Gubbio (Umbria): Corso dei Ceri (Running of the Candles)

Unnamed Venue Gubbio, Italy

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 ...

Free

Gubbio Crossbow Tournament

Piazza Grande Piazza Grande, Gubbio, Italy

Every May since 1594, on the last Sunday of the month, the towns of Gubbio and Sansepolcro have competed against each other with crossbows. A nod to Italy's medieval past, the competitors dress up in period costumes and battle to win a gold, silver, or bronze crossbow. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your ...

Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars)

Since 1993, vineyards all over Italy have opened their cellars on the last Sunday in May (or, in some regions, the first two days of June), encouraging direct contact with wine lovers. From tastings to tours in the vineyards, there will be many initiatives from the Alps to Mount Etna that will celebrate wine. Open Cellars has over time become ...

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 ...

Cannara: Onion Festival

Cannara Cannara, Perugia, Italy

Cannara, in Umbria, welcomes people to their onion festival! The perfectly sweet onions typical of Cannara are of the red, gold and borrettana varieties. For two weekends in a row locals and tourists can celebrate by partaking in the eating of specialty dishes involving the beloved vegetable. Note: Dates have not yet been confirmed; Please visit event website for updates. ...

Free

Gubbio (Umbria): Lighting of the World’s Largest Christmas Tree

Gubbio Umbria, Italy

Gubbio kicks off the Christmas season and keeps it going with the lighting of the world's largest Christmas Tree (first recorded in 1991 in the Guinness Book of Records). This charming medieval town on Mount Ingino in Umbria is home to the light installation for nearly the entire month of December and into the first week of January. Quite a ...

Free

Terni (Umbria): St. Valentine’s Celebration

Located in the southern portion of Umbria, the town of Terni, whose cathedral St. Valentine rests in, hosts a monthlong festival of events related to the patron saint of love. Events include special masses, art exhibitions, concerts, poetry readings, sporting events, and fireworks. The St Valentine Marathon will be held on February 18 (http://www.maratonadisanvalentino.it/). Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel ...

Free

Perugia: Eurochocolate Festival

Unnamed Venue Perugia, Italy

For the chocolate lover in all of us...For nine days Perugia, the capital of the region of Umbria, transforms itself for the occasion in a huge open-air chocolate store. Enjoy chocolate everything -- even pasta -- in a fair set up in the streets of the city center. This event is free. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel ...

Free

Gubbio (Umbria): Corso dei Ceri (Running of the Candles)

Unnamed Venue Gubbio, Italy

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 ...

Free

Gubbio Crossbow Tournament

Piazza Grande Piazza Grande, Gubbio, Italy

Every May since 1594, on the last Sunday of the month, the towns of Gubbio and Sansepolcro have competed against each other with crossbows. A nod to Italy's medieval past, the competitors dress up in period costumes and battle to win a gold, silver, or bronze crossbow. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your ...