One of the things we love about Italy is the sheer number of events you’ll find taking place, irrespective of the time of year you choose to visit. After two years of events being cancelled due to COVID, today we decided to share some of our favourite annual Summer events in Italy that will be taking place once again this year. In short, this is our guide to Italy’s best Summer events to enjoy when you’re staying in your Italy villa rental. These are those Italian bucket list events equivalent perhaps to Wimbledon, the Henley Regatta or Royal Ascott in the UK.
Siena Palio
Arguably Italy’s most famous festival, the Siena palio takes place not once but twice every year on 2 July and 16 August. A grand pageant – the Corteo Storico – precedes the race and includes a spectacular parade of flag wavers dressed in medieval costumes. Then, ten horses and riders, all dressed in vibrant colours represent ten of the seventeen city contrade (wards), riding bareback around the central square – the Piazza del Campo. All are competing to win the coveted Drappellone (large drape) which is a unique large painted silk canvas, designed and created by a different artist each year. The winning contrada will go on to display the drappellone in its museum as part of the celebrations.
Verona Opera Festival
The Verona Opera Festival is held every Summer in the beautiful setting of the Arena di Verona, the Roman amphitheatre that dominates the city’s Piazza Bra. The festival was held for the first time in 1913 and these days it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.
If you can afford them, then opt for the poltronissime seats (platinum and gold seats in the front 10 rows of the stalls which enjoy the best views and are most comfortable!) Don’t worry though – you can still enjoy the festival even if you’re on a budget but if you’re opting for the unnumbered tier seats we recommend you take a cushion with you for comfort!
Festa della Madonna Bruna
The Festa di Maria Santissima della Bruna is held each year in Matera. Whilst the culmination of festivities is on 2 July, you will find celebrations taking places across the whole week. The celebrations are in honour of the Madonna della Bruna and have been taking place since 1389.
These days, visitors will enjoy days of celebrations with lights and market stalls filling the streets accompanied by music and processions. Events culminate on 2 July. The day kicks off with a procession of shepherds through the town. Other processions follow, the most important being the procession that surrounds the statue of the Madonna and child. The statue is taken to a float made of papier-mâchè which is positioned near the Church of Annuziata. The procession continues with men on horseback leading the float to Matera’s cathedral where it is carried three times around the square before the statues are placed inside.
The solemnity of the occasion then completely disappears as the float is smashed to pieces by the spectators. All are keen to grab a piece of the papier-mâchè for themselves since it supposedly will bring them good luck for the following year. The day then culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
Venice Art Biennale
The Art Biennale runs from May to November every other year, alternating between art and architectural exhibitions, all working to one overarching theme. The event was founded in 1893 and these days, it showcases a selection of modern art from artists around the world.
2022 marks the 59th time this event has taken place. Curated by Cecilia Alemani, it opened on 23 April this year and will run until 27 November. The event attracts over half a million visitors each year and hosts artists from as many as 90 different countries across multiple sites and in historic pavilions scattered across the city. 23 of these pavilions are in the Arsenale with many also in the Giardini della Biennale.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics
This is an annual event held between the four crews of the four ancient maritime republics – Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. Last year the event was held in Genoa. In 2022, the event was held in Amalfi on 5 June. The event always starts with a parade and the lighting of a bonfire before the 4 crews of 8 rowers and a helmsman compete.
Artusi Festival
The Festa Artusiana takes place in the town of Forlimpopoli in Emilia Romagna, paying tribute to Pellegrino Artusi, the father of modern Italian cuisine. Artusi was born in the town in 1820 and wrote the famous essay ‘Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well.’ During the festival, the streets and piazzas will be given the name of one of the chapters of the book and the 790 recipes in Artusi’s work are re-created. Held over the course of 9 days, this is a celebration of food and ‘eating well’. With numerous opportunities to sample the best of Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on home cuisine, the festival also includes a jam-packed program of concerts, exhibitions and performances. In 2022, the event is running from 25 June to 3 July.
L’Ardia di San Costantino
This is one of Sardinia’s biggest festivals, held in the village of Sedilo in the north of the island. The festival is hundreds of years old and is held to celebrate St Constantine who became a Roman co-emperor in 306AD. The story goes that Constantine’s brother in law, Maxentius, declared war on him but Constantine successfully defeated him at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312AD.
These days, the battle is re-created during the festival with a horse race in the Sancturio di San Constantino. Two riders are dressed to represent the Roman brothers whilst an army of others are dressed to represent their armies.
La Quintana
Held in Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche, La Quintana is a jousting and flag throwing competition with hundreds of the town’s residents dressed in historical costumes. As with so many of Italy’s festivals, it has been taking place for hundreds of years, ever since the Middle Ages. During the tournament, the six sestieri (districts) compete against one another in a series of challenges before culminating in la giostra (a joust) where horse mounted knights ride around a track in the shape of the number 8 before launching their joust into the target. Parades complete the spectacle.
Want to visit these festivals for yourself this Summer? Then why not book one of the Italy villa rentals available from Italy villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.