• Bitetto (Bari): Medieval Market

    Unnamed Venue Bitetto, Italy

    During the third weekend in April, the town of Bitetto transforms into an authentic medieval market. Vendors dress up in elaborate medieval costumes and set up stalls using only materials that would have been common in medieval times, such as wood. Items for sale are inspected to ensure their medieval authenticity, and include handmade crafts and food. The parade includes ...

  • Festa della Liberazione: Italian Liberation Day

    On April 25, 1945, Italy was liberated from the grip of Mussolini and the German-Fascist regime. The country celebrates this historic day with parades, ceremonies, and speeches. Rome, as the capital, enjoys the biggest celebrations, including a visit by the President to the Ardeatine Caves Mausoleum, where the Nazis massacred 335 Romans in 1944. Dream of Italy is a membership ...

    Free
  • Lariofiere (Como): Agrinatura

    Unnamed Venue Lariofiere, Italy

    Agrinatura constructs rural villages in the town of Lariofiere in order to give the public a taste of country life. The festival, dedicated to health and nature, includes animal shows, artisan demonstrations, food tasting, and children's events. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your Trip to Italy.

  • 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
  • Firenze dei Bambini

    Florence Florence, Italy

    This festival includes more than 100 events for children and families. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the event website for updates.

  • 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 ...

  • Lago Maggiore Half Marathon

    Unnamed Venue Lago Maggiore, Italy

    This half-marathon follows the beautiful coast of the Piedmont side of Lago Maggiore, and is open to international individuals and teams. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your Trip to Italy.

    €28
  • Spello (Umbria): Flowering Windows, Balconies and Alleys

    As if the the intimate vie in Italy couldn't get any more charming, the streets in the historic center of the quaint town of Spello in Umbria are filled with flowers for the infiorata di Spello. Residents decorate their window sills, balconies, staircases, alleys and corners in a blossoming botanical display for everyone to enjoy all leading up to the main ...

    Free
  • Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics

    Venice Venice, Italy

    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 ...

    Free