If you’re travelling to Italy this summer, there’s no better way to get to know the local area than by attending an event. Summer is festival season in Italy and there’s lots going on in every region.
Here’s a rundown of the best events in Italy over the summer months:
June
Palio del Niballo, Faenza, Emilia-Romagna
This medieval-style horse race, held annually at the end of June, is a competition between the 5 districts of Faenza. The ‘knights’ of each district take it in turns to race against each other on horseback around Faenza’s main football stadium. The first knight to hit the hand of a huge puppet with their lance wins the round. The district that wins the highest number of races wins the Palio.
The Palio is part of a whole month of celebrations. Everyone dresses in historical costumes and the city becomes a giant medieval re-enactment. Expect flags, pop-up restaurants and even a Palio for young knights.
The Palio is part of a whole month of celebrations. Everyone dresses in historical costumes and the city becomes a giant medieval re-enactment. Expect flags, pop-up restaurants and even a Palio for young knights.
Luminara di San Ranieri, Pisa, Tuscany
Every year on June 16th, Pisa is lit up by candles to celebrate its patron saint, San Ranieri. This tradition dates back to the 1600s when the urn containing the remains of San Ranieri was placed in the city’s cathedral. Over 70,000 candles float on the river, light up buildings and decorate the river banks. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is also illuminated by oil lamps.
July
Palio di Siena, Siena, Tuscany
The Palio di Siena is probably the most famous Italian Palio. It even featured in the James Bond film, the Quantum of Solace! The Palio di Siena is a medieval-style horse race between 10 of the 17 districts of the city. It takes place annually in July and August, in Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
The 10 jockeys race 3 laps around the edge of the square and huge crowds gather to watch the horses navigate the track’s tight corners. The first to finish wins a giant hand-painted banner, as well as the honour of winning the Palio for their district.
The 10 jockeys race 3 laps around the edge of the square and huge crowds gather to watch the horses navigate the track’s tight corners. The first to finish wins a giant hand-painted banner, as well as the honour of winning the Palio for their district.
La Notte Rosa, Emilia-Romagna and Marche
Image and copyright by dplastino
La Notte Rosa, which means ‘Pink Night’ in English, is a more modern festival that began in the 2000s. It takes place on the first weekend in July in Emilia-Romagna and many regions along the Adriatic Coast. Towns in these areas try to be as creative as possible and put on pink fireworks displays and light shows as well as themed parties, performances and music events. Rimini is well known for its participation in Pink Night.
August
Ferragosto, celebrated nationally
Ferragosto marks the start of the summer holidays in Italy. Although some locals shut their shops and head on holiday, there’s still lots for tourists to do. Many cities have street parties, like the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto in Rome, a popular event that includes dancing, food and live music. As Ferragosto coincides with the religious feast of the Assumption, lots of Italian towns have church services and processions where statues of the Virgin Mary are carried through the town centre.
Ferrara Buskers Festival, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna
Ferrara Buskers Festival is a 9-day international festival dedicated to street art. It’s held at the end of August around the castle and small streets of the beautiful UNESCO world heritage listed city of Ferrara. Founded in the 1980s, the festival includes over 100 free shows from all kinds of street performers including musicians, artists, clowns and jugglers.
Running your own event in Italy and want to attract a local audience?
As an Italian translator and content writer, I can translate your event information into Italian, make sure it resonates with an Italian audience, grabs attention and persuades the right people to attend.
To help make your event an international success, get in touch for a free translation quote today.
As an Italian translator and content writer, I can translate your event information into Italian, make sure it resonates with an Italian audience, grabs attention and persuades the right people to attend.
To help make your event an international success, get in touch for a free translation quote today.