Festivals and events in Italy

The festivals

When to go for the festivals in Italy

In Italy, festivals are tied to each town’s history, the religious calendar and the seasons of the countryside. Many date back to the Middle Ages or the Renaissance and are kept alive by neighborhoods, confraternities and local associations, which prepare costumes, processions and competitions all year round.

Winter is carnival season, which changes date each year because it depends on Easter. Venice is the best-known example, with costumes inspired by the old Republic in the squares and along the canals, but other Italian towns also hold carnivals with floats and their own traditions.

From Easter until the end of summer come the patron saint processions, the historic races and games contested between neighborhoods, and street festivals with music and fireworks. In summer there are also open-air music, theatre and opera festivals in squares, amphitheaters and gardens.

In autumn, villages and inland towns celebrate the harvest with sagre, popular festivals dedicated to a local product, such as grapes, chestnuts, mushrooms or truffles. In December, nativity scenes and Christmas markets fill squares and churches.

Since many dates depend on Easter or the calendar of each town, it’s worth checking the year’s program before you travel.