Festivals in Italy 2018

The schedule for festivals in Italy 2018 is just as vibrant and diverse as last year, with music festivals and sports fixtures to enjoy, as well as spiritual processions and family-friendly events. Here are some of the most notable festivals in Italy 2018. If you would like to attend one of these Italy festivals, why not contact us for a personalised holiday quote – as a part of your Italy package we can arrange tickets to your chosen event.

Festivals in Italy 2018

January

Early January is typically a quiet time and the festivals in Italy tend to focus around religious events, such as Epiphany on 6^th January. However, as the month rolls on, Italy comes to life again with vibrant festivals and events.

ROME

Epiphany Fair: On 6^th January there will be a religious festival in Rome to celebrate Epiphany – note that some shops are likely to be closed.

VENICE

Carnevale: Don’t miss Venice Carnevale 2018. This festival in Italy starts on 27^th January and continues until 13^th February. During this time, Venice becomes even more magical and decadent, with masked balls and theatre performances to enjoy. The best time to visit is over a weekend.

VIAREGGIO (NEAR FLORENCE)

Carnevale di Viareggio: Not to be outdone by Venice, Tuscany holds its own Carnevale between 27^th January and 17^th February at the seaside resort of Viareggio.

February

ROME

6 Nations Rugby: In 2018, Italy is hosting the Italy v England 6 Nations on the 4^th February, with kick-off at 4pm at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. As with previous years, this is sure to be an epic match, with plenty of tries to cheer on.

IVREA (NEAR TURIN)

Ivrea Carnevale: Visit Ivrea for an Italy festival that is quite different to anything you will have experienced before: an orange-throwing festival! Known as “The Battle of the Oranges”, this Italy festival on 28^th February is basically an organised food fight!

March

ROME

6 Nations Rugby: In 2018, Italy is hosting the Italy v Scotland 6 Nations on the 17^th March, with kick-off at 1.30pm at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. At their last clash on the field at Edinburgh’s BT Murrayfield in 2017, Scotland walked away the triumphant winners, so we’re sure the Azzurri will be looking to redeem themselves.

April

During early April expect closures for the Easter celebrations on the 1^st and 2^nd.

FLORENCE

Scoppio del Carro: This Easter firework display is an annual event in Florence’s city centre. A large antique cart packed with fireworks is pulled from Porta al Prato to Piazza del Duomo, followed by a crowd in period dress. Once at the cathedral, the cart is then lit in a wonderful display of pyrotechnics that even includes a flying mechanical dove!

ROME

Rome Marathon: In 2018, Rome Marathon will be held on 8^th April. Note that there will be road closures throughout the city. However, if you’re feeling athletic, it’s not too late to register.

Rome’s Birthday: One of the best times to visit Rome is on its birthday on 21^st April. There will be fireworks and parades, and a generally very jolly atmosphere!

VERONA

Vinitaly: This Verona wine festival in Italy will be held between 15^th and 18^th April. The 2018 edition will be the 52^nd celebration of the festival, with exhibits featuring fine wines from some of the best producers in the world.

May

FLORENCE

Festa del Grillo: For something quite unusual, visit Florence for the Festa del Grillo, which is a “cricket festival” dedicated to this humble insect. As well as music and street performances, you can enjoy Tuscan food and buy cricket figurines.

VENICE

Vogalonga Regatta: One of our favourite festivals in Italy, the Vogalogna Regatta in Venice celebrates its 44^th anniversary on 20^th May with entertaining rowing races.

June

There are many religious festivals in Italy to enjoy during June, especially St John the Baptist Day, which is held on 24^th June, with celebrations in Rome and Florence.

VERONA

Opera Festival: The opera season opens in June in Verona, with performances showing at the Arena di Verona. If you would like us to create a tailor-made Verona opera package for you, including tickets to your chosen performance, please contact us.

PISA

Festival of St Ranieri: We recommend visiting Pisa on 16^th and 17^th June to enjoy the Festival of St Ranieri – the city’s patron saint. As a part of the celebrations, Pisa’s most famous landmarks are lit up with evocative lighting, with candles on the Arno River and a firework display.

July

SIENA (TUSCANY)

Palio Horse Race: This biannual epic is held in Siena’s main square: Piazza del Campo, with the first edition on 2^nd July. In brief, it is an exhilarating bareback horse race around the square, with entries from the different communities in Siena. As well as the race, there are music and food festivals to enjoy.

PERUGIA

Umbria Jazz Festival: This is the event for jazz fans, with performances from famous jazz musicians held in Perugia and its surrounding towns in mid-July.

ROME

Noantri Festival: Held in Rome’s Trastevere District in mid-July, this Italy festival celebrates folklore and is an intriguing time to visit the Eternal City if you want to see another side of Roman culture.

August

August is typically a quiet month in Italy, with some shops closing for holidays. Note that Ferragosto will take place on 15^th August, when many shops and restaurants will be closed.

September

September is a wonderful time to visit Italy, not only because the weather is still fine and not too hot, but also because Italy’s famous chestnuts come into season! Expect plenty of festivals celebrating this national treasure, which you will see sold roasted by street vendors.

VENICE

Historical Regatta: On 2^nd September you can enjoy Venice’s Historical Regatta, with a spectacular historical water pageant and gondola races, the most notable of which is the Campioni su Gondolini race. This sees a series of small gondolas race down the Grand Canal to a spectacular floating stage located in front of the Ca' Foscari Palace.

October

TURIN

Movement Torino Music Festival: The dates have yet to be confirmed for this popular electronic music event. Previous line-ups have included Rebekah, Phuture Live and Jeff Mills.

November

Note that All Saints’ Day on 1^st November, which acknowledges those that have passed and gives the living a time to reflect, may result in closures across Italy.

TURIN

Artissima: This Turin art festival takes place at Oval Lingotto on Via Giacomo Mattè Trucco. It is an international contemporary art fair, which takes place over three days in Turin (dates are to be confirmed). Artists and admirers are welcome!

December

ROME

Christmas Market: During the run-up to Christmas, the Eternal City of Rome hosts a Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where you can buy unique gifts made by local crafts-people.

ORVIETO (UMBRIA)

Umbria Winter Jazz Festival: Securing itself as the top destination in Italy for Jazz, Umbria hosts its second annual jazz festival with this winter celebration in Orvieto. Dates are to be confirmed, but it usually takes place after Christmas.

In our opinion, any time is a good time to visit Italy, as you will always find a vibrant atmosphere and stunning sights to enjoy. If you would like to find out more out our tailor-made Italy holidays, so you can enjoy festivals in Italy 2018, please click here to contact us. You can also browse our Italy multi-centre packages by clicking here.