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September 2018
Trieste: Barcolana Regatta
This regatta is an annual boating competition in which 2,000 boat owners come together to test their skills on the Mediterranean. The main event is on the water on October 14, but there are plenty of on-land activities to enjoy, in addition to a host of water events in the week leading up to the Barcolana itself.
Find out more »November 2018
Florence Noel
Visit Stazione Leopolda for a chance to buy Florentine handicrafts and visit Santa's House (La Casa di Babbo Natale)! Note: dates have not been announced yet. Please check the event website for updates. Get your FREE copy of Dream of Italy's Christmas in Italy Guide
Find out more »December 2018
Venice: New Years Day on Lido Beach
If you find yourself in Venice during the holidays, kick off the new year with a party on the beach! Enjoy food, wine, and, if you are daring, a swim in the cold water in the Venetian Lagoon.
Find out more »January 2019
Venice: New Years Day Concert at La Fenice Opera House
The annual New Year's Day concert at La Fenice Opera House in Venice.
Find out more »Urbania: Le Marche: Festa Nazionale della Befana
On the 6th of January every year, La Befana, the Italian witch, delivers treats to children across Italy just as Santa Claus would; only she travels by broom. In her hometown, Urbania, 50 thousand Italians celebrate with over 300 kilos of desserts, the most important aspect of a festa, of course. Throughout the streets and piazzas, you will find stands overflowing with food, theater performances, and fun workshops. The Festa Nazionale della Befana gives an alternative insight of holiday celebrations.
Find out more »Arezzo (Tuscany): Antique Market
Under the Vasari Portico in the main piazza of Arezzo, the first Sunday and preceding Saturday of every month you will find the largest antique market in Italy. From dressers to comic books to old military uniforms, this market holds a variety of treasures. Arezzo, located in the region of Tuscany, is one of the twelve Etruscan cities that was conquered by the Romans. It is the birthplace of Petrarch who is credited with marking the beginning of the Renaissance. The…
Find out more »Milano: Corteo dei Magi
This event is an ancient Italian tradition to celebrate the holidays. There is music and a live presepe vivente, also known as a nativity scene, in the Piazza del Duomo near the Basilica of Sant’Eustrogio in Milan.
Find out more »Rome: Epiphania
Each year in Rome, hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the avenue leading up to the Vatican carrying gifts for the Pope, who will then say a morning mass in Saint Peters.
Find out more »Venice: Epiphany Regatta
In a city that holds hundreds of regatta races throughout the year, this one stands out, as it features 50 men dressed as La Befana (the Epiphany witch). The rowers paddle up the Grand Canal and toward the Rialto Bridge, competing to be the first to reach a giant stocking that hangs from the bridge. This is an exciting event to witness if you are in Venice for the holidays.
Find out more »Fòcara in Novoli (Lecce): Sant’Antonio Abate Feast Day
Fòcara in Novoli, a small town near Lecce, honors the town's patron, Sant'Antonio Abate, on the eve of his feast day January 17. The origin of the fire ritual is said to date back at least 1,000 years and is credited to monks from the east who settled in Novoli. The fòcara is a bonfire constructed of olive branches and grape vines in Piazza Tito Schipa. Using a huge ladder to pile the branches on top, the fire builders make…
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