Traditions of Italy are sets oftraditions,beliefs,values, andcustoms that belongs within theculture ofItalian people. These traditions have influenced life inItaly for centuries, and are still practiced in modern times. Italiantraditions are directly connected to Italy's ancestors, which says even more aboutItalian history.
The tradition of thenativity scene comes from Italy. The first seasonal nativity scene, which seems to have been a dramatic rather than sculptural rendition, is attributed toSaint Francis of Assisi. Francis' 1223 living nativity scene inGreccio is commemorated on the calendars of the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican liturgical calendars,[4][5][6][7] and its creation[4] is described bySaint Bonaventure in hisLife of Saint Francis of Assisi c. 1260.[8] Nativity scenes were popularised by Saint Francis of Assisi from 1223, quickly spreading across Europe.[9] In Italy, regional crib traditions then spread, such as that of theBolognese crib, theGenoese crib and theNeapolitan crib.
In southern Italy, living nativity scenes (presepe vivente) are extremely popular. They may be elaborate affairs, featuring not only the classic nativity scene but also a mock rural 19th-century village, complete with artisans in traditional costumes working at their trades. These attract many visitors and have been televised onRAI, the nationalpublic broadcasting company of Italy. In 2010, the old city ofMatera inBasilicata hosted the world's largest living nativity scene of the time, which was performed in the historic center,Sassi.[10]
The tradition of theChristmas tree, ofGermanic origin, was also widely adopted in Italy during the 20th century. It seems that the first Christmas tree in Italy was erected at theQuirinal Palace at the behest ofQueen Margherita, towards the end of the 19th century.[1] In 1991, theGubbio Christmas Tree, 650 meters high and decorated with over 700 lights, entered theGuinness Book of Records as the tallest Christmas tree in the world.[11]
Strenna or Strenna di Natale is a gift that is usually made or received in Italy at Christmas time. This custom comes from the tradition ofancient Rome which involved the exchange of gifts of good wishes during theSaturnalia, a series of festivities that took place each year between 17 and 23 December, in honor of the mythical godSaturn and preceding the day of theNatalis Solis Invicti. The term derives from the LatinStrena, word probably ofSabine origin, with the meaning "gift of good luck."
Typical bearers of gifts from the Christmas period in Italy areSaint Lucy (13 December),Christ Child,Babbo Natale (the name given toSanta Claus), and, on Epiphany, theBefana.[23]
Abbacchio is anItalian preparation oflamb typical of theRoman cuisine.[27][28] It is a product protected by theEuropean Union with thePGI mark.[29] InRomanesco dialect, the offspring of the sheep who is still suckling or recently weaned is calledabbacchio, while the offspring of the sheep almost a year old who has already been shorn twice is calledagnello ("lamb").[32] This distinction exists only in the Romanesco dialect.[32] In Italy at Easter, abbacchio is cooked in different ways, with recipes that vary from region to region.[33] InRome it is roasted, inApulia in the oven, inNaples it is cooked with peas and eggs, inSardinia it is cooked in the oven with potatoes, artichokes and myrtle and inTuscany it is cooked incacciatore style.[33] Other local preparations include frying and stewing.[33] Eating lamb at Easter has a symbolic meaning. ThePaschal Lamb of theNew Testament is in fact, for Christianity, the son of God Jesus Christ.[34] The Paschal Lamb, in particular, represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of humanity.[30] Eating lamb at Easter therefore commemorates theDeath and Resurrection of Jesus.[30]
InVersilia, as a sign of forgiveness, but this time towards Jesus, the women of the sailors kiss the earth, saying: "Terra bacio e terra sono - Gesù mio, chiedo perdono" ("I kiss the earth and earth I am - my Jesus, I ask for forgiveness").[35] InAbruzzo, however, it is the custom of farmers during Easter to add holy water to food.[35] Holy water is also used inJulian March, where half a glass is drunk on an empty stomach, before eating two hard-boiled eggs and afocaccia washed down with white wine.[35]
Another symbol used during the Easter period is fire. In particular, inCoriano, in theprovince of Rimini, bonfires are lit on Easter Eve.[35] At the same time, the blessed fire is brought to the countryside in the autonomousprovince of Bolzano.[35] Bonfires are also lit inSan Marco in Lamis, this time lit on a wheeled cart.[35]
InFlorence, the use of sacred fire has changed over time: before the year one thousand candles were in fact brought into the houses which were lit by a candle which was, in turn, lit through a lens or a flint; at the beginning of the 14th century, instead, three pieces of flint were used that according to tradition came from theHoly Sepulcher ofJerusalem.[35] These pieces of flint were donated to the Pazzi family byGodfrey of Bouillon.[35] Later, the use of the sacred fire in Florence materialized in a chariot full offireworks (Scoppio del carro).[35]
TheCavallo di fuoco is an historical reconstruction which takes place in the city ofRipatransone in theProvince of Ascoli Piceno. It is a fireworks show, which traditionally occurs eight days afterEaster.[36] The show goes back to 1682 when, on the occasion of celebrations in honor of theVirgin Mary, the local dwellers hire apyrotechnician who, once the spectacle was over, took all his remaining fireworks and shot riding his horse. This extemporized action struck the citizens who began to recall it yearly. In the 18th century a mock steed replaced the animal and the fireworks were assembled upon it. Originally it was made of wood, and until 1932 it was carried on the shoulders of the most robust of citizens. Later it was considered more convenient to equip it with wheels and a rudder and have it towed by volunteers equipped with protective clothing and accessories. In 1994 a new sheet iron horse, built on the model of the previous one, took the place of the wooden one.[37]
InItaly, duringPalm Sunday, palm leaves are used along with small olive branches, readily available in the Mediterranean climate. These are placed at house entrances (for instance, hanging above the door) to last until the following year's Palm Sunday. For this reason, usually palm leaves are not used whole, due to their size; instead, leaf strips are braided into smaller shapes. Small olive branches are also often used to decorate traditional Easter cakes, along with other symbols of birth, like eggs. In Italy,Easter Monday is an official public holiday and is called "Lunedì dell'Angelo” ("Monday of the Angel"), "Lunedì in Albis" or more commonly "Pasquetta". It is customary to hold a family picnic in the countryside or barbecues with friends.
