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August 2020
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 »September 2020
Viterbo: Festa di Santa Rosa
If you happen to be in Rome on the third day of September, catch the train to Viterbo for the Festa di Santa Rosa, the festival of the city's patron saint. Thousands flock to see one hundred facchini, or strongmen, carry a 90-foot tall, four-ton macchina - an obelisk-shaped statue - of the Santa Rosa through the winding streets of the city. The tradition began hundreds of years ago, with the statue becoming progressively larger and heavier until the 19th…
Find out more »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 »October 2020
Rome Film Festival
Rome's International Film Festival, with 80 films shown in five categories, has 50 judges awarding prizes of 200,000€ to the best film, best actor and best actress. The festival is free and should you desire a cinematic experience, you can purchase tickets for 5€. 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 »December 2020
Rome: Baroque Christmas Concert in Capuchins Crypts
If you're looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind experience for the holidays in Italy (as if just being in the bel paese was not enough) then you should take a trip to Rome and visit the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata. This historical church is home to the beautifully haunting crypt of the Capuchin monks of the 17th century and the place where they kept their friars remains. In December, the church also hosts a Baroque Christmas concert where performances by…
Find out more »Rome: I Solisti dell’Opera, New Years Concert
The excellent singers of the Filarmonica d'Opera di Roma offer an unforgettable performance. The orchestra and singers dress in 18th century costumes as they perform their solos both on New Years Eve and New Years Day. The event is at the All Saints Church, which offers an English-speaking community in Rome. 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 about. Join now…
Find out more »January 2021
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. 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 about. Join now to access them all. Let our expert travel planners book your Italy trip. We also host a…
Find out more »June 2021
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.…
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