Festival trip guides

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.

The Perdono d'Assisi, also known as the Pardon of Assisi, is a plenary indulgence granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216. Each year from vespers on August 1 to sundown on August 2, pilgrims can receive this indulgence by visiting a church and fulfilling specific conditions. Discover its origins, where to go, and how to prepare for this unique spiritual event.

The Giostra della Quintana in Foligno is held twice a year: La Sfida in June and La Rivincita in September. Rooted in 1613, this medieval jousting tournament features ten rioni competing at Campo de li Giochi after a grand Baroque procession. Dates are announced annually, so check official sources when planning your trip.

The Giostra della Quintana in Foligno is more than a joust. It's a living 17th-century tableau, and its grand historical parade—the Corteo Storico—sets the stage. With around 800 costumed participants from the city's ten districts, the procession winds through Baroque streets before the knights compete in the arena. Here's how to experience it, whether you're watching from the streets or the stands.

Planning to watch the Giostra della Quintana in Foligno? This guide explains how to buy tickets, where to sit for the best view, and how to enjoy the free street procession. Learn about seated tribunes versus standing areas, when to book, and practical tips for a smooth visit. Check the official organizer's website for current prices.