In Italy,New Year's Eve (Italian:Vigilia di Capodanno orNotte di San Silvestro) is celebrated by the observation of traditional rituals, such as wearing redunderwear.[38] An ancient tradition in southern regions which is rarely followed today was disposing of old or unused items by dropping them from the window.[39] Usually the evening is spent with family or friends in a square (where concerts or various parties are organised) but also at home. Generally, starting from 10 seconds before midnight, it is customary to count down until reaching zero, thus wishing a happy new year, toasting withspumante and watching or lighting fireworks, shooting firecrackers or guns loaded with blanks. Dinner is traditionally eaten with relatives and friends. It often includeszampone orcotechino (a meal made withpig's trotters or entrails),lentils and (inNorthern Italy)polenta. At 20:30, thePresident of Italy's address to the nation, produced byRAI, the state broadcaster, is broadcast countrywide on radio and TV networks.[40] At midnight, fireworks are displayed all across the country. Rarely followed today is the tradition that consist in eatinglentil stew when the bell tolls midnight, one spoonful per bell. This is supposed to bring good fortune; the round lentils represent coins.[41]
Carnival in Italy plays a very important role inItalian folklore, traditionally linked to regional masks, and is celebrated in many cities, some of which are known throughout the world for the special celebrations they organize for this occasion.
TheCarnival in Venice was first documented in 1296, with a proclamation by theVenetian Senate announcing a public festival the day before the start ofLent. Today, about 3 million people travel to Venice to take part in the famous Carnival.[43] TheCarnival of Viareggio is the second-most popular in Italy. The first Carnival of Viareggio parade was held in 1873.[44] Every year, the Carnival of Viareggio attracts more than 500,000 spectators.[45] TheCarnival of Ivrea is famous for its "Battle of the Oranges" fought with fruit between the people on foot and the troops of the tyrant on carts, to remember the wars of the Middle Ages,[46] allegory of struggle for freedom. It is the largestfood fight in Italy and surrounding countries.[47] Regarding the origins, a popular account has it that the battle commemorates the city's defiance against the city's tyrant, who is either a member of theRanieri family[48] or a conflation of the 12th-centuryRanieri diBiandrate and the 13th-century MarquisWilliam VII of Montferrat.[49] The Ambrosian carnival is widespread in the most part of theArchdiocese ofMilan, where theAmbrosian Rite is observed, and in this area the Carnival ends on the first Sunday of Lent; the last day of Carnival is Saturday, 4 days after the Tuesday on which it ends where theRoman Rite is observed.[50]
InSardinia, the Carnival (inSardinian languageCarrasecare orCarrasegare[51]) varies greatly from the one in the mainland of Italy. the majority of the Sardinian celebrations features not only feasts and parades but also crudefertility rites such as bloodsheds to fertilize the land,[52] the death and the resurrection of the Carnival characters[53] and representations of violence and torture.[52] The typical characters of the Sardinian Carnival arezoomorphic and/orandrogynous, such as theMamuthones and Issohadores[54] fromMamoiada, theBoes and Merdules[55] fromOttana and many more.[56] The Carnival is celebrated with street performances[57] that are typically accompanied by Sardiniandirges calledattittidus,[58] meaning literally "cry of a baby when the mother doesn't want nursed him/her anymore" (from the wordtitta meaning breasts[59]). Other particular and important Carnival instances in Sardinia are theSartiglia inOristano and theTempio Pausania Carnival.[60]
In Italy, asagra (plural:sagre) is a popular festival of a local nature and annual frequency, which traditionally arises from a religious festival, celebrated on the occasion of a consecration or to commemorate a saint (usually the patron saint), but also used to celebrate the harvest or promote a food and wine product local.[61] During a festival the local fair, the market and various celebrations usually take place.[61]
Ferragosto is apublic holiday celebrated on 15 August in all ofItaly. It originates fromFeriae Augusti ("Festivals [Holidays] of theEmperor Augustus"), the festival ofAugustus, who made 1 August a day of rest after weeks of hard work on the agricultural sector. As the festivity was created for political reasons, the Catholic Church decided to move the festivity to 15 August which is theAssumption of Mary allowing them to include this in the festivity. Food and board was not included, which is why even today Italians associate packed lunches and barbecues with this day. Bymetonymy, it is also the summer vacation period around mid-August, which may be a long weekend (ponte di ferragosto) or most of August.[62]
Historical competitions are widespread throughout the Italian national territory, such as thePalio, the name given in the country to an annual athletic contest, very often of a historical character, pitting the neighbourhoods of a town or the hamlets of acomune against each other. Typically, they are fought in costume and commemorate some event or tradition of theMiddle Ages and thus often involvehorse racing,archery,jousting,crossbow shooting, and similar medieval sports.[63] ThePalio di Siena is the only one that has been run without interruption since it started in the 1630s and is definitely the most famous all over the world.[64]
