It’s not truly summer in Italy until festival season begins!
From June through August, the country lights up with annual celebrations and festivities that locals enjoy with family and friends. We’ve chosen 3 of our favorites to share with you, so that you can mark your calendar and welcome summer like an Italian!
Infiorata Flower Carpet Festival
Literally translated to “decorated with flowers”, the Infiorata festival is a tradition of meticulous artistry and natural beauty that dates back to the 13th century. In the southern region of Campania, this event takes place at the end of June. Each community dedicates their flower carpets to their local Saint or Patron, and therefore takes great pride in who can create the most stunning display!
After planning and sketching their creations, the artists (or ‘infioratori‘) use petals and greenery of various hues to bring their floral designs to life. The result is entire city streets and squares being transformed into stunning open-air galleries for spectators to enjoy.
St. Anne’s Fire & Sea Festival
If you prefer something closer to the water, then St. Anne’s Fire & Sea Festival is for you! It takes place on July 26th on the island of Ischia, a short ferry ride off the coast of Naples.
Right in the heart of the borgo (village) of Ischia Ponte, the celebration begins with a parade of allegorical boats that lasts all night. It ends with a simulated display of fire at Aragonese Castle, in an exciting atmosphere filled with fireworks, light displays, and music… all of which you can enjoy from sea or land!
Thousands of tourists and locals gather in boats or on the rocks near Aragonese Castle to witness tradition, history, and nature merging… a truly amazing show!
Il Palio di Siena
If you’re intrigued by sporting events which mix tradition, history, and adrenaline, then you can’t miss the Siena Horse Race that takes place twice a year (once in June and once in August). It represents the culmination of an ongoing rivalry between the “contrade” (districts) which dates back to 1633 AD. It’s a tradition that, since then, has never been interrupted apart from the World Wars!
In preparation of the race, Siena’s central Piazza del Campo is transformed into a dirt race track, where locals gather to watch the race and support their district. The order of entry is determined by fate, and spectators hold their breath as each contrada‘s placement is secretly decided then recited aloud.
Absolute silence reigns the square until the race begins, then the air is filled with cheers and applause! Each rider is given an ox backbone so he can spur his horse or hinder his opponents during the race, which results in an adrenaline-filled, heartfelt competition (and subsequent celebration)!
So… What are you waiting for? Come and celebrate the Italian summer season with us!
