Religious, cultural and historical events pepper the Italian calendar. The pre-Easter Carnevale is closely associated with Venice; Holy Week Easter processions are especially flamboyant at Taranto, Chieti and in Sicily; and Florence explodes a cart full of fireworks on Easter Sunday. Festivals honouring patron saints are also particularly colourful events; for example the Festas di San Nicola in Bari and San Gennaro in Naples, the Snake-charmer's Procession in Abruzzo (May) and the Festa di Sant'Antonio in Padua (June). Events betraying more than a hint of history include the Race of the Candles and Palio of the Crossbow in Gubbio (May), the Sardinian Cavalcade (May), the Regata of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics (which rotates between Pisa, Venice, Amalfi and Genoa, and is held in June), Il Palio in Siena (July & August) and Venice's Historic Regatta (September).

Browse by Month

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

February

Festa di Sant'Agata

3 Feb 5 Feb

festival/event

Hysterical celebrations where one million Catanians and tourists follow as a silver reliquary bust of the saint covered in marvellous jewels is carried along the main street of Catania.

Back to top ^

Related Travel Stories

  1. Puglia's Food Festivals

    Puglia's Food Festivals

    article by Abigail Hole, February 2008

    Head to the heel of Italy's boot and discover a region with reasons to celebrate local food all year round. Read the full article ›

    Tags: Festivals & Events • Eating & Drinking • Italy

Read more Related Travel Stories ›

Shop Online

Advertisement

Book Your Trip

  1. Find car & rail ›
  1. Start a trip journal ›

Hotels & Hostels

Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›

Lonely Planet Newsletters

Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›

Popular Places

  1. Florence
  2. Milan
  3. Naples
  4. Palermo
  5. Rome
  6. Turin
  7. Venice
  8. Verona

Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

Lonely Planet