Italy, often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, is a country steeped in history, art, culture, and culinary delights. Throughout the year, Italy hosts a myriad of events that showcase its rich heritage, traditions, and creativity. From the vibrant streets of Rome to the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s events provide a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry, timeless beauty, and passion for la dolce vita.
Venice Carnival is one of Italy’s most famous and elaborate festivals, featuring masked balls, costume contests, street performances, and parades throughout the historic city of Venice.
Time: February (dates vary).
The Palio di Siena is a historic horse race held twice a year in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. It’s a colorful and intense competition between the city’s 17 contrade (districts) with parades and festivities.
Time: July 2nd and August 16th.
The Gelato Festival in Florence celebrates Italy’s famous frozen dessert with gelato tastings, competitions, demonstrations, and workshops by master gelato makers.
Time: Dates vary, often in spring or summer.
The Arena di Verona Opera Festival is a world-renowned opera event held in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater. It features spectacular productions of classic operas by renowned artists.
Time: June to August.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino is a historic sporting event in Florence, combining elements of soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Teams representing different city districts compete in a fiercely contested match.
Time: June.
Milan Fashion Week is one of the world’s premier fashion events, showcasing the latest collections from top designers and brands, and attracting fashion industry professionals, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts.
Time: February and September.
The Rome Film Festival is a prestigious international film event featuring screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films, as well as industry panels, workshops, and red-carpet premieres.
Time: October.
Pisa Luminara is a magical celebration held on the eve of the city’s patron saint’s feast day. Thousands of candles are placed along the Arno River, illuminating the city’s historic buildings and bridges.
Time: June 16th.
The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions, featuring contemporary art, architecture, dance, film, music, and theater from around the globe.
Time: Biennial event (odd-numbered years).
The Naples Pizza Festival celebrates Italy’s iconic dish, pizza, with pizza-making competitions, tastings, demonstrations, and cultural events, showcasing the art of Neapolitan pizza.
Time: September.
Rome’s beer festivals
It organizes beautiful Rome. An event that showcases craft beers and breweries, both from Italy and internationally. Guests can enjoy beer tastings, brewery demonstrations and various events around Rome.
Birra dell’Anno – Rome
This festival celebrates the best Italian beers and breweries. The event includes beer tasting, brewery presentations and music performances.
Starts: August
Wine Italy-Verona
One of the world’s largest and most famous wine fairs, which takes place in Verona in the spring. This event brings together wine producers from all over Italy and the world, and offers the opportunity to taste a wide range of Italian wines.
to Chianti Classico wine and offers the opportunity to taste different Chianti Classico wines and meet the producers of the area.
Starts: May
Food Festivals
Salone del Guisto – in Turin
This international gastronomic event brings together food lovers and producers from around the world. The event offers an opportunity to taste various Italian delicacies, learn more about food preparation and discuss sustainable food production.
Taste of Rome
This gastronomic event showcases the best dishes from Rome’s top restaurants and offers guests the opportunity to taste different dishes, participate in cooking demonstrations and learn more about Italian food culture.
Starts: August