Italy

The Best Festivals in Italy For Travelers To Enjoy

BY battleface

As a great European nation with an influential Mediterranean culture and cuisine, Italy is also a country that loves big festivals. From vibrant celebrations of food and wine to concerts, parades, and street performances, festival events in Italy are an integral part of the local culture and a much-loved way of marking the passing of each year.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, integrating a festival visit into your itinerary can be a great idea. Many Italian festivals honor events or traditions dating back centuries or pay tribute to religious icons and saints, or local myths and legends. And you can find fascinating festivals taking place year round at destinations throughout the country.

There is truly no better way to learn about Italian culture, local foods, and traditions than by attending a popular festival while you’re in Italy. Read on to learn about some of the best Italian festivals you may want to visit.

Carnevale

Happening in late February, Carnevale takes place in Venice and lasts for around two weeks, ending on Shrove Tuesday just before the season of Lent begins. There are other events that celebrate carnival in Italy, but the Venetian festival dates back to when the Republic of Venice avenged its nemesis, the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162, and few are as extravagant and joyful as Venice’s annual festival. Today carnival is celebrated with parades, street parties, costumes, and masquerade balls that take place all over the city, with Piazza San Marco as the hub of the celebrations.

Scoppio del Carro on Easter Sunday

As a Roman Catholic country, Italy and its people celebrate Easter widely. But in Florence, the Scoppio del Carro — or “explosion of the cart” — is a truly unique Easter Sunday celebration dating from the time of the First Crusade. Taking place in the Piazza del Duomo, a cart is pulled by decorated oxen into the square. After the clergy has performed the appropriate religious rituals, the cart, packed with fireworks, then erupts into an impressive pyrotechnic display. The spectacular fireworks serve as a fitting and joyous end to the Lenten season.

Alba International White Truffle Fair

What could be more Italian than a festival devoted to truffles? Celebrated in the northern Italian town of Alba, this month-long celebration taking place in late fall or early winter is devoted to all things white truffle, a culinary delicacy which is indigenous to the region. Enjoy local dishes, wine pairings, guided tours, and traditional music — you can even take the chance to buy truffles yourself. Just watch the price tag carefully: pound for pound, truffles are one of the most expensive foodstuffs in the world.

Alba International White Truffle Fair

Luminara of Saint Ranieri

Taste of Rome

Food lovers, unite! Taste of Rome is arguably the highest profile of Italy’s food festivals, bringing together chefs, restaurants, gastronomes, and purveyors from across the capital and beyond. With tastings, demonstrations, and cooking classes galore, it’s a wonderful Italian festival for those interested in the country’s culinary traditions and cuisine, and typically takes place during the summer.

Palio di Siena

Taking place over two days on July 2 and August 16 each year, the Palio di Siena is Italy’s most famous horse race. The big race takes place in the Piazza del Campo where 10 bareback jockeys — who are representatives from each of Siena’s city districts — clash in a frantic, rip-roaring, 90-second lap around the huge square. Afterwards, locals celebrate in a medieval-style pageant with costumes and flag throwers. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event and well worth planning into your Italian itinerary in July or August.

Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics

Part historical reenactment, part unforgettable sporting event, the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is an opportunity for Italy’s prominent maritime republics to battle it out and prove their naval prowess. The boats are known as a gozzi and each one comprises eight rowers. One of the four regions — Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, or Venice — plays host each year, with the maritime festivities and medieval procession that follows happening during the summer, sometime from late May to late July.

FESTA DELLA SENSA IN VENICE

Celebrate Venice’s historic bond with the sea at the Festa della Sensa, held annually in late May or early June. This time-honored festival dates back to 1000 AD, commemorating Venice’s maritime prowess. The highlight is the “Wedding of the Sea” ceremony where the mayor symbolically marries the city to the sea by casting a golden ring into the waters. This grand gesture is accompanied by traditional boat parades, regatta festivals, and live music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Venice. It’s a magnificent spectacle that showcases elaborate costumes and vibrant street performances, drawing visitors and locals alike to celebrate Venice’s storied relationship with the sea.

UMBRIA JAZZ FESTIVAL IN PERUGIA

For music lovers, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia is a must-visit. Held in July, this prestigious event is one of Italy’s premier jazz festivals, attracting global legends and new artists alike. Over ten days, the festival fills the historical city with sounds ranging from classic jazz to contemporary experiments, with performances held in atmospheric venues like ancient theatres and modern outdoor stages. Apart from world-class jazz music, attendees can enjoy the stunning architecture of Perugia, delightful local cuisine, and the vibrant atmosphere that only a music festival in Italy can offer.

BATTLE OF THE ORANGES IN IVREA

Join the exhilarating Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, a highlight of the carnival season every February. This unique festival involves participants, grouped into teams, reenacting a historical revolt by pelting each other with oranges. This vibrant event is more than just a food fight; it’s a celebration of freedom and community spirit, complete with parades, historical reenactments, and a festive atmosphere. The streets of this small town come alive with energy, making it a truly unforgettable part of Italy’s carnival celebrations.

