Your Year in Italy for Top Events 2025

Antique Fair | Arezzo

The Antique Fair, held on the first weekend of every month in the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo, is a must-visit for lovers of art, history and unique treasures. The renowned event transforms the Piazza Grande and surrounding streets into a bustling marketplace, where over 300 exhibitors showcase an impressive array of antiques, vintage items and collectables.

Every first weekend of the month

Jubilee Year | Across Italy

The Jubilee events in Italy begin on December 24th 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This occasion marks the start of a year-long celebration, inviting pilgrims and travellers to embark on a journey of faith and reflection. The opening of the Holy Door symbolises the Church’s invitation to a year of grace, forgiveness, and renewal.

Year-long

Carnevale | Venice

Experience Venice in a whole new light during Carnevale, as visitors from all over the world fill the streets and canals with excitement and culture. The city buzzes with energy, offering a mix of Venetian costume balls, mask contests, and firework displays over the Grand Canal. Try your hand at traditional cotillion dancing and enjoy parades and historical re-enactments. Carnevale is a magical chance to see Venice in a new way, alive with both tradition and the spirit of global celebration.

22nd February to 4th March 2025 

World's Largest Float Parade | Viareggio

Each weekend in February, Viareggio hosts the world’s largest float parade, featuring colourful masked parades and intricate float processions. Originating in 1873, the event is known for its massive, intricately designed floats that depict political satire, social issues and pop culture figures. The floats are created by talented artists and are often accompanied by music, performers and colourful costumes.

Each weekend in February

Battle of the Oranges | Ivrea

Just outside Turin in the small town of Ivrea, thousands gather in a centuries-old contest where combat teams throw oranges at one another. The event ends with a big bonfire that marks the eve of Shrove Tuesday.

2nd March to 4th March 2025

Pisa New Year | Pisa

Pisa’s New Year celebration, known as ‘Capodanno Pisano’ takes place in March, aligning with the city’s traditional calendar. The celebrations include a grand procession, vibrant street performances and fireworks, all set against the backdrop of Pisa’s iconic landmarks. 

25th March 2025

Rome’s Birthday | Rome 

Rome’s Birthday commemorates the founding of the Eternal City in 753 BC. The occasion is marked by a series of festive events, including historical reenactments, parades and concerts, that take place throughout the city. The day also features performances and fireworks over iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

21st April 2025 

Explosion of the Cart | Florence 

The Explosion of the Cart (Scoppio del Carro) in Florence is a tradition that occurs every year on Easter Sunday. This centuries-old spectacle features a beautifully decorated cart filled with fireworks that is drawn through the streets, ending in Piazza del Duomo. When the wagon arrives at Piazza del Duomo, fireworks are launched with a loud noise to symbolise the "holy fire". For about twenty minutes, explosions illuminate the Cathedral square and the skies above the city with vibrant colours.

20th April 2025

The Infiorata di Noto | Sicily

The Infiorata di Noto is a stunning flower festival held annually in the town of Noto, Sicily. During this vibrant event, the streets are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of intricate flower designs, created by local artists using colourful petals arranged in elaborate patterns and designs.

16th May – 18th May 2025

Cantina Aperta | Montepulciano

Cantina Aperta invites wine enthusiasts to explore the renowned vineyards and cellars of Montepulciano, Tuscany. Local wineries open their doors to the public, offering guided tours of their vineyards, giving insights into the wine-making process and tasting some of the region's finest wines.

25th May – 26th May 2025

Verona Opera Festival | Verona 

The Verona Opera Festival, held annually in the stunning Arena di Verona, is one of Italy's most iconic cultural events. During the summer months, the ancient amphitheatre becomes the stage for world-class opera performances, drawing music lovers from around the globe.

7th June 2025

Calcio Storico Final | Florence

The Calcio Storico Final, held in Florence every June, is an exhilarating ancient game that combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Teams representing different districts of Florence compete in a fiercely contested match in the Piazza Santa Croce.

24th June 2025

Palio di Siena | Tuscany 

Immerse yourself in the action of Siena’s iconic event, as riders race their horses bareback around the historic Piazza del Campo to a fanfare of medieval parades and gallant celebration. 

2nd July and 16 August 2025 

Umbria Jazz Festival | Perugia 

Tap your toes to the tune of Europe’s top jazz festival in Umbria. Celebrating all forms of jazz, it features a daily street parade and attracts first-class talent, from Sarah Vaughan to Chet Baker. 

11th to 20th July 2025

Mangiaonga | Piedmont 

Mangiaonga is a traditional food festival celebrated in the Langhe region of Piedmont, typically held in August. It’s a celebration of the region's culinary delights, offering visitors the chance to sample local specialities, including truffles, wines, and cheeses. The event is a gastronomic delight and a wonderful way to experience the rich flavours of this picturesque area.

Date TBA

Fiesta dei Candelieri | Sardinia

The Fiesta dei Candelieri, held in Sassari every August, is a vibrant and colourful festival that dates back to the Middle Ages. The highlight is the procession of towering candle-lit structures, carried through the streets by locals dressed in traditional costumes.

14th August 2025

Festa del Cacio | Pienza

The Festa del Cacio, held in Pienza every September, celebrates the town's famous Pecorino cheese. During this festival, visitors can sample various forms of delicious cheese, watch traditional cheese-making demonstrations, and enjoy local wines and delicacies. It's a perfect event for food lovers seeking to experience the best of Tuscan flavours.

7th September 2025

Chianti Wine Festival | Chianti

The Chianti Wine Festival, held in Greve in Chianti every September, is a celebration of the renowned Chianti wine. Visitors can taste a wide variety of wines from local producers, enjoy vineyard tours, and take part in wine-related events.

14th September 2025

Pomaria | Trentino 

Pomaria, celebrated in the Trentino region every autumn, is a festival dedicated to the harvest of apples. The event features apple picking, local food and drink, and various agricultural exhibitions.

12th October – 13th October 2025

Eroica | Chianti

Eroica Chianti is a unique cycling event held in Tuscany every October, where riders race through the rolling hills of the Chianti region on vintage bikes. Participants experience challenging terrain, gravel roads, and scenic landscapes, while paying homage to the history of cycling in this iconic region.

4th October – 5th October 2025

Cioccolatò  | Turin

Cioccolatò, held in Turin, is a paradise for chocolate lovers. This festival celebrates the art of chocolate-making, with artisan chocolatiers showcasing their finest creations. Visitors can enjoy tastings, workshops, and demonstrations, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

28th November – 7th December 2025

La Sagra Del Tartufo Bianco | Pisa

La Sagra Del Tartufo Bianco, held annually in San Miniato near Pisa, is a festival dedicated to the prized white truffle. The event offers truffle hunts, tastings, and a chance to explore the region's rich culinary traditions.

14th November – 29th November 2025

Christmas | Across Italy 

December is always alive with festive spirit, and you’ll be enchanted by the traditional Christmas markets and life-sized presepi (nativity displays) in the main cities. 

1st December to 6th January 2025