Italy Events

Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival
Maiori
July 1 - July 26, 2013

Produced by the Center of Musical Studies of Washington, in conjunction with the Accademia Jacopo Napoli of Salerno, Italy, and Artis International, Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival is based in Maiori, Italy. It features a month of concerts each summer throughout the magnificent area of the Amalfi Coast, in towns such as Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, and Paestum. Festival participants and guests have the opportunity to visit the many breathtaking cultural landmarks in the area, including the excavations of Pompeii, the world-famous vistas of Ravello, where Wagner composed Parisfal, the incomparable Greek temples at Paestum, the magical isle of Capri, and more.

Milano Film Festival
Milan
September 5 - September 15, 2013

The Piccalo Teatro and Castello Sforzesco host the prestigious Milano Film Festival event. The festival encourages filmmakers and producers from around the world to showcase their works, ranging from short stories and documentaries to comedies and feature films. Alongside the film premieres, audience members are welcomed to take part in the many exhibits, workshops, and musical concerts.

Ferrara Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Ferrara
September, 2013

Each hot air balloon beautifully crowds the sky of Ferrara during the annual Ferrara Hot-Air Balloon Festival. The hot air balloons make for a terrific show while food stalls keep crowds satiated on the ground.

Bardolino Wine Festival
Bardolino
October 3 - October 7, 2013

Bardolino is a wonderful host for this event due to its fine red wine production and many vineyards. The festival is located alongside the picturesque Lake Garda and offers a variety of activities for the more than 4,000 visitors that attend each year. There are also numerous wine tastings available, as well as live concerts, decadent cuisine, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Eurochocolate
Perugia
October 18 - October 27, 2013

Chocolate is in abundance during this event as the annual Eurochocolate is dedicated to the sweet, rich flavor! The festival is full of sweet treats, crafts and even sculptures made from the decadent ingredient! You can also enjoy the countless lectures, speakers, and exhibitions available on the subject during this wonderfully chocolaty affair!

Verona Horse Fair
Verona
November 7 - November 10, 2013

The Verona Horse Fair welcomes thousands of spectators each year to the Fiera di Verona! The event attracts the most talented professional riders as well as numerous exhibitors featuring the most up to date news and accessories.

Art in Ice
Sondrio
December, 2013

The Art in Ice competition consists of ten teams of three people each. There are no electronic devices allowed and that includes chainsaws. Everything is done by hand here. The artists submit mock ups of their designs and teams are carefully picked by a panel of judges.

New Year's Greetings
Venice - Lido Beach
January 1, 2014

New Year's Greetings is an annual event at Lido Beach in Venice. This event, which involves swimming in the ice cold waters of Lido Beach, takes place in the early hours of the morning, after the New Year celebrations come to an end. There are more spectators, than swimmers and is a top annual attraction in the city.

Viareggio Carnival
Viareggio
February 16 - March 9, 2014

The Viareggio Carnival is the most famous carnival in Italy. It is known to have the best costumes, floats, and parades. More than a million people descend on the city and the party atmosphere is over the top. You will love everything about it!

Carnival
Venice
February 22 - March 4, 2014

Grab your masks and head into Venice for one of the city’s most popular events. For two solid weeks this celebration fills the beautiful canals and squares of Venice with music and numerous festivities. A few featured attractions of the festival include masquerade balls, theatrical performances, and the finest Venetian cuisine. Italian tradition in its glory, the Venice Carnival is definitely something you will want to attend this upcoming February!

Rome Marathon
Rome
March 23, 2014

The Marathon of Rome is more of a celebration than an organized road race! In the days leading up to the actual event, the city boosts morale with information booths, concerts, and other lively performances. There is even a fun run, for those of us not quite in shape for the full 26.2 mile marathon! The race itself takes place on Sunday, March 21st, and the festivities last throughout the rest of the night. If planning on entering the competition, be sure to eat plenty of spaghetti; it will certainly help your endurance!

Photoshow
Rome
March 28 - March 31, 2014

This international fair is hosted by Fiera di Roma, and is a dedication to the world of photography. Attracting over 50,000 visitors each year, this year’s exhibition will showcase over 300 displays of the best visual, digital, and traditional art forms. Be sure to make time for each presentation; each show is as incredible as the first!

Torino Comics & Games
Turin
April, 2014

One of Italy’s largest organized comic expositions, this event welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Featured events include Star Wars Fest, a Japanese Quarter, and plenty of opportunities for fans to meet their favorite authors and illustrators.

Vinitaly
Verona
April 6 - April 9, 2014

One of the world’s largest wine and spirit expositions is held annually in Verona. The expo welcomes internationally acclaimed producers to exhibit their finest creations and hosts an assortment of food and wine pairing workshops and product competitions. This annual gala will certainly excite your wine and beverage enthusiasm!

Good Friday Procession
Rome
April 18, 2014

The Good Friday Procession travels from the Colosseum to Monte Palatino in Rome. Set up along this route will be live reenactments of the 14 Stations of the Cross, with the Pope pausing at each stop to say a brief prayer. Closing the event with a beautiful homily, the Pope correlates the true meaning behind the religious journey with modern day interpretations. This is a once in a lifetime experience, for the millions of people that visit each year.

San Filippo Apostolo
Aidone
April 30, 2014

The small Sicilian town of Aidone plays host to this interesting ritual. Barefoot believers pray to San Filippo in an attempt to cure their ailments. Heavy chains are often worn by those seeking forgiveness, while others are there with a desire to be physically healed. The procession is a stunning example of how faith inspires people to believe anything is possible.