Festival trip guides

Salone del Mobile runs 13-18 April 2027 but admits the general public on two days only. How the trade fair and the free citywide Fuorisalone differ.

One classical festival, two cities, two weeks in September. The 2026 edition ran 6-20 September with 60+ concerts, opening at La Scala. How to plan it.

A practical guide to the Naples Christmas markets: San Gregorio Armeno's nativity workshops, the Pietrarsa railway market, and how Naples compares to Alpine Italy.

Naples' festival year: the San Gennaro blood miracle three times over, the May monument openings, summer theatre, and the presepe workshops at Christmas.

Naples' international theatre festival runs across June and July in venues from the Teatro San Carlo to disused industrial spaces. How to plan around it.

Rome's founding anniversary falls on 21 April every year. What the Circus Maximus reenactment involves, what is free, and how to plan around the crowds.

For one weekend each May, Milan puts pianos in courtyards, parks and living rooms. 265+ free concerts in 140 locations. How to plan a route through it.

Romaeuropa runs 8 September to 15 November 2026 across more than 20 Rome venues. What the programme covers, how booking works, and which venue to pick.

Rome's festival year, month by month: Easter ceremonies, the 21 April birthday, the Estate Romana summer programme, autumn cinema and Christmas markets.

Milan packs its patron saint feast, a 16th-century street fair and La Scala's season opening into 7 December. What happens, what's free, what closes.

Florence detonates a fireworks cart outside the Duomo every Easter Sunday. The timings, where to stand in Piazza del Duomo, and what the ritual means.

Siena's 17 contrade are year-round institutions with their own government, church and museum — not Palio teams. What that means for visiting the city.