Cover Image Credit: Wikipedia
Any of you can experience the best of Italy. While you’re traveling in the country, you can learn about the cultural significance in the best way during the festival season. Italians are believed to enjoy every moment of their lives so they celebrate numerous festivals on a larger scale and with enthusiasm.
Planning your vacation to Italy during one of the popular Italian festivals will surely make an indelible mark on your mind. The festivals of Italy range from the huge processions of locals dressed in beautiful costumes to enjoying delicacies served on the street, enjoying fireworks, contests among different neighborhoods, and so on.
10 Best Italian Festivals
Here are 10 of the most popular Italian festivals that you must attend during your vacation in this European country.
- Carnevale
- Palio di Siena
- Battle Of Oranges
- Game Of The Bridge
- Infiorata Festival
- Easter Procession/Procession Of Mysteries
- Regatta
- La Quintana
- Oh Bej! Oh Bej!
- Festa Della Madonna Bruna
1. Carnevale
Italy is decorated with the great extravagance and splendor to commemorate the beginning of Lent (a period in which Christians don’t indulge in revelry and also don’t consume meat) and Easter during the Carnevale. This festival probably has its roots from the 12th century and Pagan Festival. In numerous towns of Italy, parties, parades and masquerade balls are organized to keep the people entertained. While the balls may become pricey for the tourists to attend, you can enjoy various street performances, concerts and boat parades without paying any cost.
When: February/March
Where: Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, and Cento
Must Read: Scuba Diving In Italy: 10 Top Spots To Enjoy The Thrilling Sport In 2022
2. Palio di Siena
There is something attractive and enticing about this popular Italian festival in which 17 districts or contra de (as known in Italy) compete against each other in the horse riding game. The winning champion rider is awarded a Palio. A special mass, blessings from the horses and grand procession starts of the main race-day of this festival. Apart from witnessing the thrilling race among the 17 champion riders, you can also enjoy good food at the various stalls nearby.
When: July/August
Where: Piazza del Campo, Sienna
Suggested Read: 7 Places To Visit Near Rome To Spice Up Your Italy Vacation In 2022
3. Battle Of Oranges
You would find it really crazy but fun to join the largest food fight in Europe – the Battle of Oranges. This particular festival is a symbolic one as it represents the uprisings that took place in Italy against the cruel ruler Ranieri di Bankrate. All participants are divided into nine teams and they hurl oranges at each other either by running around on the streets or from the battle buses.
When: February
Where: Ivrea
Suggested Read: Hiking In Italy: A Blueprint To Make Sure Your Hiking Experience In 2022 Is Smooth
4. Game Of The Bridge
Interestingly having a violent history and root, the Game of the Bridge is a genteel festival of Italy characterized by the competitive spirits of the participating teams of north and south of Arno River. A parade of both north and south teams dressed in 18th-century clothing and armor reach the destination; push the wooden trolley towards the opposite team’s territory to claim the ultimate ownership of the Ponte di Mezzo bridge.
When: June
Where: Pisa
Suggested Read: 10 Best Hostels In Italy That Are Perfect For An Affordable Sojourn
5. Infiorata Festival
If you happen to visit any of the towns in Italy during the time when the popular Infiorata Festival gets organized, you should remain well prepared and ready to be spell bounded by the art forms created by beautiful flowers and petals. Centered on multiple themes, tapestries are designed on the streets as well as abbeys. Churches and houses are also decorated with flowers. Once the tapestries are completed, religious processions to take place during this famous festival in Italy.
When: May/June
Where: Noto, Bolsena, Brugnato, Spello and Orvieto
Suggested Read: 8 Day Trips From Rome To Take In 2022 To Savour The Timeless Charm Of Italy!
6. Easter Procession/Procession Of Mysteries
This is an Easter festivity in the fullest of uniqueness as celebrated with great fervor and dedication in Italy. Being the longest-running procession in this country that lasts for approximately 24 hours, this festival is said to be the representation of the eternal journey of Jesus Christ from his passion until death. The wooden statues displayed during the procession is the depiction of the Mystery of Christ and are a piece-of-art to describe the true ascent of that unique spirit.
When: April
Where: Sicily
Suggested Read: Italy In April: A Sunny Slice Of Heaven
7. Regatta
The naval prowess of Venice shines brightly during the Regatta Festival as the lagoons and canals in the city get filled with gondolas and traditional rowing boats. Locals dressed in the period clothing of 1489 participate in the boat and gondola processions. After that, four races take place between the participants. This Italian festival is observed to honor the wife of King Cyprus- Caterina Cornaro.
When: September
Where: Venice
Suggested Read: 14 Best Honeymoon Destinations In Italy In 2022 For Madly-In-Love Couples
8. La Quintana
A procession consisting of the archers, flag throwers, drummers, musicians as well as locals dressed in the period clothing parade the streets to mark the beginning of La Quintana Festival in Italy. Craft products and a variety of food items are sold in the streets and the piazza of the country. Jousting competition among the different neighborhoods is perhaps the major highlight of this festival.
When: August
Where: Ascoli Piceno
Suggested Read: Italy In June: Guide To A Sparkling Vacation In This Enchanting Country
9. Oh Bej! Oh Bej!
The festive season is Milan kicks off with the celebration of Oh Bej! Oh Bej!. Sant’Ambrogio- the city’s patron is honored during this popular Italian festival which is celebrated for around four days. This festivity is especially for you if you want to find a unique Christmas goody while enjoying some lip-smacking food and seeking to explore Italy from an entirely different perspective. Stalls sell all kinds of items from sweets and toys to artifacts and flowers.
When: December
Where: Milan
Suggested Read: 14 Best Honeymoon Destinations In Italy In 2022 For Madly-In-Love Couples
10. Festa Della Madonna Bruna
Although Madonna Della Bruna – the sacred protector of the town is being revered through this festival, it is not just a religious celebration. It is beyond that and sees the presence of a large chunk of participants. The attractions of this popular festival are grand processions, musical bands, market stalls, colored lights, and last but not the least extravagantly eye-boggling firework displays. They aptly describe the Festa Della Madonna Bruna in its true fervor of fun and entertainment.
When: July
Where: Matera
Further Read: Nightlife In Italy: 17 Cities That Are A Must On Every Party Starter’s Bucket List In 2022!
Planning an Italian tour should start with doing some extensive research. Italy has many festivals for all kinds of people right from those who are foodies to those who are sports junks to explore the region throughout the year. You simply need to plan a tour by keeping into consideration your preferences and willingness to indulge in one of the best Italian festivals of your interest.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Festivals
What symbolizes Italian festivals?
Most of the Italian festivals symbolize grand procession with music, dance and other art forms which truly represent the rich culture of Italy.
What are the top five festivals in Italy?
The top five festivals in Italy are:
1. Carnevale
2. Marriage of the Sea
3. Battle of Oranges
4. Regatta
5. Infioratain Italy
What is the most popular holiday in Italy?
The most popular holiday in Italy is Christmas as it is celebrated with a lot of happiness and love all over the country.
What dress code to follow in Italy?
Opt for comfortable yet classy and sophisticated clothes as the country is home to fashion-conscious people. Focus on wearing nice shoes as well instead of flip flops.
What are the well-known Italian food items?
Italian cuisine basically consists of food items like pizza, pasta, risotto as well as fish and meat dishes.
Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.