INFIORATA DI GENZANO IN GENZANO DI ROMA

Every June, the quaint town of Genzano di Roma transforms into a vibrant canvas for the Infiorata Festival. This enchanting flower festival fills the streets with elaborate carpets of flowers, illustrating religious and cultural scenes. The highlight is the grand procession where the local community and visitors admire the stunning floral artistry. The festival concludes with the “spallamento,” a whimsical tradition where children playfully dash through the flower carpets, dispersing petals in a burst of colors and joy, symbolizing renewal and beauty.

SAGRA DEL PESCE IN CAMOGLI

Nestled on the Ligurian coast, Camogli celebrates its rich maritime heritage with the Sagra del Pesce every second Sunday of May. This popular Italian festival centers around a spectacular culinary feat—a giant frying pan that sizzles with freshly caught fish, served free to festival-goers. The air is filled with the aroma of seafood while the harbor buzzes with festivities including music, parades, and dazzling fireworks. It’s a perfect event for seafoodies and those captivated by Italy’s coastal charm.

CORSA DEI CERI IN GUBBIO

Step into a vivid medieval spectacle at the Corsa dei Ceri in Gubbio on May 15th. This historic race involves teams of locals racing through cobblestone streets carrying massive wooden candles (ceri), each dedicated to a different saint. The race is not just a test of strength and endurance but a profound expression of devotion and community spirit. The festival atmosphere is electric, with everyone from young children to the elderly dressed in traditional medieval costumes, creating a lively, communal celebration that harks back to the 12th century.

VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL

The Verona Opera Festival offers a mesmerizing blend of classical music and historical grandeur from June to September each year. Set in the ancient Roman amphitheater, Arena di Verona, this festival stages world-renowned opera performances under the stars. Imagine sitting in a venue that has stood for thousands of years, watching timeless operas like Aida, Carmen, and La Traviata. The combination of the arena’s majestic architecture and the powerful performances makes this one of the best Italian festivals for opera enthusiasts and those seeking a truly spectacular cultural experience.

FESTA DELLA MADONNA BRUNA IN MATERA

Matera marks the 2nd of July with the vibrant Festa della Madonna Bruna, a profound celebration of the town’s patron saint. The day is filled with devotion, beginning with a grand procession carrying the statue of the Madonna through the streets, culminating in spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky. The festival’s climax is the dramatic “destruction of the cart” ceremony, where a beautifully decorated cart is torn apart by the crowd, symbolizing the renewal of faith and protection for the community for the coming year.

LA QUINTANA IN ASCOLI PICENO

Twice annually, in July and August, the town of Ascoli Piceno steps back in time to celebrate La Quintana, its traditional medieval jousting tournament. This festival is a vibrant tableau of history, with participants dressed in elaborate medieval costumes, parades that bring the past to life, and knights engaging in thrilling jousts. The aim for each knight is to spear rings at full gallop, a test of precision and bravery. La Quintana is not just a spectacle but a living history lesson, immersing visitors and locals alike in the rich medieval culture of Marche.

FESTA DEL LIMONE

Celebrate the zest of Italian life at the Lemon Festival, or Festa del Limone, in Monterosso during May. This delightful festival honors the famed lemons of the region, known for their size and flavor. Monterosso, one of the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre, transforms into a vibrant showcase of all things lemon. Festival-goers can wander through lemon-scented stalls offering everything from lemon-infused delicacies to handcrafted lemon-themed souvenirs. Highlights include lemon tasting, lemon-themed competitions, and lively street performances that bring the community together in a cheerful celebration of their citrus heritage.

Plan your trip to Italy with peace of mind

As you plan your trip to Italy, always remember to take out travel insurance. Whether you’re tasting truffles in a medieval town, listening to jazz at a music festival, or celebrating carnival or the lives of saints in a major city, unanticipated events can happen and you’ll want to be well protected. A travel insurance policy from battleface provides protection for logistical challenges like trip interruption and trip delay, inconveniences like lost or damaged luggage, and more serious issues like travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation. Once you have researched and purchased your policy, you can relax and enjoy all the fun of the Italian festival season.

battleface

Protect your trip with
battleface travel insurance

Please Confirm your Country of Residence

The product “Annual Multi-Trip” is only available for the residents of UK

No, take me to the global site

FRAUD WARNING STATEMENT

FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL STATES OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED BELOW: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

ALASKA: A person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive an insurance company files a claim containing false, incomplete, or misleading information may be prosecuted under state law.

ARIZONA: For your protection Arizona law requires the following statement to appear on this form. Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

CALIFORNIA: For your protection California law requires the following to appear on this form: Any person who knowingly presents false or fraudulent information to obtain or amend insurance coverage or to make a claim for the payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison.

