ITALY EVENTS CALENDAR

January

  • Epiphany (La Befana) – January 6
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, this festival honors the arrival of the Wise Men and features the legend of La Befana, a witch who delivers gifts to children.
  • International Circus Festival – January 18-28
    • Location: Monte Carlo, near the Italian border
    • Description: While not in Italy, this renowned circus festival in Monte Carlo attracts many Italians and features a range of international circus acts.
  • Torino Jazz Festival – January 25-27
    • Location: Turin
    • Description: An annual jazz festival showcasing both Italian and international jazz musicians in various venues across the city.

February

  • Carnival of Venice – February 10-13
    • Location: Venice
    • Description: One of Italy’s most famous carnivals, known for its elaborate masks, costumes, and grand balls, set against the backdrop of Venice’s stunning architecture.
  • Festa di San Valentino (Valentine’s Day) – February 14
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrated with romantic dinners, special events, and themed activities across Italy’s cities.
  • Sanremo Music Festival – February 6-10
    • Location: Sanremo
    • Description: Italy’s most prestigious music festival, featuring performances from top Italian artists and songwriters.

March

  • Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day) – March 8
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrates women’s achievements with events, discussions, and the gifting of mimosa flowers.
  • Rome Marathon – March 17
    • Location: Rome
    • Description: A major international marathon that attracts runners from around the world, passing through historic sites in the city.
  • Florence Dance Festival – March 24-30
    • Location: Florence
    • Description: A festival featuring dance performances and workshops from international and local dance companies.

April

  • Easter (Pasqua) – April 1
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrated with religious ceremonies, feasts, and various local traditions. Each region has its own unique Easter customs.
  • Vinitaly – April 2-5
    • Location: Verona
    • Description: One of the largest wine exhibitions in the world, showcasing Italian and international wines with tastings, seminars, and networking opportunities.
  • Pistoia Blues Festival – April 5-7
    • Location: Pistoia
    • Description: A blues music festival featuring performances from top blues artists in various venues throughout the city.

May

  • Festa dei Lavoratori (Labor Day) – May 1
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrated with parades, concerts, and political rallies supporting workers’ rights.
  • Mille Miglia – May 15-18
    • Location: Brescia to Rome
    • Description: A historic car race known as the “thousand miles,” featuring classic and vintage cars traveling through Italy’s scenic routes.
  • Infiorata di Noto – May 18-19
    • Location: Noto
    • Description: A floral festival where the streets of Noto are decorated with elaborate flower carpets and designs.

June

  • Giro d’Italia – June 1-23
    • Location: Various locations across Italy
    • Description: Italy’s premier cycling race, featuring challenging stages and attracting cycling enthusiasts from around the world.
  • Festival dei Due Mondi – June 28 – July 14
    • Location: Spoleto
    • Description: A major performing arts festival featuring theater, music, and dance from international and local artists.
  • Siena Palio – July 2 and August 16
    • Location: Siena
    • Description: A historic horse race held twice a year in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, featuring colorful pageantry and intense competition between the city’s districts.

July

  • La Notte Rosa – July 5-7
    • Location: Rimini and the Adriatic Coast
    • Description: A summer festival celebrating the pink color and the start of the holiday season with concerts, fireworks, and themed events.
  • Festival of San Giovanni – July 24
    • Location: Florence
    • Description: Celebrates the patron saint of Florence with traditional games, parades, and a spectacular fireworks display.
  • Umbria Jazz Festival – July 12-21
    • Location: Perugia
    • Description: One of Italy’s largest and most prestigious jazz festivals, featuring performances from leading international jazz artists.

August

  • Ferragosto – August 15
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: A national holiday marking the peak of summer with beach outings, festivals, and family gatherings. Many cities hold special events and celebrations.
  • Venice Film Festival – August 28 – September 7
    • Location: Venice
    • Description: One of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, showcasing international films and hosting prominent filmmakers and celebrities.
  • Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival) – August 15
    • Location: Camogli
    • Description: A traditional fish festival featuring seafood dishes, cooking contests, and local entertainment.

September

  • Bologna Motor Show – September 13-22
    • Location: Bologna
    • Description: A major automotive exhibition featuring new car models, innovations, and interactive displays.
  • Florence Biennale – September 18-27
    • Location: Florence
    • Description: An international contemporary art exhibition featuring works from artists around the world, along with workshops and talks.
  • La Vendemmia – September 27 – October 6
    • Location: Rome
    • Description: A wine festival celebrating the grape harvest with tastings, vineyard tours, and wine-related events.

October

  • Salone del Gusto – October 22-26
    • Location: Turin
    • Description: A large food festival dedicated to gastronomy, featuring regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, and food-related discussions.
  • Eurochocolate – October 18-27
    • Location: Perugia
    • Description: A chocolate festival celebrating all things chocolate, including tastings, workshops, and chocolate-themed entertainment.
  • Rome Film Festival – October 17-27
    • Location: Rome
    • Description: An annual film festival showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world, with screenings, panels, and awards.

November

  • Artissima – November 1-3
    • Location: Turin
    • Description: An international contemporary art fair featuring cutting-edge works from galleries and artists.
  • Lucca Comics & Games – October 30 – November 3
    • Location: Lucca
    • Description: Italy’s largest comic and gaming convention, with a focus on comic books, video games, and cosplay.
  • Fiera di Sant’Agata – November 2-10
    • Location: Catania
    • Description: A traditional fair celebrating Saint Agatha with local crafts, foods, and festive events.

December

  • Christmas Markets – December 1-24
    • Location: Various cities including Rome, Milan, and Florence
    • Description: Festive markets selling Christmas decorations, crafts, and seasonal foods, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
  • Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) – December 31
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrations across Italy with parties, fireworks, and special events marking the transition to the new year.
  • La Befana – January 5-6
    • Location: Nationwide
    • Description: Celebrates the arrival of the Wise Men with events, parades, and the traditional Befana figure bringing gifts to children.