Festival trip guides

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.

Siena's calendar is the Palio and everything the Palio implies: 17 contrade running year-round, two race days, and a classical festival most visitors miss.

Spring is when Italy's calendar reopens — Easter processions, Rome's birthday, wine fairs and a May packed with local festivals, before summer prices arrive.

Summer is Italy's biggest festival season and its hardest travel conditions. What runs in June, July and August, and why August is a different country.

Verona's Veronetta district fills with traditional street games every September. A UNESCO Good Practice, free to attend, with a guest country each year.