4 Italian Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Yes, Italy has great sites, and of course, great food. But do they know how to celebrate? Oh, you bet. One of the best parts of planning a trip to Italy, is planning to visit some of the traditional Italian Festivals. These festivities are a big part of local and regional identity in Italian culture. They offer a different kind of experience that every traveler and expat should add to their bucket list.

If you’re tired of visiting the same tourist hotspots and are looking to truly experience the real Italian culture, then this blog post is for you. I’ve found four Italian Festivals that you may never have heard of, but absolutely need to experience. From ancient battles to snake-catching rituals, these festivals will give you a glimpse into the heart and soul of Italy.

The Orange Battles of Carnevale di Ivrea

One of my absolute favourites: The Battle of the Oranges at the Carnevale di Ivrea is a celebration that dates back to the 19th century but was inspired from a much older history. You can find Ivrea in Piedmont, the Northwest of Italy. The city is only about an hour away from Turin, reachable by train or car.

The centerpiece of Carnivale di Ivrea is the Battle of the Oranges, a reenactment of a historic rebellion against a tyrannical ruler. But as you may have guessed from the name, this reenactment comes with a twist. There are no weapons, just oranges.

During this three-day festival, the town is divided into nine teams, each representing a different district. The teams are armed with oranges, which they throw at each other to symbolize the rebellion against the ruler and his army.
Who was this ruler you may ask… while that actually has been lost in history.  It may have been someone of the Ranieri family or the 13th-century Marquis William VII of Montferrat. Either way – it’s an excuse to put on a great festival in Italy!

As a spectator, you can choose to join one of the teams and participate in the orange-throwing battle or simply watch from the sidelines. Either way, you’ll catch all the action and feel the adrenaline of this ancient battle. (If you don’t want to get hit by an orange -wear a red cap! They will also sell them there.)

But the Battle of the Oranges is not the only highlight of Carnevale di Ivrea. The Carnevale also includes parades, music, and traditional food and drinks. A local favorite are fritelle di mele – fried apple slices.

And if you’re lucky enough to attend on the final day, you’ll witness the burning of the Scarli, a large wooden tower symbolizing the tyrant’s castle.

Carnevale di Ivrea is an Italian festival like no other, and it’s no wonder why it attracts thousands of visitors every year. While you visit, you may even pick up a little of the local Piemontese dialect for a real authentic experience.

La Quintana di Ascoli Piceno

Nestled in one of my favorite (and quite underrated) regions – Marche in central Italy, lies the charming town of Ascoli Piceno. While this town may not be as well-known as other Italian destinations, it is home to one of the most spectacular festivals in the Italy – La Quintana.

Dating back to the 14th century, La Quintana is a medieval tradition held annually in the second week of August. During this week-long festival, the town is transformed into a medieval wonderland. Locals and visitors alike dress up in traditional costumes and join in on themed events.

The highlight of these events is of course, the jousting competition. Knights on horseback compete in a thrilling tournament to win the title of “Quintana Knight”. The competition takes place in Piazza del Popolo, and is a sight to behold.

Apart from this exciting competition, the festival includes a parade of flag-throwers, traditional dances, and a local market. The whole town is transformed for the occasion. You can catch beautiful decorations, street performers and musicians adding to the lively atmosphere.

La Quintana is a chance to travel back in time through a beloved Italian festival. If you want to witness a one-of-a-kind festival and immerse yourself in a little medieval experience, make sure to add La Quintana to your list of must-see Italian festivals.

The Festival of the Snake-Catchers

One of the most fascinating festivals in Italy is the Festival of the Snake-Catchers. This takes place in the small town of Cocullo, located in Abruzzo. Dating back to the 11th century, it’s closely connected to local folklore. The festival is a celebration of the town’s patron saint, San Domenico, who is believed to protect against snake bites.

The festival begins on the first Thursday in May, when locals gather to collect the snakes that will be used in the event. These snakes, mostly non-venomous and harmless, are caught in the surrounding mountains and brought to the town’s church to be blessed by the local priest. It is believed that this blessing will protect the snake catchers and the town from harm during the festival.

On the day of the festival, the snakes are then draped around a statue of San Domenico and paraded through the town’s streets. There is music and dancing following the statue throughout. Locals and visitors gather to witness this unique spectacle and to receive blessings from the statue as it passes by.

But the most thrilling part of the festival comes when the snakes are released from the statue and returned to their natural habitat. The snake catchers, who have been trained since they were kids, demonstrate their skills by handling the snakes with bare hands and placing them back into the wild.

The Festival of the Snake-Catchers also offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Abruzzo region. It’s a celebration of the town’s unique traditions and a chance to witness a part of Italy that is often overlooked by tourists.

Calendimaggio in Assisi

Assisi is not usually a new destination on visitors lists, known for its history, art and landscapes. But there’s one more reason to visit Assisi, especially in May: the Calendimaggio an annual celebration of Renaissance traditions.

Calendimaggio, which means “May Day”, is an Italian festival that dates back to the 13th century. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. During this festival, the town of Assisi transforms into a historic village, with locals dressing in traditional costumes and the streets adorned with colorful decorations.

The highlight of Calendimaggio is the competition between the “Nobilissima Parte de Sopra” and “Magnifica Parte de Sotto“. Essentially translating into upper and lower town quarters. The two classes compete in various challenges, including archery, flag throwing, and a tug-of-war.

And like any of the best Ren fairs, there is plenty of music, dancing, and delicious food.

One of the best moments of Calendimaggio is the Corteo Storico, a historical parade that takes place on the last day of the festival. Locals dressed in elaborate costumes parade through the streets, accompanied by musicians and flag-bearers.

So, if you are considering Assisi, think about making your trip around Calendimaggio.

A Final Thought on Italian Festivals

I think one of the best ways to experience Italy is through its festivals. A moment where the whole town is lit up, and locals are even more enthusiastic to show off their traditions.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see a different perspective of Italy. If you’d like to plan your trip around any particular festival in Italy, get in touch.