Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the planet for a reason. It’s been a central player in global civilisation for millennia; we have it to thank for everything from pizza to roads and far, far beyond. Its culture is pervasive, from the early Etruscans to the Renaissance. Its food and drink are incomparable, and its landscapes must be seen to be believed. It also benefits from incredible weather, incredible coastlines, and incredible people.
Indeed, the ‘people’ part of Italy is the bit that most visitors miss, whether they’re too taken in by a coastal view or too busy visiting the major landmarks. It’s well worth visiting Italy to explore the ‘people’ part a little better, and what better way than to target the festivals that pull people together? Here, let’s discover the Italian festivals renowned for their cultural significance, traditions, and the ways they foster local unity.
Carnevale di Venezia
Let us begin with one of Italy’s most iconic annual festivals, a potent mix of masks, magic, and mellifluousness: the Carnevale di Venezia. No Italy holidays are complete without a visit to Venice, but it’s all the better if you can time your trip to the ten days before Shrove Tuesday to catch the Carnevale; it’s an annual affair typified by masquerade balls, ostentatious costumes and incredible colours. Though dating back to the Medieval era, the Carnevale di Venezia is a relatively young affair and a beautiful opportunity to join in on some period dress-up fun.
Palio di Siena
Travel south, past Bologna, and you get to the Tuscany region; head to an unassuming Tuscan town called Siena at the start of July, or the middle of August, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of one of Europe’s most rivalrous festival events.
This is the Palio di Siena, a horse race in which a horse for each of Siena’s districts races for provincial supremacy. It’s incredibly easy to be taken in by the pomp and circumstance of this historic event, which dates back to the 1600s. District flags are flown with pride, and competition gives way to true community in the town square where the race is ultimately won.
Festa della Madonna Bruna
Finally, in the small, southerly Basilicata city of Matera, a true night of lights to be astounded by. Matera is an off-the-beaten-path destination well worth a visit in its own right; the city sits on a rocky outcrop, and comprises incredible Renaissance architecture as well as a historically-important region of carved-out cave dwellings.
It’s also home to the Festa della Madonna Bruna, a festival to commemorate Matera’s patron saint and a beautiful thing to witness besides. It’s a festival of unique rituals and communal celebration, culminating in a procession, the symbolic destruction of a papier-mache float, and a fireworks display you’ll never forget.
Featured image: Unsplash
