Follow this part of the trail
9 articles
Every July 2nd, Matera honors its patron saint with the Festa della Bruna, culminating in a triumphal float of papier-mâché. Explore the legends, the artisans, and the ritual destruction that makes this tradition unique.
Modica's chocolate festival celebrates a centuries-old tradition of cold-processed chocolate with a grainy texture. This guide explains what makes Modica chocolate special, what to expect at the festival, and how to plan your visit to this Baroque hill town in Sicily.
Orvieto's Corpus Domini is a deeply rooted religious and historical celebration, anchored by the Sacro Corporale and a medieval procession through the town's streets. Discover its Bolsena miracle origins, the route from Palazzo del Popolo to Piazza Duomo, and practical advice for attending.
Palermo’s Day of the Dead, known as ‘U Juornu re Muorti,’ is a family-centered celebration on November 2. Unlike Mexico’s Día de Muertos, it focuses on sweet treats like frutta martorana, toy-filled baskets, and intimate cemetery visits. Seasonal Fiere dei Morti markets appear across the city, offering toys and traditional sweets. This guide covers the traditions, the story behind the famous marzipan fruit, and practical etiquette for visitors.
Each summer, the small village of Praiano on the Amalfi Coast celebrates the Luminaria di San Domenico, a festival of fire and light held in the piazza in front of the Church of San Gennaro. This guide covers the legend behind the event, what to expect during the festivities, how to reach Praiano from Positano, and introduces other patronal feasts in the region worth planning around.
Each November, the historic center of Cremona transforms for the Festa del Torrone, a festival dedicated to the city's iconic nougat. This guide covers the 2026 edition, signature events, the sweet's history, and practical advice for attending the free celebration.
The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo runs twice a year: a June evening edition and a September daytime edition. This guide explains the recurrence rule, how to confirm current-year dates, and what happens step by step on the day of the joust.
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.
Each June, Bellagio's ancient fishing hamlet of San Giovanni hosts the Sagra di San Giovanni, three evenings of faith, folklore, and lake-food tradition. Expect a Friday torchlight procession from Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, grilled fish dinners on Saturday and Sunday, and a free tourist train running from the central pier area to the feast.
