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 ...
Since 1275, this ancient horse race has turned Asti's Piazza Alfieri into a racetrack, and has linked modern Asti with its medieval roots. Twenty-one Contrade (city divisions) compete in the central square, while over 1,200 individuals donning medieval garb parade proudly throughout the streets of the city. The traditional flag-wavers (Sbandieratori) also run their own Palio against residents of neighboring towns. To ...
The Grand Canal fills with exquisite 13-century boats and cavorting onlookers on this first Sunday of September. The regatta itself is four separate competitions, including a particularly compelling one between double-oared gondolas. Art displays, music, and celebrations abound among the boats and gondolas as well. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since ...
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, ...
Volterra, an enchanting medieval town in the Tuscan hills, hosts its annual Notte Rossa, or Red Dusk, event to celebrate the town and allow visitors to discover the city and its offerings by showcasing mini concerts, performances and photo exhibits. The event takes place every second Saturday of September so don't miss your chance to discover Volterra on your own! Dream ...
Tocatì, meaning "it's your turn," in the local Venetian dialect is an UNESCO-recognized festival of traditional international street games such as parkour, ultimate frisbee, awalé, carrom, backgammon and many more. The festival has a different guest country each year, and includes traditional ancient games such as marbles. Note: Dates have not yet been confirmed; Please visit event website for updates. Dream of ...
Il Santo Chiodo or The Holy Nail allegedly was taken from the cross used to crucify Jesus, and during this celebration, Milan's archbishop ascends toward the ceiling of the Duomo in a rickety mechanical basket to uplift the relic, and then brings it back down for the crowd to admire. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication ...
The protector and patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro is celebrated zealously throughout Italy, but particularly so in bella Napoli. As the massive statue of the saint is carried throughout the city, Napoletani sing, pray, and cry to the saint. The festival officially ends with the miraculous liquefaction of the blood of San Gennaro in the Duomo di Napoli, which ...
Located near the Po River in the beautiful region of Lombardy, sits the charming city of Cremona. Home to the Violin Museum and birthplace of the best violin makers, this city is renowned worldwide for its techniques in violin making. It is also home to the annual International Exhibition, the best of its kind, for high-quality instruments. Here, guests can ...
The Italian Yacht Club's biggest regatta, this sailing festival brings boats from all over Europe to Genoa's Porto Antico Bay. The millevele or one-thousand sails along the Ligurian coast is a sight not to miss! 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. ...