Thefesta della Madonna della Salute [it] (English: feast ofOur Lady of Health) is a religious feast established by theRepublic of Venice in 1630 and solemnly observed throughout the territory of the republicuntil its fall. It takes place on 21 November, the day of thePresentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is still celebrated spontaneously today in the city ofVenice,Trieste and in many cities and towns of the ancient Republic, in Italy,Istria (Venetian Istria) andDalmatia (Venetian Dalmatia).[69] Istria today is part ofSlovenia andCroatia, while Dalmatia belongs to Croatia. The number of local ethnicItalians in Istria and Dalmatia (Istrian Italians andDalmatian Italians) dropped dramatically afterwards theIstrian–Dalmatian exodus. In Venice, the pilgrimage of the festival has as its destination thebasilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Throughout the day, in the basilica, which is kept open without interruption, masses and rosaries are celebrated continuously, with a continuous influx of faithful. To facilitate the pilgrimage, a temporary wooden bridge was erected on theGrand Canal connecting fromSanta Maria del Giglio to the vicinity of the basilica.[70] InVeneto, Our Lady of Health is celebrated in many municipalities, including those not belonging to theprovince of Venice, and almost always falls on 21 November. Some municipalities that celebrate the event areDolo,Este,Cavaso del Tomba andCamposampiero. In theprovince of Trieste and in the capital itself it is also celebrated on 21 November. InEmilia-Romagna, in the municipality ofSolarolo, where there is also a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Health, a participatory religious function is celebrated in her honor in September.[71] InSardinia the festival is particularly felt by the community ofGonnosfanadiga, where it has been considered one of the main festivals of the town since its inauguration in 1849.[72] It is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, and the events last for several days.[72] It is celebrated in other Sardinian towns on different dates, such as inPozzomaggiore,Masainas andVillanovafranca, during the last weekend of September. InIttiri, where Our Lady of Health is celebrated as the patron saint of traders, the festival is held at the beginning of September.[73] InCalabria, inAmendolara and more particularly in the hamlet of Amendolara Marina, there is the parish dedicated to Our Lady of Health, whose feast is celebrated in August.[74]
Theprocession from Fontainemore to Oropa [it] (Italian:Processione da Fontainemore a Oropa) is a Marian procession that takes place every five years and during which the faithful of the Valle d'Aosta town ofFontainemore make a pilgrimage to theSanctuary of Oropa crossing at night theBiellese Alps. It is one of the oldest documented processions in theAlps.[75] The first documentary records of the procession date back to 1547,[76] although according to some scholars the pilgrimage would have started to take place in even more ancient times.[77] In the procession, in which once only the faithful of the smallAosta Valley town (which today has a few hundred residents) took part, today there are also many other people from the rest of the Aosta Valley, from theBiella area (Piedmont) or even further away, so that there can be thousands of pilgrims.[78]
TheRegatta of the Historical Marine Republics (or Palio of the HistoricalMaritime Republics,Italian:Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare) is a sporting event of historical re-enactment, established in 1955 with the aim of recalling the rivalry of the most famous Italian maritime republics: those ofRepublic of Amalfi,Republic of Pisa,Republic of Genoa andRepublic of Venice, during which four rowing crews representing each of the republics compete against each other. This event, held under the patronage of thePresident of Italy,[79] takes place every year on a day between the end of May and the beginning of July, and is hosted in rotation between these cities:Amalfi (Campania),Pisa (Tuscany),Genoa (Liguria) andVenice (Veneto). The regatta is preceded by a historical procession, during which parade through the streets of the city organizing some figures that play the role of ancient characters that characterized each republic. On 10 December 1955 it was instead signed in Amalfi, in the Salone Morelli (the current Historical Museum of Palazzo San Benedetto, seat of the Town Hall), the constitutive act that sanctioned the creation of the Organizing Body of the Regatta.[80] The boats, built by the Gondolieri Cooperative of Venice, were launched on 9 June 1956 on the Riva dei Giardini Reali, with the blessing of the Patriarch of VeniceAngelo Roncalli (later electedPope John XXIII).[80] The first edition took place in Pisa on 1 July of that year; among those present stood out in particular the President of ItalyGiovanni Gronchi and the Minister of Merchant NavyGennaro Cassiani [it].[81]
Thefeast of Saints Peter and Paul is aliturgical feast in honour of themartyrdom inRome of theapostlesSaint Peter andSaint Paul, which is observed on 29 June. The feast is observed inRome because St. Paul and St. Peter arepatron saints of the Eternal City.[83] In theApulia region of southeastern Italy, the feast was associated with theTarantella dance since the Middle Ages. It was believed that the bite of thetarantula wolf spider caused a form ofmanic behavior which would result in death if the afflicted did not dance and could not be cured without the intercession of saint Paul. These panics were especially common near the feast day in the 16th and 17th centuries inGalatina, where the basilica of Saint Peter and Paul is located.[84]
In Italy, the oldestChristmas market is considered to be that ofBologna, held for the first time in the 18th century and linked to the feast of Saint Lucia.[12] The tradition of the markets has however spread in Italy predominantly especially since the 1990s of the 20th century, with the birth of the first modern markets: among these, the first ever was that ofBolzano, born in 1991, which was followed by others in the area ofAlto Adige,[13] in particular inMerano,Bressanone,Vipiteno andBrunico.[14] TheTrento Christmas market, established in 1993, is renowned inTrentino.[15] InNaples, where the tradition of theNeapolitan nativity scene has been famous for centuries, the exhibition of the nativity scenes made in the city's artisan shops is held every year in via San Gregorio Armeno.[16]
