Festival trip guides

Every year on 3 September, the city of Viterbo turns off its lights and a glowing 30-metre tower is carried through the dark streets by a hundred volunteer porters. This is the Macchina di Santa Rosa, a UNESCO-recognised tradition of faith and endurance. With a little planning, you can watch this breathtaking procession for free.

Every August, the Tuscan hill town of Volterra transforms into a medieval village for the AD 1398 festival. Over two Sundays, the historic center hosts parades, artisan stalls, and banquets where visitors trade with Grosso coins. This guide covers the event's atmosphere and practical tips for planning your visit.

Perched on a Tuscan hilltop between the Balze cliffs and the Val di Cecina, Volterra packs its calendar with pageantry. From the full medieval immersion of AD 1398 to the autumnal Notte Rossa and truffle fairs, this guide outlines what to expect month by month—and how to verify official 2026 dates before you book.

Verona in Love turns the city into a celebration of romance each February, drawing crowds to Juliet's House. This guide explains what to expect, how to navigate the queues, and which nearby spots offer a quieter taste of Verona's charm.

The Cavalcata Sarda transforms Sassari each May with a colorful parade and equestrian shows. Choosing the right base matters: staying central puts you steps from the action, while Alghero offers more rooms but a longer commute. Book early, weigh the logistics, and plan your weekend around the parade and hippodrome events.

The Santa Rosa Festival on September 3 turns Viterbo into one of Italy's most thrilling event nights. Deciding where to stay shapes the entire experience. This guide compares staying in the historic center against day-tripping from Rome, offers practical booking advice, and helps you find a room that fits your pace and budget.

Watching the Palio di Siena means choosing between the free-standing crowd in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the temporary wooden grandstands known as palchi, or a private balcony overlooking the square. Each offers a different balance of atmosphere, comfort, and perspective. This guide explains what to expect from each option and how to position yourself for the best possible experience.

The Santa Lucia procession on December 13 is Syracuse's most solemn religious event, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors. From the Cathedral's steps to the Basilica's square, this guide breaks down the best viewing spots along the route, helps you manage the crowds, and offers practical advice for a smooth and moving experience.

The Amalfi Coast is home to living traditions that connect its towns to faith and the sea. The most prominent is the Feast of Saint Andrew in Amalfi, celebrated twice a year with processions, fireworks, and a unique running of the statue. This guide explains the history, what to expect, and practical logistics for visiting from Positano.

AriAnteo is Milan's summer outdoor cinema circuit, screening films in atmospheric venues like Palazzo Reale, Fabbrica del Vapore, Chiostro dell'Incoronata, and CityLife. This guide covers what to expect, typical ticket prices, practical tips, and how to book your spot for an unforgettable movie night under the Milanese sky.

Montepulciano's Bravìo delle Botti is far more than an August barrel race. It is the living expression of a medieval division of the town into eight ancient contrade, each with its own colors, emblem, and proud traditions. Learn about the origins of these neighborhoods, their grouping into three terzieri, and the historical procession that brings them together on race day.

Each year on the last Sunday of August, Montepulciano hosts the Bravio delle Botti, a thrilling barrel race through its medieval streets. This guide covers the event's typical schedule, confirms that viewing is free, and highlights the best vantage points—from the start at the Marzocco Column to the dramatic finish in Piazza Grande.