WE LIVE FOR EXPERIENCES
Travel is More Than Just Places To Go
Traveling is more than just going to a city and seeing the sights. To really experience the world we need to immerse ourselves in other cultures. We need to experience how they approach life, and try to see through their eyes the traditions and culture they grew up with.
At Find a Fiesta we explore how people live, what they do with their free time, and how they celebrate. You will learn what it’s like to live in these countries and participate in their cultural festivals, all in the hope that you will decide to participate as well.
Upcoming Festivals In Northern Italy
Festa della Sensa
Venice , Sunday after Ascension Day (21 May 2023) - Festa della Sensa, also known as the Marriage of the Sea, is an important celebration that dates back to the 9th century in Venice, Italy. This traditional festival commemorates the city's long-standing bond with the sea and maritime power. It takes place on the Sunday after Ascension Day and includes a colorful procession of boats, led by the Bucintoro, the Doge's ceremonial vessel, to the Lido. The mayor then performs the ceremony of the "wedding of Venice with the sea," by throwing a gold ring into the water as a symbol of the city's union with the sea and to ensure good fortune for its sailors and fishermen. The festival also features a regatta, concerts, and various cultural events, making it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Upcoming Festivals In Central Italy
Festa della Fragola – Strawberry Festival
Nemi, First Sunday in June - Festa della Fragola, or the Strawberry Festival, is an annual event that takes place in the small town of Nemi, Italy. Nemi is a picturesque town located in the hills southeast of Rome, overlooking the beautiful Lake Nemi. The town is known for its production of strawberries, and the Festa della Fragola celebrates the arrival of the strawberry season and the town's traditional cultivation methods.
Calendimaggio
Assisi , First Weekend of May - Calendimaggio is a medieval festival celebrated annually in Assisi, Italy during the first weekend of May. The festival reenacts the rivalry between the two districts of the city, the "Upper" and "Lower" districts, through a series of events, including archery, flag throwing, drumming, and singing competitions. The highlight of the festival is the "Corteo Storico," a grand parade featuring costumed participants, musicians, and dancers representing different historical periods. The parade culminates in a theatrical performance in the main square of the city, Piazza del Comune, where the district captains challenge each other in a symbolic battle for supremacy. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Assisi's history and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Festa dei Ceri – Festival of the Candles
Gubbio , 15 May 2023 - The Festa dei Ceri, or Festival of the Candles, is a centuries-old tradition celebrated annually on May 15th in the picturesque town of Gubbio, Italy. The festival involves a race up Mount Ingino by three teams, each carrying an enormous wooden structure topped with a statue of a saint: St. Ubaldo, St. George, and St. Anthony. The event is a highly charged spectacle, with cheering crowds, flag-waving, and live music. The festival is a source of immense pride for the people of Gubbio and represents their strong sense of community and devotion to tradition, making it a must-see event for visitors to the region.
Bravìo delle Botti – The Great Barrel Race
Montepulciano , Last Sunday in August - Each year 2-person teams from eight districts from Montepulciano compete to push 80kg wine barrels up a hill for 1600 meters. This is the Bravio delle Botti (literally the Skill of the Barrels) which has been held each year for the last 48 years. The teams represent each of the 8 districts of this small town in the heart of the wine making region as they race to push a large wine barrel up the winding streets to win the prized “Il Panno” for the rest of the year.
The Regatta of San Ranieri
Pisa , 16 June 2023 - The Regata of San Ranieri, also known as the Historical Regatta of Saint Ranieri, is an annual boat race that takes place in Pisa, Italy. The race is held on the night of June 16th every year, as part of the celebrations for the city's patron saint, Saint Ranieri. The race features four teams representing the city's four historical districts, and takes place on the Arno River, with boats decorated with colorful lights. It's a beautiful event to witness if you happen to be in Pisa during that time!
Infiorata in Sutri
Sutri , Thursday after Trinity Sunday (8 June 2023) - The Infiorata Del Corpus Domini festival in Sutri, Italy, is an annual event held on the Feast of Corpus Christi. During the festival, the streets of the town are transformed into a colorful tapestry of flower petals, creating stunning floral designs and patterns. Local artists and volunteers spend hours creating intricate floral arrangements on the streets, using a variety of flower petals, leaves, and other natural materials. The festival also includes a procession, with participants carrying the Eucharist through the decorated streets. The festival is a celebration of the town's religious heritage and a testament to the beauty and creativity of the people of Sutri.
Upcoming Festivals In Southern Italy
Infiorata di Noto
Noto , Third Sunday in May (21 May 2023) - The Infiorata di Noto is a colorful festival held in Noto, Sicily, in May each year. The festival celebrates the art of flower arranging with intricate designs made from flower petals on the streets of Noto. The designs are created by local artists and volunteers, based on a changing theme each year. The festival also features a flower market, live music, and a procession led by the local bishop, ending at the Cathedral of San Nicolò.