The Regatta (Palio) of the Ancient Maritime Republics is a competition on eight-oared galleons among the crews of the cities of Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. The event is held in a different city each year, combining a fascinating historical and cultural message with a spectacular competition. These four cities have competed in the 2,000-meter race since 1956. Each of the four boats ...
European Heritage Days began in France in 1954 as a way to celebrate the European continent. Celebrations are arranged across Italy, with different themes for each country every year. Free admission to museums, archaeological sites, concerts and theater invite Europeans and visitors to discover the heritage and culture of Italy. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the event ...
The small Tuscan town of San Miniato near Pisa celebrates truffle season on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends of November. Enjoy local foods, entertainment, shopping and, of course, the prized white truffles! 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 ...
Part of Mediateca Toscana's 50 Days of International Film in Florence, this is the largest film festival of its kind in Italy. Events feature writers, directors, filmmakers and actors. Matinee films are 5€; evening films are 7€. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please visit the event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel ...
On the 6th of January in Florence, just days before the Epiphany, many gather to watch La cavalcata dei Re Magi, Arrival of the Magi. Watch the Wise Men and their cavalcade as they make their way from Palazzo Pitti to Piazza Duomo where they greet a harmonious Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Every last Sunday of August this Tuscan hilltop town is consumed in the, by then, week-long celebration of the Bravio delle Botti, also known as the "Barrel Race". The festivities kick off with the presentation of the Bravium, the victory banner, which is painted each year by a select artist with a winning design based on on a specific theme; the ...
Though the origin of this colorful celebration is disputed, many believe Rificolona began as a celebration on the eve of the Feast of the Madonna, the nativity of the virgin. It is said that villagers would start their pilgrimage before the break of dawn to the city of Florence on the eve of her birthday. They relied on their lanterns, ...
