Autumn is a great time to visit Italy. It’s less hot and crowded than in the summer and there’s lots going on. From food festivals and sporting events to niche local celebrations.
Although some of the best Italian events are in the summer, whatever you’re into and whichever region you’re visiting, you’ll be sure to find an autumnal event that’s right up your street.
Here are 6 of the most interesting events in Italy in autumn:
Although some of the best Italian events are in the summer, whatever you’re into and whichever region you’re visiting, you’ll be sure to find an autumnal event that’s right up your street.
Here are 6 of the most interesting events in Italy in autumn:
September
- Argillà, Faenza, Emilia-Romagna
Faenza is famous for producing Maiolica, a type of tin-glazed pottery. On the first weekend in September every two years, the city is home to the Argillà ceramics festival. People from around 20 countries all over the world flock to the festival to sell their ceramic products. As well as stalls and exhibitions, there are events focused on the techniques used to make pottery, activities for kids and even a Worldwide Potter’s Wheel Championship. Hidden courtyards in the city are opened exclusively for the festival.
- Marostica Scacchi, Marostica, Veneto
Like history, chess and fancy dress? Then head to the Marostica Scacchi in the second weekend of September. Every two years, Marostica holds a giant chess match with human chess pieces! Why? They’re re-enacting a famous fifteenth-century chess game where two warriors competed to decide who would marry the eldest daughter of the Castellano di Marostica. Aside from the huge chess game in the Piazza Castello, the weekend is filled with costume parades, music and fireworks.
- Middle Ages Festival, Gubbio, Umbria
The medieval town of Gubbio, with its ancient houses, palaces and cathedral, is an apt setting for the Middle Ages Festival that’s held in the last week of September. Over five days, scholars, historians, authors and scientists tell stories of the ten centuries of the Middle Ages. There are talks and exhibitions as well as the opportunity to browse bookstalls and medieval markets. You can even try your hand at some calligraphy.
October
- Lucca Comics & Games, Lucca, Tuscany
The largest international festival of comics in Italy and Europe is held in Lucca at the end of October every year. The historic city, with its fortified walls, sees people from around the world come together, usually in fancy dress, to celebrate comics, board games and animations. You can listen to and meet famous comic book writers, fantasy authors and illustrators, browse shops or compete in a cosplay competition.
- Festival dello Sport, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
If sport is more your thing, check out the Sports Festival in Trento. A relatively new event, the Festival dello Sport promises four days of debates, seminars, sporting activities and sports camps. Local and international sports stars attend the event and you can listen to talks from Olympic and Paralympic athletes, technicians and sporting experts. From basketball to indoor rowing, there’s something for everyone.
November
- International Truffle Festival, Alba, Piedmont
Possibly the most famous of the many Italian sagre, this international food festival, held throughout October and November, is an annual celebration of the Tartufo Bianco, or white truffle. As well as sampling regional produce, you can embark on a truffle walk, attend cooking shows, or watch a medieval parade and donkey race!
Planning an event in Italy this autumn and want to attract a local audience?
As an Italian translator and content writer, I can translate your information into Italian to make sure it grabs attention and persuades the right people to attend.
Get in touch for a free translation quote today.
Running a sporting event? Check out my top tips for acing your sports translation.
As an Italian translator and content writer, I can translate your information into Italian to make sure it grabs attention and persuades the right people to attend.
Get in touch for a free translation quote today.
Running a sporting event? Check out my top tips for acing your sports translation.