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June 2021
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 »August 2021
Acquavivo Picena: Medieval Wedding Banquet
That's right, a Medieval Wedding Banquet, also called the Banchetto Nuziale Medievale, takes place every August in the village of Acquavivo Picena in Le Marche. The weekend invites guests to step back into the 13th century by witnessing a blessing of cloth, performances, a wedding, a palio and, last but not least, a feast in celebration of the marriage between Forastéria of Acquaviva and Rainaldo of Brunforte. Note: Dates have not yet been confirmed; Reservation is mandatory; please check event website…
Find out more »Rome: Miracle of the Madonna of the Snow
According to legend, in 352 AD, a rich and bored Roman gentleman experienced a vivid dream in which the Virgin Mary told him that a certain hill in Rome would be covered in snow in the morning, and that he should then use his money to build a church on that site. Being that Rome was deep in a steamy summer in the beginning of August, the gentleman didn't think much of this prophecy, but decided to test it out…
Find out more »Rome: Feast of San Lorenzo
The martyrdom of San Lorenzo is celebrated in Rome with fireworks and celebrations throughout the area around his crypt on the Via Tiburtina, where he was killed in 258 AD. The patron saint of librarians, firemen, bakers, and other professions whose jobs involve fire and roasting, San Lorenzo's association with such incendiary professions is certainly a disturbing one -- His martyrdom is said to have occurred by slowly being roasted on a gridiron by the troops of the Emperor, and,…
Find out more »Ferragosto
It's the summer and in August many Italians are looking forward to Ferragosto which starts on August 15th. It's known as a two-week vacation period with roots in ancient Rome. When Emperor Augustus invented the feriae Augusti to mark the end harvest he also made it a moment that signified a period of well-deserved rest. Later, during the fascist regime, this time of the year was used to promote travel within the country, including discounts on train voyages to see all…
Find out more »Civitavecchia (Lazio): Feast of the Sea (Il Padellone)
Civitavecchia rings in the anniversary of its founding, as well as the defeat of the Saracens, in charming seaside style: A boat race, historical procession and a gastronomical fair featuring huge quantities of free seafood, and in particular, a gigantic Padellone -- a giant platter of fried fish that especially encapsulates the anniversary of the founding of the city. Other celebrations take place in Civitavecchia on the week before Il Padellone, but these events are not determined until very close to…
Find out more »Cappelle sul Tavo (Abruzzo): Palio of the Dancing Dolls
To kick off ferragosto this friendly battle, also called the Palio delle Pupe, amongst 14 neighboring towns in Abruzzo puts on a show for spectators. Pupe are papier-mache lifesized dolls and are covered in fireworks. For over 40 years these dolls have a dance "battle" where representatives from the towns climb up inside the doll and perform a dance to folk music that was originally done in hopes of a fertile harvest. What's most impressive though, is that the fireworks are…
Find out more »Positano (Amalfi Coast): Landing of the Saracens
On this summer evening at sunset, costumed actors re-enact the battle that took place on the night of August 15, 1558. The landing of the Saracens is also celebrated with music, food and a certainly gorgeous sunset, making this an event for the whole family. Note: Dates have not yet been confirmed; Please visit event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get a free issue to see what…
Find out more »Ferrara: Buskers Festival
This August, if you find yourself in Emilia-Romagna take a train and walk through the historic streets of Ferrara and meet international street musicians as they perform various genres of music from around the world. The festival was originated by Stefano Bottoni, a native ferrarese, who was inspired by his visit to New York in the 1980s to see his own city become more welcoming to street musicians. After proposing the idea to the mayor, the festival soon became an international…
Find out more »Nuoro (Sardinia): The Feast of the Redeemer
Since August 29th, 1901, when Pope Leo XIII erected a bronze, 23 ft. tall statue of Christ the Redeemer on Monte Ortobene in honor of the Jubilee Year, locals and visitors have participated in celebratory procession to the statue from Nuoro's Cathedral. At Dawn, the faithful participants of the march congregate in the square outside the cathedral. They sing songs as they follow a cart decorated with ears of wheat and oleanders all the way to the statue. Once the…
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