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September 2021
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Italy
Lace up those running shoes, get that last swig of water and be sure to get a good stretch in; the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is on its 21st anniversary this year. The Italian branch of the organization hosts a series of events and workshops promoting good health and exercise leading up to a big race in efforts to raise money for the Foundation and breast cancer research. The event takes place in various cities in Italy…
Find out more »December 2021
Manarola (Liguria): World’s Largest Nativity Scene
You've heard about the world's largest Christmas tree lighting in Umbria and now there is the world's largest presepe in the town of Manarola, one of the 5 towns in the Cinque Terre. The project was realized Mario Andreoli, a retired railway worker who has dedicated over 30 years to the installation and in 2007 it was added to the Guinness World Records. Not only is the view of this nativity scene breathtaking but it is also environmentally friendly thanks to…
Find out more »April 2022
Festa della Liberazione: Italian Liberation Day
On April 25, 1945, Italy was liberated from the grip of Mussolini and the German-Fascist regime. The country celebrates this historic day with parades, ceremonies, and speeches. Rome, as the capital, enjoys the biggest celebrations, including a visit by the President to the Ardeatine Caves Mausoleum, where the Nazis massacred 335 Romans in 1944. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get a free issue to see what we are all…
Find out more »May 2022
Gubbio (Umbria): Corso dei Ceri (Running of the Candles)
One of Italy's oldest and weirdest traditions, Corso dei Ceri, or "Running of the Candles," takes place once a year on May 15th in the picturesque Umbrian town of Gubbio. Three "candles" (actually 30 foot-high wooden pillars) crowned with statues of saints are paraded around the town by "ceraiuoli" and then run up the streets of Gubbio to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo which overlooks the town. Must see to believe! Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel…
Find out more »June 2022
Pisa: Giugno Pisano
Giugno Pisano is a month of festivals in Pisa in June. Among the events are openings of the town's churches at night, the Palio di San Ranieri, the Battle of the Bridge on the last Saturday in June, the Regatta every four years (the last one was held in 2015), a night opening of the Leaning Tower, and Games on the Bridge, and the Luminara di San Ranieri, a night when the town is lit by 70,000 candles. Dream of…
Find out more »Rome: Fantafestival
Rome's Fantafestival is dedicated to fantastic and horror cinema. The location at Multisala Barberini is confirmed and so are the "Golden Bats" for the best picture and short in both the Italian and international categories. There will once again be the Z-Day, with a zombie-walk along the streets of Rome. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the official event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002.…
Find out more »Bologna: Under the Stars of Cinema
Bologna has got some spectacular spaces from le due torri, to the garden of Margherita, and under the porticos that lead you to a panoramic view of the city from the Church of San Luca. During the summer though, Piazza Maggiore offers yet another unique space with film screenings of the classics starting at 9:45 PM. Among the vast talented directors are Martin Scorsese, Vittorio De Sica, Fellini, Chaplan, Coppola and many more. You can view the full schedule on the…
Find out more »Spello (Umbria): Flowering Windows, Balconies and Alleys
As if the the intimate vie in Italy couldn't get any more charming, the streets in the historic center of the quaint town of Spello in Umbria are filled with flowers for the infiorata di Spello. Residents decorate their window sills, balconies, staircases, alleys and corners in a blossoming botanical display for everyone to enjoy all leading up to the main event. Marvel at the floral tapestries in honor of Corpus Domini every year on the 9th Sunday after Easter. Dream of…
Find out more »Pienza (Tuscany): Torneo di Panforte
Have you ever been told not to play with your food? Well the people in Pienza have, and they don't care! Here, just to the south of Siena, folks continue to keep the holiday spirit going with a friendly competition involving the throwing of panforte. This tournament takes place every year from December 26th - 30th in Pienza's city hall where many teams sign up to see who could get the most points. If you'd like to find out more about…
Find out more »July 2022
Ascoli Piceno (Le Marche): La Quintana
La Quintana is an annual Palio event that pits the six sestiere of Ascoli Piceno, a town in the region of Le Marche, against each other for bragging rights and the prized Palio drape. They compete in archery, flag-throwing and more, but it all culminates in the rousing joust, a high-energy beloved horse race, which is preceded by an opulent parade in period costumes by representatives of each district. Plan your visit in July or August to see it.
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