Festival trip guides

Each autumn, Annecy celebrates the return of its livestock from high mountain pastures with the Retour des Alpages, a festival that mixes folk traditions, craft displays, and a colorful parade of decorated herds. Held since 1973, the event is free to attend, but planning ahead is key: arrive early, use public transport, and check official sources for the day's exact program and parade route.

Tempo Rives brings free open-air concerts to the Jardin des Beaux-Arts in Angers every summer, with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. This guide explains the festival's format, how to get there, what to bring, and how to pair it with other riverside activities.

The Arena di Verona is an open-air Roman amphitheatre, so rain is a real possibility during the summer opera festival. Knowing the official policy before you go helps you stay calm if the weather turns. Here we break down the postponement rules, refund terms, and what you can pack to stay dry.

The Barcolana is not just a race; it's a maritime festival that turns Trieste into the sailing capital of Europe. With over a week of events and a spectacular race day, this guide covers everything from dates and course details to the best free viewpoints and practical tips for first-time visitors.

The Barcolana is the world's largest regatta, held every second Sunday of October in Trieste. This guide covers the race-week village on the seafront and the best public vantage points from the start off Barcola and Miramare to the finish in front of Piazza Unità, including elevated viewpoints like the Victory Lighthouse and the Napoleonica trail.

Every September 3rd, Viterbo’s historic center transforms into a stage for the Macchina di Santa Rosa, a 30-meter illuminated tower carried by 100 porters. This guide covers the best free piazzas and narrow streets for viewing, options for paid balconies, tips for families and photographers, and advice on when to arrive.

The Cavalcata Sarda lights up Sassari every May with a grand parade of costumes and horses. This guide explains how to watch the event, from free street viewing to paid stands and the hippodrome show, with practical tips for securing a good spot.

The Cavalcata Sarda is Sardinia's secular festival of beauty, held each May in Sassari. It brings together over 2,000 participants from more than 60 towns, showcasing elaborate traditional costumes, folk groups, and equestrian displays that honor the island's cultural identity.

Planning to attend the Chigiana International Festival in Siena? This guide explains how tickets work, where concerts take place—from Palazzo Chigi Saracini to churches and theaters—and what to expect when you go. Find out about booking, prices, accessibility, and practical tips for a smooth visit to one of Italy's most intimate classical music events.

Siena's contrade are more than neighborhoods; they are living communities with deep roots in the city's medieval past. Each contrada has its own museum, a treasure trove of art, historical memorabilia, and the cherished Palio banners, known as drappelloni, won over centuries. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to plan your visit.

The Corteo Storico is a grand historical procession that precedes the Palio di Siena on July 2 and August 16. This guide explains its origins, the route from the Duomo to Piazza del Campo, the 14 groups of flag-wavers and musicians, the Carroccio with the Drappellone, and where you can watch the spectacle for free.

Trapani transforms during Holy Week, drawing visitors to the ancient Misteri procession. This guide offers practical tips on weather, accommodation, dining, and making the most of your Easter trip to this Sicilian coastal city.