• Manarola (Liguria): World’s Largest Nativity Scene

    Manarola Manarola, La Spezia, Italy

    You've heard about the world's largest Christmas tree lighting in Umbria and now there is the world's largest presepe in the town of Manarola, one of the five towns in the Cinque Terre. The project was realized by Mario Andreoli, a retired railway worker who has dedicated over 30 years to the installation and in 2007 it was added to the ...

    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
  • 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
  • Pisa: Giugno Pisano

    Unnamed Venue Pisa, Italy

    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 ...

  • 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
  • La Bruna (Umbria): Festa Della Battitura

    Zona Impianti Sportivi Pierantonio, Umbria, Italy

    Italians love a reason to party and this is evident in their festas celebrating the most obscure of objects, like in the small town Pierantonio, where they celebrate the Battitura. This is the farming machine that cuts and collects hay. You can find these machines in mid to late June moving through golden shimmering fields. They honor this machine for ...

    Free