Italy tours are an opportunity to visit the scenic locales as well as get the feel of the culture and rich tradition. The festivals and events in Italy are an opportunity not only for enjoyment but also delving deep into the culture here. The entire calendar year is filled with festivals and events in Italy. Out of these some may be related to festivals of the Catholic Church. Then there are other festivals connected to the changing seasons such as harvest time.
The festivals and events in Italy form an integral part of the life of the people and each part of Italy has its own festive season with its unique way of celebration and rituals. The locals warmly welcome the visitors who arrive here. There is this harvest festivals where the villagers rejoice the local produce, such as polenta and prosciutto, and particularly wine. Then there are some events which may be historical portrayals which involve costumed processions and repartee, ceremonial races and competitions coupled with singing and dancing.
In the hill towns of Italy the festivals and events are celebrated with much fervor. You won't have any problem even if you don't know the language as the locals will convey their thoughts by their body language and gesticulations. You can be a part of these festivals held in a small hill town. Some of the festivals and events in Italy which are recent entrants are The Umbria Jazz Festival one of the most popular music festivals in all of Europe.
"Sicilian summer" which is a showcase of art and culture and here you have the Taormina Arte Festival which includes "Taormina Film Fest".
The Putignano Carnival which you just cannot miss as this is the longest running carnivals in the world. Here there is a parade of enormous papier-mache floats, which are a major draw among the tourists.
The Flaiano Film Festival, brings to you the top quality films from the international film world.
The Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica, popularly known as the "Venice Film Festival" is also one of the oldest film festival completing 75th anniversary this year.
Apart from these there are other festivals and events in Italy which enthralls visitors like the music festivals where you can listen to exponents of classical,jazz as well as pop music.Some of the famous ones among music festivals are Arezzo Wave,M-Tv Day, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino etc.Then there are opera houses where you would find symphonic concert seasons as well as ballet seasons.
If you want to enjoy opera then the opera season starts from December and continues till June and the major opera houses for watching performances are:
Teatro la Fenice (Venezia), Teatro Massimo (Palermo), Teatro Regio (Parma), Teatro Comunale (Firenze), Teatro Petruzzelli (Bari), Teatro Massimo Bellini (Catania), Teatro Comunale (Bologna), Teatro Comunale Verdi (Trieste), Teatro Comunale (Genova) and Teatro Regio (Torino).
If you want to get an insight of the culture and traditions then you can check out these traditional festivals and events in Italy like
Almond Blossom Festival,
Calnendimaggio
Torneo della Quintana
Palio
Sagra di San Nicola
Scorpio Del Carro
Travel.mapsofworld.com provides online account of Festivals and Events in Italy and details of Italy Tourism
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