This lively festival in Arezzo, Tuscany (with editions in June and September) is based on a 13th century tradition of knights competing by jousting against a shield-bearing puppet (Saracen). The jousting continues today, with the modern-day knights competing for the prize of the Golden Lance, while flag-bearers, musicians, and revelers in medieval costume parade throughout the Piazza San Francesco. A full ...
The claim to fame of the lovely small town of Lajatico, 25 miles south of Pisa, is that it is the birthplace of world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli. While Bocelli now lives on the Tuscan coast in Forte di Marmi, you can spot the house (with big red shutters) he bought for his mother in Lajatico. In 2006, Bocelli persuaded the local ...
This medieval fantasy fair centers around mythical creatures, such as unicorns and elves. Held in Leonardo da Vinci's hometown of Vinci, the fair also incorporates duels, archery, and Gothic music. 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 now to access ...
That's right, a Medieval Wedding Banquet, also called the Banchetto Nuziale Medievale, takes place every August in the village of Acquavivo Picena in Le Marche. The weekend invites guests to step back into the 13th century by witnessing a blessing of cloth, performances, a wedding, a palio and, last but not least, a feast in celebration of the marriage between Forastéria ...
A medieval celebration fit for a duke takes over the historic city of Urbino on the third Sunday in August, with events focused around the Piazza Duca Federico in the old quarter of the city. Knights on horseback, meandering musicians and poets, and fair ladies in 15th century period gowns parade throughout the city and feast on traditional fare. Crafts, ...
200 Madonnari (artisans who produce images of the virgin) from around the world will cover the streets of Curtatone in Lombardy with breath-taking, chalk renditions of the Madonna in a friendly competition that concludes on the 15th with a pyrotechnic performance. During the day, enjoy a plate of cotechino, one of the traditional savory gastronomic dishes of the region or walk ...
The town of Casciana Terme celebrates San Genesio, the patron saint of children, for three days in August. Children symbolically assume control of the town when the keys are passed from the Mayor to the representative of all children called the ciambellano, in a festival dedicated to their interests. The title also happens to be the name of the ring-shaped, fruit-studded ...
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 ...
Part of Mediateca Toscana's 50 Days of International Film in Florence, all events for the Ethnomusic Film Festival take place this year at the Cinema La Compagnia. This is the largest film festival of its kind in Italy. Events feature writers, directors, filmmakers and actors. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please visit the event website for updates. Dream of ...
If you're looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind experience for the holidays in Italy (as if just being in the bel paese was not enough) then you should take a trip to Rome and visit the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata. This historical church is home to the beautifully haunting crypt of the Capuchin monks of the 17th century and ...