In ItalyMay Day is calledCalendimaggio orcantar maggio a seasonal feast held to celebrate the arrival of spring. The event takes its name from the period in which it takes place, that is, the beginning of May, from the Latincalenda maia.[85] TheCalendimaggio is a tradition still alive today in many regions of Italy as an allegory of the return to life and rebirth: among thesePiedmont,Liguria,Lombardy,Emilia-Romagna (for example, is celebrated in the area of theQuattro Province orPiacenza,Pavia,Alessandria andGenoa),Tuscany andUmbria. This magical-propitiatory ritual is often performed during analmsgiving in which, in exchange for gifts (traditionally eggs, wine, food or sweets), the Maggi (or maggerini) sing auspicious verses to the inhabitants of the houses they visit.[86] Throughout the Italian peninsula theseIl Maggio couplets are very diverse—most are love songs with a strong romantic theme, that young people sang to celebrate the arrival of spring. Roman families traditionally eatpecorino with freshfava beans during an excursion in theRoman Campagna. Symbols of spring revival are the trees (alder,golden rain) and flowers (violets,roses), mentioned in the verses of the songs, and with which the maggerini adorn themselves. In particular the plant alder, which grows along the rivers, is considered the symbol of life and that's why it is often present in the ritual.Calendimaggio can be historically noted in Tuscany as a mythical character who had a predominant role and met many of the attributes of the godBelenus. InLucania, the 'Maggi' have a clear auspicious character of pagan origin. InSyracuse, Sicily, theAlbero della Cuccagna (cf. "Greasy pole") is held during the month of May, a feast celebrated to commemorate the victory over theAthenians led byNicias. However,Angelo de Gubernatis, in his workMythology of Plants, believes that without doubt the festival was previous to that of said victory. It is a celebration that dates back to ancient peoples, and is very integrated with the rhythms of nature, such as theCelts (celebratingBeltane),Etruscans andLigures, in which the arrival of summer was of great importance.[86]
Thefeast of Saint John the Baptist has been celebrated in Florence from medieval times, and certainly in the Renaissance, with festivals sometimes lasting three days from 22 to 24 June.[87] Such celebrations are held nowadays inCesena from 21 to 24 June also with a special street market. Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Genoa, Florence and Turin where a fireworks display takes place during the celebration on the river. In Turin Saint John's cult is also well-established since medieval times when the city stops work for two days and people from the surrounding areas gather to dance around the bonfire in the central square. In Genoa and coastalLiguria it is traditional to light bonfires on the beaches on Saint John's Eve to remember the fires lit to celebrate the arrival of Saint John's relics to Genoa in 1098.[88] Since 1391 on 24 June a great procession across Genoa carries the relics to the harbour, where the Archbishop blesses the city, the sea, and those who work on it.
TheFestival of the snake-catchers (or snake-charmers) (Italian:Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo) is an annual festival held on 1 May inCocullo, Italy in honour ofSt. Dominic,patron saint protecting against snakebite and toothache.[92] Its origins date back topaganism and have roots in an ancient celebration in honour of the Roman goddessAngitia.[93] The festival involves a procession carrying the statue of St. Dominic, draped with living snakes, through the streets of the village.
TheNotte della Taranta (English: Night ofTaranta) is amusic festival inSalento,Apulia, Italy. The Night of Taranta is focused onPizzica, a popular folk genre in Salento, and takes place in various municipalities in the province ofLecce and theGrecìa Salentina, especially inMelpignano. It gives great importance to the folk music tradition ofTaranta and Pizzica, and it is a resource for tourism in Apulia.[94] The festival tours aroundSalento, normally culminating in a grand finale concert in Melpignano in August, which lasts until late night. An average of 200,000 spectators attend the last concert every year.[95] The festival started in 1998 by an initiative of several municipalities of the Salento, which sponsored the event. Every year a new musical director is chosen.
The rites of theHoly Week in Ruvo di Puglia are the main event that takes place inRuvo di Puglia. Folklore and sacred or profane traditions, typical of the ruvestine tradition, represent a great attraction for tourists from neighboring cities and the rest of Italy and Europe,[96] and have been included by the Central Institute for Intangible Heritage among the events of the intangible heritage of Italy.
TheSassi di Matera are the backdrop to the largestliving nativity scene in the world for the entireChristmas period.[97] A large number of characters from all over Italy recreate scenes from the nativity ofJesus and the ancient lands ofPalestine andJerusalem, a city often compared to Sassi di Matera.[98] The path measures a total of about one kilometer and a series of grotto cavities welcome visitors in groups, serving as a location for the historical re-enactment of the most significant biblical passages related to the birth of the Lord.
TheCarnival of Satriano (Italian:Carnevale di Satriano), held inSatriano di Lucania,Italy every February, is one of the country's many carnivals.[99] Held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday beforeFat Tuesday (aMardi Gras festival), it has been conducted for centuries.[100] The event is among the most important carnival traditions of the region and of Italy and it is unique in that participants wear costumes, or masks,[99][50] of bears, hermits, or lent.[100]
The feast ofSaint Mary theCrowned ofCarmel, commonly known asFeast of Our Lady of the Hens (Italian:Madonna delle Galline), is areligious and civilfestival annually celebrated inPagani, Campania on the second Sunday of Easter. At dawn on Monday, the tammorrari, engaged for three days and three nights to play and dance in the toselli, go in procession to the sanctuary, where they deposit their instruments at the feet of the Virgin and, thanking her, make an act of submission, and then, without ever turning your back to the altar, leave the sanctuary singing the ancient popular song Madonna de la Grazia.[105]
Thecaffè sospeso (Italian for 'suspended coffee';pronounced[kafˈfɛssoˈspeːzo;-eːso]) or pending coffee is a cup ofcoffee paid for in advance as an anonymous act ofcharity. The tradition began in the working-classcafés ofNaples, where someone who had experienced good luck would order asospeso, paying the price of two coffees but receiving and consuming only one. A poor person enquiring later whether there was asospeso available would then be served a coffee for free.[106][107] Coffee shops in other countries have adopted the sospeso to increase sales, and to promote kindness and caring.
