Festival trip guides

Plan your trip to the Macerata Opera Festival with a practical guide to Arena Sferisterio tickets, the 9pm start, dress code, and parking near the arena.

Each summer, Cala Gonone's harbor becomes the stage for the Festa della Madonna del Mare, a religious and community celebration that centers on a sea procession to honor Nostra Signora di Bonaria. This guide explains the event's origins, what to expect, and how to participate respectfully.

Each year, the Monteverdi Festival in Cremona honors the father of opera with a rich program of Baroque opera, concerts, and cultural events. This guide covers what to expect, where it takes place, and how to plan your visit to this historic Italian city.

Bergamo offers a magical New Year's Eve with celebrations split between Città Alta's historic squares and Lower Town's modern venues. From free public parties with fireworks to gala dinners, concerts, and family-friendly options, here's how to plan your Capodanno.

New Year's Eve in Como promises a magical celebration with fireworks reflecting over Lake Como. This guide explores the tradition, the best lakefront views, hotel experiences, and practical advice to help you plan for the crowds and enjoy a memorable night.

Each year from late August to mid-September, Como stages the Palio del Baradello, a medieval festival commemorating Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's 1159 visit. Expect a grand historical parade, flag-wavers, drummers, and competitions among the city's ancient quarters, with the dramatic backdrop of the historic center and the lake.

The Palio di Asti is a historic bareback horse race held in Asti, Italy, every September. It features a grand historical procession, flag-wavers, and a thrilling final race in Piazza Alfieri. Discover its medieval origins, the participating districts, and how to attend.

The Palio di Ferrara brings together eight historic contrade in a month of parades, flag displays, and races. Learn about their territories, colors, and the landmarks that anchor each rione in the city's Renaissance core.

A first-timer's guide to the Palio di Ferrara, Italy's Renaissance horse race festival. Learn about the historical procession, the eight contrade, the four races, and get practical tips to enjoy Piazza Ariostea.

The Palio di Ferrara is an annual festival with medieval roots, featuring eight Contrade, a month of parades and flag-throwing, and four races on the last Saturday of May. Learn about the 2026 dates, how to watch for free, and more.

The Palio di Ferrara is a free, spectacular historical reenactment held every May in Ferrara, Italy. From the thrilling horse race in Piazza Ariostea to the grand historical procession through the city center, here's everything you need to know about watching the event without spending a cent on tickets.

Each year in late August, Assisi revives its medieval past with the Palio di San Rufino, a crossbow competition among the three terzieri of San Francesco, San Rufino, and Santa Maria. Held in Piazza del Comune, the event culminates in archers aiming at a target 36 metres away for a hand-painted banner. Unlike the May Calendimaggio, this festival honours the city's patron saint with markets, processions, and a propitiatory dinner.