Venice: Epiphany Regatta

Grand Canal Venice, Italy

In a city that holds hundreds of regatta races throughout the year, this one stands out, as it features 50 men dressed as La Befana (the Epiphany witch). The rowers paddle up the Grand Canal and toward the Rialto Bridge, competing to be the first to reach a giant stocking that hangs from the bridge. Dream of Italy is a ...

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Milan: La Befana Benifica

Duomo Milan, Italy

Every year on the Epiphany, Italian motorcyclists gather for La Befana Benifica, a motorcycle procession for charity led by La Befana, the Epiphany witch. Beginning at the Duomo, motorcyclists hear a speech from the mayor and are blessed by the Bishop of Milan. The procession then continues to deliver items like food and gifts to charity centers, shelters and retirement ...

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Florence: The Ride of the Magi

Palazzo Pitti Florence, Tuscany, Italy

On the 6th of January in Florence, just days before the Epiphany, many gather to watch La cavalcata dei Re Magi, Arrival of the Magi. Watch the Wise Men and their cavalcade as they make their way from Palazzo Pitti  to Piazza Duomo where they greet a harmonious Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel ...

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Rome: Epiphania

St. Peters Via della Conciliazione, Rome, Italy

Each year in Rome, hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the avenue leading up to the Vatican carrying gifts for the Pope, who will then say a morning mass in Saint Peters.  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 ...

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Novoli (Lecce): Bonfire for Sant’Antonio Abate Feast Day

Unnamed Venue Fòcara in Novoli, Italy

Novoli, a small town near Lecce, honors the town's patron, Sant'Antonio Abate, on the eve of his feast day January 17. The origin of the fire ritual is said to date back at least 1,000 years and is credited to monks from the east who settled in Novoli. The fòcara is a bonfire constructed of olive branches and grape vines ...

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Terni (Umbria): St. Valentine’s Celebration

Located in the southern portion of Umbria, the town of Terni, whose cathedral St. Valentine rests in, hosts a monthlong festival of events related to the patron saint of love. Events include special masses, art exhibitions, concerts, poetry readings, sporting events, and fireworks. The St Valentine Marathon will be held on February 18 (http://www.maratonadisanvalentino.it/). Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel ...

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Catania (Sicily): Feast of Saint Agatha

Chiesa San Biagio Piazza Stesicoro, 95100, Catania, Sicily, Italy

Located in an ancient port city on the east coast of Sicily, this is an all-night religious celebration of the patron saint of the city. A procession of candle bearers parade through the city with horse-drawn carriages. Street theater, fireworks, sweets, and clouds of incense evoke the pagan origins of this festival.  Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. ...

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Florence: Taste Festival

Fortezza da Basso Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, Florence, Italy

From balsamic vinegar to salumi to cheese, merchants of all kinds of Italian food and beverage products gather at Taste to give visitors a comprehensive sampling of Italy.

Perugia: Eurochocolate Festival

Unnamed Venue Perugia, Italy

For the chocolate lover in all of us...For nine days Perugia, the capital of the region of Umbria, transforms itself for the occasion in a huge open-air chocolate store. Enjoy chocolate everything -- even pasta -- in a fair set up in the streets of the city center. This event is free. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel ...

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Rome Marathon

Unnamed Venue Rome, Italy

What a place to run a marathon! This 26-mile run begins and ends at the Colosseum. You can stand along the race route to cheer on the competitors or even do some running yourself. A 4K Fun Run starts at the Colosseum right after the marathon racers take off. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help ...