Thefesta di Piedigrotta [it] (English: feast of Piedigrotta) is a musical festival ofNeapolitan songs that occurs on 8 September inPiedigrotta,Naples. It was officially inaugurated on 8 September 1839, with the victory of the songTe voglio bene assaje.[108] In addition to listening to the songs in the competition, the event gave ample space to tarantella and macchiette based on traditional instruments, such asputipù, triccheballacche,castanets or on those called "'e scucciamienti" used to rumbling furiously.[109]
ThePalio of Ferrara (Italian:Palio di Ferrara) is a competition among the 8 neighborhoods (contrade) of the town ofFerrara,Emilia-Romagna,Italy. Four of these neighborhoods correspond to four wards located inside the medieval town fortifications. The remaining four correspond to external boroughs. The Palio is an historical reenactment based on 1259 celebrations for the return from Rome ofBorso d'Este after receiving the duchy investiture fromPope Paul II. The celebrations were repeated regularly until around 1600. After a long interruption the tradition was briefly reenacted in 1933, stopped again duringWorld War II and eventually restarted in 1967.[116][117][118][119]
TheCarnival of Cento [it] (Italian:Carnevale di Cento) is a historic carnival that takes place inCento, in theprovince of Ferrara. The Carnival in Cento has ancient origins, as evidenced by some frescoes by the 17th-century painter Giovanni Francesco Barbieri known asGuercino, which portray scenes of the festivities and carnival celebrations in the city. Since 1990 the event has become an important folkloric event, thanks to the twinning with theRio Carnival where masks of the previous edition's winning float paraded for a few years and to the constant presence of Italian and international entertainment characters.[120]
ThePalio di Parma is a festival that is held once a year in the northern Italian town ofParma, and traces back to the ancient "Scarlet Run".[121] The origin of this festival can be reconducted to 1314[122] as reported by Giovanni Del Giudice in theChronicon Parmense.[123] The festival was held every year on 15 August, from the 14th century toNapoleon's arrival in the 19th century.[124] Starting from 1978 the competition was brought to a new life.[122]
TheBarcolana regatta (Italian:Barcolana) is a historic international sailingregatta organized by the yacht club Società Velica diBarcola e Grignano. It takes place every year in theGulf of Trieste on the second Sunday of October. The Barcolana is one of the most crowded regattas in the world. The Barcolana became theGuinness World Record holder in February 2019 when it was named "the greatest sailing race" with its 2,689 boats and over 16,000 sailors on the starting line.[125] Thanks to its particular formula, the Barcolana is a unique event on the international sailing stage: on the same starting line expert sailors and sailing lovers race side by side on boats of different sizes divided into several divisions according to their overall length.[126]
6 January is celebrated theEpiphany inRome. It is a religious event that, as often happens, over time has become an opportunity to spend a day with the family, thanks also to the most popular and pagan figure of theBefana, who delivers gifts, candies or coal to the little ones. What soon became theFesta della Befana ("Feast of the Befana") sees its epicenter in the capital and in particular inPiazza Navona, where many stalls with traditional socks full of sweets are housed.[127]
Thecarnival of Rome [it] (Italian:Carnevale di Roma), or Roman Carnival (Italian:Carnevale romano), is celebrated in Rome in the period of the year precedingLent; strongly inspired by theSaturnalia of theancient Romans, the carnival was one of the main celebrations of papal Rome.[128] The main mask of the Roman carnival is Rugantino, but there are also various Roman Norcini, Aquilani, Facchini and Pulcinelli[129] as well as Meo Patacca, General Mannaggia La Rocca, the credulous noble Cassandrino, Don Pasquale de 'Bisognosi, the puppeteer Ghetanaccio (18th century character represented with the theater on his shoulders), Doctor Gambalunga (depicted with large glasses, black tunic and book in hand) and the Gypsy.[130]
TheNatale di Roma (also calledDies Romana orRomaia) is a celebration of thefoundation of Rome, traditionally dated to 21 April 753 BCE, based on the chronology established byMarcus Terentius Varro.Celebration of the 2777thNatale di Roma carried out by Pietas Comunità Gentile This date marked the beginning of the Roman calendar, counted fromAb Urbe condita ("from the foundation of the City").[131] Celebrations of this anniversary date back to theRoman Empire and were used as imperial propaganda, withEmperor Claudius formalizing the event in 47 CE to mark 800 years since the city’s founding,[132] andPhilip the Arab commemorating its first millennium in 248 CE with grand events like theLudi Saeculares.[133] The festival faded after the fall of the Western Roman Empire but was revived during theRenaissance by figures likePomponio Leto, who conducted rituals and celebrations to honor Rome's heritage.[134] During theRisorgimento, it symbolized Rome’s liberation and was celebrated byGaribaldi’s supporters, and underFascism, it became a national holiday combined with the "Festa del Lavoro" on 21 April.[135] In modern times, Natale di Roma gained renewed importance, not only for historical reenactments (featuring parades, ancient Roman attire, and reenactments of scenes from Roman life)[136] but also for followers of theNeopagan Roman Religion, central to the celebrations, is a solemn rite to the tutelar numens of Rome, honoring the city's protective deities, alongside public commemorations that draw participants from across Europe, emphasizing the event’s historical and cultural significance.[137]
