12 months to visit Italy

By- Claudia Quesito

Italy has a mix of long-standing and newer traditions, recurring events and unique happenings. Let’s travel up and down the Belpaese thought the year. At the beginning of January, Roma celebrates the Befana (an old woman riding on a broom who brings treats to kids) with lights, markets, sport races, and a traditional parade on the 6th. 

In February, there’s la settimana della moda in Milano and the city is bustling with models, fashion experts, and fashion victims. Depending on the year, Easter falls in March or April and unless you like crowded places, you might want to avoid the golden triangle (Venezia-Firenze-Roma) during the long Easter weekend and opt for a less popular destination (read, anywhere else). April 25 is a public holiday and you’ll find parades, events, and concerts in small and larger cities, while on May 1—La Festa dei lavoratori—there’s il concertone in Roma. 

If you’re into soccer, in 2020, the UEFA European Championship features a special edition for its 60^th birthday. Games will be played in several European cities and Rome will host the opening game on June 12, plus some other matches. 

Okay, let’s leave Rome for a while, shall we? Go to Umbria and enjoy some music at the famous Umbria Jazz festival in lovely Perugia. As for August, you don’t want to miss the Festival della Taranta in Salento—the heel of the Italian peninsula—and dance the traditional pizzica at night while enjoying the wonderful beaches and crystal-clear waters during the day. 

September is particularly rich with festivals and events all over the country. Why not pick Mantova and enjoy some readings or presentations at Festivaletteratura? October is the month of Barcolana, the historic international sailing regatta in Trieste, which draws people from all over the world. If you love truffles, November is your month. Go to Marche or Piemonte and stroll along one of the many sagre that celebrate this treat.

In December, go without hesitation to Trentino-Alto Adige and immerse yourself in its mercatini di Natale: lights, food, artisan goods, and events. Finally, if your time is limited, Parma is Capitale della Cultura 2020 and, besides being always worth a visit, it will host shows, exhibition concerts, and food tours all year long.