saint.
SUMMER
Summer brings crowds to Italy, particularly to the cities. The Italians, however, flee and head for the coast, usually in August. Lines for tourist attractions can be long and hotels are often full. Festivals vary; Religious events are interspersed with those of the arts and local folklore.
JUNE
Fragola Festival (June 1st), Borgo San Martino, Piedmont. Musical and folk performances in celebration of the strawberry.
Biennial (June September), Venice. The largest contemporary art exhibition in the world takes place only during odd years.
infiorata (Corpus Christi Day), Genzano, Lazio. A procession through the streets carpeted with flowers.
Saint John festivity (mid June-mid July), Turin, Piedmont. Major Festival in Honor of the Patron Saint of the City, San Juan.
historical calcium (June 24 and two other days in June), Florence. Football with 16th century costumes; Fireworks.
Feast of Sant’Andrea (June 27th), Amalfi, Campania. Fireworks and processions.
Due Mondi Festival (late June-early July), Spoleto, Umbria. International theater, music and dance festival.
Gioco del Ponte (last sun), Pisa. “The Bridge Parade” of marches in ancient armor.
roman estate (late June-mid September), Rome. Outdoor cinema, shows, ballet and concerts.
JULY
Race of the Palio (July 2nd), Sienna. Tuscany’s most famous event features a display of medieval flags and a horse race.
Feast of the Madonna della Bruna (first sun), Matera, Basilica. A lively procession of clerics and knights in costume.
Festa de’ Noantri (last two weeks of July), Rome. A colorful festival in the streets of Trastevere.
Feast of Santa María del Carmín (July 16th), Naples. With the illumination of the bell tower of the city.
UmbriaJazz (July), Perugia. World famous jazz artists perform.
international Film Festival (July August)Taormina, Sicily.
opera festival (July August), Verona, Veneto. Renowned opera festival that overlaps with the shakespeare Festivaloffering music, theater, opera and dance.
AUGUST
medieval canopy (first weekend of August) Feltre, Veneto. Archery parades and competitions, medieval style.
Candlestick Festival (August 14), Sassari, Sardinia. “Fiesta de la Vela”, which dates back to the 16th century.
sea party (August 15th), Diana Marina, Liguria. This “Festival of the Sea” features a spectacular fireworks display.
Race of the Palio (August 16th), Siena, Tuscany. See July entry.
Venice Film Festival (late August-early September). International festival on the Lido.
Rossini Festival (August September), Pesaro, The Marches. A celebration of the composer’s work, in his hometown.
Settimane Musicali of Stresa (end of August-end of September), Stresa, Lombardy. Four weeks of concerts and recitals.