COLORADO: It is unlawful to knowingly provide false, incomplete, or misleading facts or information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding or attempting to defraud the company. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, denial of insurance and civil damages. Any insurance company or agent of an insurance company who knowingly provides false, incomplete, or misleading facts or information to a policyholder or claimant for the purpose of defrauding or attempting to defraud the policyholder or claimant with regard to a settlement or award payable from insurance proceeds shall be reported to the Colorado division of insurance within the department of regulatory agencies.

DELAWARE: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

FLORIDA: Any person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurer files a statement of claim or an application containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

IDAHO: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to defraud or deceive any insurance company, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

INDIANA: A person who knowingly and with intent to defraud an insurer files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information commits a felony.

KANSAS: A “fraudulent insurance act” means an act committed by any person who, knowingly and with intent to defraud, presents, causes to be presented or prepares with knowledge or belief that it will be presented to or by an insurer, purported insurer, broker or any agent thereof, any written, electronic, electronic impulse, facsimile, magnetic, oral, or telephonic communication or statement as part of, or in support of, an application for the issuance of, or the rating of an insurance policy for personal or commercial insurance, or a claim for payment or other benefit pursuant to an insurance policy for commercial or personal insurance which such person knows to contain materially false information concerning any fact material thereto; or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto.

KENTUCKY:

Application: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

Claim Form: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files a statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

MAINE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines or a denial of insurance benefits.

MARYLAND: Any person who knowingly or willfully presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or who knowingly or willfully presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

MINNESOTA: A person who files a claim with intent to defraud or helps commit a fraud against an insurer is guilty of a crime.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Any person who, with a purpose to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurance company, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is subject to prosecution and punishment for insurance fraud, as provided in RSA 638:20.

NEW JERSEY:

Application: Any person who includes any false or misleading information on an application for an insurance policy is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Claim Form: Any person who knowingly files a statement of claim containing any false or misleading information is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

PENNSYLVANIA: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime and subjects such person to criminal and civil penalties.

NEW MEXICO: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY PRESENTS A FALSE OR FRAUDULENT CLAIM FOR PAYMENT OF A LOSS OR BENEFIT OR KNOWINGLY PRESENTS FALSE INFORMATION IN AN APPLICATION FOR INSURANCE IS GUILTY OF A CRIME AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CIVIL FINES AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

OHIO: Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing a false or deceptive statement is guilty of insurance fraud.

OKLAHOMA: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, makes any claim for the proceeds of an insurance policy containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

OREGON: IMPORTANT NOTE: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance may be guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

TENNESSEE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefit.

TEXAS: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison.

VIRGINIA: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

WASHINGTON: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

NEW YORK*: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information, or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime, and shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars and the stated value of the claim for each such violation.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :

received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.

If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states

Travel Protection Benefits	Limits
Trip Cancellation	100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy	Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason	Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption	150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay	Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection	Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects	$2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay	$100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included	$100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental	$750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains	Up to $500,000 Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	$100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense	Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return	Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary	Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage	$1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Trip Interruption	2,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	50,000 as standard, optional increase up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	2,000 as standard, optional increase up to 10,000
Personal Money and Passport	500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability	500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 per person, 100 per family)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation	up to $20,000
Trip Interruption	$1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	$5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit	$25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident	up to $50,000
Baggage	$2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash	$500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability	$500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness and Winter Sports is not available for those aged 75 years or over Medical and Emergency Expenses are limited to $50,000 within Canada if you are not covered by government health insurance plan (GHIP) at the time of your claim

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

The Best Festivals in Italy For Travelers To Enjoy

Carnevale

Scoppio del Carro on Easter Sunday

Alba International White Truffle Fair

Alba International White Truffle Fair

Luminara of Saint Ranieri

Taste of Rome

Palio di Siena

Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics

FESTA DELLA SENSA IN VENICE

UMBRIA JAZZ FESTIVAL IN PERUGIA

BATTLE OF THE ORANGES IN IVREA

INFIORATA DI GENZANO IN GENZANO DI ROMA

SAGRA DEL PESCE IN CAMOGLI

CORSA DEI CERI IN GUBBIO

VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL

FESTA DELLA MADONNA BRUNA IN MATERA

LA QUINTANA IN ASCOLI PICENO

FESTA DEL LIMONE

Plan your trip to Italy with peace of mind

battleface

SHARE POST

RELATED ARTICLES

Protect your trip with battleface travel insurance

RESOURCES

PRODUCTS

TRAVEL

COMPANY

PARTNERS

FRAUD WARNING STATEMENT

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Coverages Available:

How many trips are you looking to insure?

A single trip

Multiple trips

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance

How many trips are you looking to insure?

A single trip

Multiple trips

Protect your trip with
battleface travel insurance