Festival trip guides

Bologna Festival anchors Bologna's classical calendar with its Grandi Interpreti and themed series. Discover venues and how to plan a trip around its concerts.

Calendimaggio turns Assisi's historic center into a living medieval stage. Learn how to secure a spot—whether you book grandstand seats or find free standing room—and navigate street closures for a smooth, respectful festival experience.

Calendimaggio is Assisi's most important lay festival, held over four days in early May. Two rival contrade, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, compete in medieval costume with music, parades, and challenges. This guide explains what to see, where to stand, and how to plan your visit.

Every May, Assisi transforms into a medieval stage as two historic factions—Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto—compete in song, dance, and pageantry. Rooted in 14th-century family feuds, this friendly rivalry now defines the Calendimaggio festival, offering visitors a living glimpse into the city's past.

Carnevale di Fano is one of Italy’s oldest carnivals and a surprisingly family-friendly event. Learn how the candy-throwing Getto tradition works, what to expect at the Children’s Carnival, and practical tips for navigating parades with strollers and little ones, from what to pack to where to stand.

Every year, the carnival in Fano, Italy, treats crowds to the Getto—a spectacular shower of chocolates and candies hurled from towering papier-mâché floats. Rooted in ancient farming rituals, this unique tradition is the heart of Italy’s oldest carnival. Learn how to experience it, when it happens, and how to catch the most sweets.

Carnevale di Fano is Italy’s oldest carnival, with roots in a 1347 document and a tradition of throwing sweets from allegorical floats during the famous Getto. Plan your visit with our guide to parades, tickets, and practical logistics.

The Carnevale di Fano brings thousands of visitors to the city, so choosing the right base matters. Consider proximity to the parade, parking, and booking early. Here's how to pick.

Discover the Carnival of Acireale, a late-winter spectacle of papier-mâché and flower floats in Sicily's baroque heart. Our guide covers its history, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.

Every February, Catania honors its patron saint, Sant'Agata, with a city-wide festival that pairs deep devotion with Sicily's most beloved sweets. From the breast-shaped minnuzze di Sant'Agata to the marzipan olivette that carry their own legend, this guide explores the stories, the symbolism, and the pastry shops where you can taste them.

From the Cefalù Film Festival's awards at Hotel Sea Palace to August concerts in castle courtyards and seafront stages, here's how to plan a cultural beach escape to this Sicilian town.

Amalfi's Christmas is intimate and tradition-bound, far from the flashy festivities of larger cities. At the heart of the celebration is the presepe—the Italian nativity scene—nowhere more charming than the one built into the Cap 'e Ciuccio fountain in Largo Scario, complete with miniature shops and a Christmas Eve arrival of Baby Jesus. Discover how locals celebrate, where to spot unique nativity scenes, and how to plan a quiet festive visit to the coast.