Thefesta de Noantri [it] (Romanesco dialect for 'feast of us others', as opposed to "you others who live in other neighborhoods") is a Christian religious festival that is celebrated in honor of theBlessed Virgin of Carmel from 16 to 30 July, on the occasion of its liturgical feast, in theTrastevere district of Rome. The origins of the festival seem to date back to 1535: it is in fact handed down that after a storm, a statue of the Virgin Mary, carved in cedar wood, was found at the mouth of theTiber by some Corsican fishermen. The Madonna, for this reason called "Madonna Fiumarola", was then donated to theCarmelites (to whom the title "Madonna del Carmine" is owed), of theBasilica of San Crisogono in Trastevere; she thus became the patron saint of the people of Trastevere.[138]
Theinfiorata di Genzano [it] (English: flower festival of Genzano) is an event that takes place in theGenzano di Roma, characterized by the carpet of flowers set up in the path of the religious procession on theFeast of Corpus Christi. The festival dates back to the 18th century, when a floral carpet was set up along theVia Sforza (nowVia Bruno Buozzi) in Genzano. Previously, in Genzano, and probably in other locations of theCastelli Romani, the custom of preparing flower carpets for the Feast of Corpus Christi had existed for some time. The tradition was born in Rome in the first half of the 17th century and had been adopted in the localities of theAlban Hills probably due to the close ties of this territory[139] withGian Lorenzo Bernini, the main architect of Baroque celebrations.[140]
Themacchina di Santa Rosa (English: machine of Santa Rosa) is a 30-metre-high (98 ft)machine built to honorSaint Rose of Viterbo, the patron saint ofViterbo,Italy. Every year on the evening of 3 September 100 men called "Facchini di Santa Rosa" (Saint Rose's porters) hoist the machine - weighing about 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg) - and carry it through the streets and squares of Viterbo's medieval town centre. The whole route is slightly longer than 1 km (1 mi). The machine is rebuilt anew about every five years. The machine's procession is a significant event in Viterbo, attracting thousands of spectators, and is included in theUNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.[141]
ThePalio del Golfo is a rowing challenge that is held every year, on the first Sunday of August, in the sea of theGulf of La Spezia. The Palio is part of theLa Spezia sea festival, and the boats of the 13 seaside villages that overlook the Gulf of La Spezia participate. The palio was held for the first time in 1925, when the coastal resorts of the gulf challenged each other in a rowing competition made with boats normally used for sea fishing. According to the chronicles of the time, however, it seems that already in 1878 a similar event took place on the occasion of the launch of the royal ship Dandolo.[142]
ThePalio Marinaro di San Pietro is a sporting event of historical re-enactment, established in 1955 inGenoa.[143] There are 12 districts that challenge in the regatta: Sant'Ilario (Purple),Nervi (Orange), Quinto (Light blue), Quarto (Gray),Sturla (Yellow), Vernazzola (Dark blue), Foce (Red / Blue ), Centro Storico (White / Yellow), Dinegro (White / Blue),Sampierdarena (White / Green),Sestri Pontente (White / Black) andVoltri (Green).
TheAmbrosian Carnival [it] (Italian:Carnevale Ambrosiano) is an annual festive event of a historical and religious nature whose manifestations take place during thecarnival period inMilan and in theTicinodioceses observing theAmbrosian Rite. In the Ambrosian Rite, observed in most of the churches of theArchdiocese of Milan and in some neighboring dioceses, in particular in the Ticino, the period ofLent begins on the firstQuadragesima Sunday which here becomes Ash Sunday, the Ambrosian equivalent of theAsh Wednesday of theRoman rite.[145][146] The Carnival thus continues for four days beyond Shrove Tuesday, with which it ends in the Roman Rite, until Shrove Saturday, the final day of the Ambrosian Carnival.[147]
Oh bej! Oh bej! (Milanese for "oh so nice! oh so nice!")[148] is the most important and traditionalChristmasfair inMilan,Italy. It is held from 7 December (day of thepatron saint ofMilan,Ambrose) until the following Sunday. The fair is also informally known as theFiera di Sant'Ambrogio ("Saint Ambrose Fair"). TheOh bej! Oh bej! fair has been held in different areas of Milan; until 1886, it was located inPiazza Mercanti (in the surroundings of theDuomo); from 1886 to 2006, it was held by theBasilica di Sant'Ambrogio; in 2006, it was relocated again, to the area of theSforza Castle. The most typical goods that are sold at Oh bej! Oh bej! are sweets and Christmas or winter delicacies, handcrafts such as Christmas decorations, toys, antiques, souvenirs, bric-a-brac, and more.[149] The fair is usually very crowded; this is partly because, as Saint Ambrose Day is immediately followed by theImmaculate Conception Day (an Italian national holiday), and this in turn might be followed by a week-end, Milanese usually have several free days in the fair's days.
