• Nuoro (Sardinia): The Feast of the Redeemer

    Unnamed Venue Nuoro, Italy

    Since August 29th, 1901, when Pope Leo XIII erected a bronze, 23 ft. tall statue of Christ the Redeemer on Monte Ortobene in honor of the Jubilee Year, locals and visitors have participated in celebratory procession to the statue from Nuoro's Cathedral. At Dawn, the faithful participants of the march congregate in the square outside the cathedral. They sing songs ...

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  • Florence: Rificolona (Lantern Festival)

    Florence Florence, Italy

    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, ...

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  • Milan: Celebration of the Holy Nail

    Il Duomo Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy

    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 ...

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  • Naples: Feast of San Gennaro

    Unnamed Venue Naples, Italy

    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 ...

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  • Rome: FictionFest

    Auditorium Parco della Musica Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30, Rome, Italy

    FictionFest encompasses international fiction in all forms, from books to movies and TV, and includes several screenings. Please check the event website for updated dates.  

    Free
  • Puglia: Putignano Festival

    Unnamed Venue Puglia, Italy

    The Putignano Festival, in the region of Puglia, is believed to be the longest and one of the oldest carnivals in the world, with records dating back to December 26, 1394. It is considered the longest-running carnival because it begins on December 26th with the multi-centennial tradition of the <i>Propaggine</i> (where Saint Stefan Protomartyre's Holy Relices are transferred from Monopoli ...

  • Matera (Basilicata): Feast of Madonna della Bruna

    Unnamed Venue Matera, Italy

    On July 2nd, the intriguing town of Matera, where cave dwellings (sassi) give off an ancient air, hosts the feast of the Madonna della Bruna in homage to the city's patron saint. The feast is centuries old, and commences at dawn with a shepherds procession to awaken the ancient quarters of town. A statue of the Holy Mother, the Madonna della Bruna, is carried through the streets and in accordance with ancient ...

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  • Palermo (Sicily): Santa Rosalia Festival

    Unnamed Venue Palermo, Italy

    The Santa Rosalia Festival, known to Sicilians as "festino", celebrates Palermo's patron saint with a week of festivities, including parades, fireworks, and music. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your Trip to Italy.

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  • Passignano (Umbria): Palio delle Barche

    Unnamed Venue Passignano, Italy

    The "Palio of the Boats" is divided into three stages: the first and third events are water races, while the second stage requires contestants from the town's four districts to carry boats on their shoulders through the steep hills and passageways of old town Passignano. The palio, held annually on the last Sunday in July, originates from an attempted invasion ...

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  • Gubbio (Umbria): Summer Festival

    Piazza San Pietro Gubbio, Italy

    The town of Gubbio, near Perugia, hosts an annual summer festival highlighted by concerts and performances by talented local musicians. The musicians also teach seminars and master classes for €80 per class. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the official event website for updates. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your Trip to ...

    €80