Famous Italian celebrations and events

Carnival of Venice

Annual festival held in Venice, Veneto, Italy. It is a hundreds years old huge celebration that goes on for two weeks during February. It consists of candle-lit parade of boats, concerts, street performances and parties (while everyone wears masks!).

Befana

It is said that on the night between the 5th/ 6th of January and old witch (befana) comes at night on her broom to deliver candies to children. From a religious standpoint, it commemorates the day when three Wise Men reached Baby Jesus.

Palio di Siena

Important event in Siena, held on July 2 and August 16 every year, since it first started in the 6th century. It consists of a horse race among the local "contrade" (areas in which the city is divided) in the heart of the city in the Piazza del Campo.

Orange battle

(or "battaglia delle arance") It is a part of the Carnival held in Ivrea, northern Italy. It represents an old protest that occurred back in the 19th century. This riot, lead by the citizens, aimed at fighting the tyranny. Their weapon? Oranges!