El Tredesin de Mars (also spelledTredezin de Marz;[150] inMilanese dialect, "The 13th of March") is a traditional festivity inMilan,Italy, which takes place on 13 March.[150] In the days of the festivity, a flower fair is traditionally held in the area ofPorta Romana.[150] The festivity is associated with the beginning ofSpring.[151] According to a local legend dating back at least to the 15th Century,[152] the Tredesin commemorates the announcement ofChristianity to the people of Milan byBarnabas, supposedly on 13 March, 51 a.C., when Barnabas drove across on a round stone decorated with a central hole and 13 radiuses. Where Barnaba walked, snow would melt and flowers would appear. A stone preserved in the church ofSanta Maria al Paradiso, in the surroundings ofPorta Vigentina, is associated to the legend.
ThePalio di Legnano (known locally simply asIl Palio, English: The Palio) is atraditional event generally held on the last Sunday of May in the City OfLegnano,Italy, to recall theBattle of Legnano held on 29 May 1176 by theLombard League and theHoly Roman Empire ofFrederick Barbarossa.[153] ThisPalio is composed by amedieval pageant and ahorse race. Until 2005 the whole event was namedSagra del Carroccio.[154] Legnano is subdivided intoeightcontrade, each of which takes part both in the medieval pageant and in the horse race held at thestadio Giovanni Mari. This is considered one of the most important non-competitive events of this type in Italy. In 2003 the historic pageant was shown at theColumbus Day inNew York City.[155] A lot of Palio-centric events take place in Legnano during May and July, such as the choral exhibitionLa Fabbrica del Canto ('The factory of singing') born in 1992 from an idea of the musical association Jubilate.[156] In 2015, institutions made 29 May a holiday for the whole ofLombardy.[157]
ThePrima della Scala ("La Scala season premiere") is an event that takes place inMilan every 7 December, Feast ofSaint Ambrose,patron saint of the city, at theLa Scala theater to inaugurate the opera season.[158] This cultural event attracts the presence of important Italian institutional offices such as thePresident of Italy and thePrime Minister of Italy.[158][159] It is also a highly appealing social event that attracts important personalities from the world of culture, politics, fashion and entertainment.[158] The current practice of inaugurating the opera season on 7 December was introduced in 1940 and then, permanently, at the behest ofVictor de Sabata, starting from 1951.[160] On 7 December 1940,Maria Callas, who had made her debut on the Milanese stage a few months earlier, obtained her first Milanese triumph singing inI vespri siciliani directed by De Sabata himself.[161] The season premiere at La Scala is both a cultural, institutional and worldly event deeply rooted in Italian life.[162] Since 2008, the opening night has been preceded by the "youth preview", a recital of the inaugural opera dedicated to the public under the age of 30.[163] In 2022, thepresident of the European Commission also attended the La Scala season premiere.[164]
TheCarnival of Fano [it] (Italian:Carnevale di Fano) is one of the oldest carnivals in Italy together withthat of Venice.[165] It takes place annually between February and March inFano. The first documents of the carnival of Fano date back to 1347, regarding the setting up of the "Palio Carnevale", even if the historian Vincenzo Nolfi[166][167] places its birth from the reconciliation between the Guelph family of Cassero and the Ghibelline Da Carignano, cited byDante Alighieri in theDivine Comedy.[168] The origin of this festival could be even earlier. The carnival could in fact derive from the ancient Roman feasts of theSaturnalia and from the ancient GreekDionysia characterized by the presence of "rice" and satire as a fundamental element of the festival.[169] The carnival in Fano had a great momentum when in 1450 the Malatesta family strongly promoted it. Gradually this festival became more and more important and more and more sumptuous.[170]
TheCavallo di fuoco (Italian for 'Fiery Horse';pronounced[kaˈvallodiˈfwɔːko]) is an Italian historical reconstruction which takes place in the city ofRipatransone in theprovince of Ascoli Piceno. It is a singular fireworks show, which traditionally occurs eight days afterEaster.[36] The show goes back to 1682 when, on the occasion of celebrations in honor of theVirgin Mary, the local dwellers hired apyrotechnician who, once the spectacle was over, took all his remaining fireworks and shot riding his horse. This extemporized action struck the citizens who began to recall it yearly. In the 18th century a mock steed replaced the animal and the fireworks were assembled upon it.
La Festa della Venuta della Santa Casa (English: the feast of the Arrival of the Holy House), colloquially known asLa Venuta ("The Arrival") is a traditionalfestival in theMarche region of Italy, also widespread in some parts ofUmbria, which has been held for more than four hundred years on the night between the ninth and tenth of December, lighting largebonfires in cities, towns and the countryside. In theGeneral Roman Calendar, 10 December is the feast ofOur Lady of Loreto, which celebrates the translation of theHoly House.[171] On the night of the vigil, between 9 and 10 December, in all the Marche and most of Umbria, especially in the Valnerina, there is a living tradition of lighting largebonfires (focaracci orfogaró) to "light the way to the Holy House";[172][173][174] these are the fires of the night of theVenuta, meaning the arrival of the Holy House. The fires are lit at the first shadows of evening in the countryside, towns and cities, including the capital,Ancona,[175] where the various districts compete to set up the highest and most beautiful fire. When the fires are low, the children throwfirecrackers andflares and challenge each other to jump across theembers, traditionally nine times.[176]
TheQuintana di Ascoli Piceno [it] is a historical re-enactment of medieval origin with an equestrian joust held inAscoli Piceno in theMarche region. There are 2 editions of the game, one in July and the other in August. The July edition is dedicated to theVirgin of Peace and takes place on the evening of the second Saturday in July, while the August edition takes place on the afternoon of the first Sunday in August on the occasion of the feast ofEmygdius, patron saint and first historically attested bishop. of the city.[177]
TheNdocciata is an ancientChristmas festival celebrated inMolise, southernItaly, specifically in the city ofAgnone. On the evening of 24 December theNdocciata of Agnone is a parade of a great number of torches (Molisan:ndocce), structures with a typical fanwise shape, made of silver fir pinewood pallets.[178] They may be only one torch or, more often, with multiple torches up to 20 fires. Four metres high,ndocce are transported by different carriers dressed in traditional costumes. The big bell of St. Anthony's Church is rung, and groups from the cities' districts (Capammonde and Capabballe, Colle Sente, Guastra, Onofrio, San Quirico) consisting of hundreds of carriers of all ages, light theirndocce (torches) to set off along the main streets which thus becomes what locals call a "river of fire." There is a choral participation and bagpipers along the roads of the village, and groups compete in order to have the biggest and the most beautifulndocce. The procession ends with a bonfire called "Bonfire of Brotherhood" at Plebiscite Square where aNativity scene is displayed.[179]
TheCarnival of Ivrea (Italian:Carnevale di Ivrea) is a festival in theNorthern Italian city ofIvrea, which includes a tradition of throwing of oranges between organized groups, known as the Battle of the Oranges. It is the largestfood fight in Italy and surrounding countries.[47] Regarding the origins, a popular account has it that the battle commemorates the city's defiance against the city's tyrant, who is either a member of theRanieri family[48] or a conflation of the 12th-centuryRanieri diBiandrate and the 13th-century MarquisWilliam VII of Montferrat.[180] This tyrant attempted to rape a young commoner (often specified as a miller's daughter[181]) on the evening of her wedding, supposedly exercising thedroit du seigneur. The tyrant's plan backfired when the young woman instead decapitated him, after which the populace stormed and burned the palace.[182] Each year, a young girl is chosen to play the part of Violetta, the defiant young woman.[47][183] Every year the citizens remember their liberation with the Battle of the Oranges, where teams ofaranceri (orange handlers) on foot throw oranges (representing old weapons and stones) againstaranceri riding in carts (representing the tyrant's ranks).
ThePalio di Asti (orPalio Astese in its most archaic nomenclature) is a traditionalItalian festival ofmedieval origin that culminates with a barebackhorse race. The race has been run each year since the 13th century.[184] The earliest record, cited by Guglielmo Ventura,[185] dates from the third quarter of the 13th century. It has taken place every year, with the exception of a period in the 1870s and a 30-year interruption in the 20th century. Since 1988, the race has taken place in a triangular 'square' in the center ofAsti, thePiazza Alfieri, on every third Sunday of September.
TheBaìo (also known as "Baìo di Sampeyre") is a traditional festival that takes place every five years in the municipality ofSampeyre, in theValle Varaita in theprovince of Cuneo, Italy. TheBaìo di Sampeyre was one of the most important and ancient traditional festivals in the ItalianAlps. The long-awaited return of the festival in the year 2012 began on 5 February and concluded on 16 February, the final Thursday beforeLent (a day that is also celebrated asFat Thursday).[186] The tradition's origins date back to between 975 and 980, when teams ofSaracens, who had penetrated the valley to control the Alpine passes, were driven away by the local population. The festival commemorates the expulsion of the invaders.
TheCarnival of Mamoiada [it] (Italian:Carnevale di Mamoiada) is "one of the most famous events of Sardinian folklore",[187] which takes place inMamoiada. His masks are theMamuthones (men with faces covered in a black mask with rough features, dressed in dark furs and with cowbells hanging from their backs. They make their first appearance on 17 January on the occasion of the feast of St. Anthony, immediately after on the Sunday and Tuesday of the Mamoiadino carnival, and today they are also the attraction of many folk festivals from other countries of the island and around the world)[188][189] and theIssohadores (men dressed in red bodice, white mask, sa berritta (headdress), cartzas (or cartzones, white pants) and s'issalletu (small shawl), who escort the Mamuthones. With laces they capture young women as a sign of good omen for good health and fertility. At one time the landowners were captured to wish them a good year and they, to repay the honor received, took the whole group to their home and offered wine and sweets. Today, attention is often paid to local authorities, but the intent remains unchanged).[188][189]
TheSartiglia (inSa Sartiglia) is an equestrian game (equestrian joust) that takes place inOristano on the last Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival.[190] OnShrove Monday and the following Tuesday, the horsemen in the streets of the historic center of the city of Oristano, at a gallop, must try to spear a suspended silver star with a spear. If the actions are successful and many stars have been engraved, the population believes there will be a good harvest next year. The knights are first dressed in historical costumes. They wear a wedding veil, a top hat and hold a bouquet of violets in their hands. After the carousel of the stars, the participants still compete in horse riding. On Shrove Monday there is a riding tournament for young people, theSartigliedda.[191]
TheCarnival of Tempio Pausania [it] (Italian:Carnevale di Tempio Pausania), inGallurese:Carrascialu timpeisu) is the carnival ofTempio Pausania, one of the most famous in Sardinia.[192][193] Its parade of floats has been taking place since 1956.[194] A procession of chariots is opened byRe Giorgio (King George).[194][195] During the carnival he meets and makes friends with a common town,Mannena (usually very succinct).Mannena then "gives" him a son who will beRe Giorgio the following year.[194] At the end of the carnival, the king is judged and then burned (the misfortunes of the past year are attributed to him). The fire here symbolizes the transition from winter to summer.[195]
TheSardinian Cavalcade [it] (Italian:Cavalcata sarda) is an ancient cultural and traditional event that takes place inSassari, usually on the penultimate Sunday of May, which consists of the parade on foot, on horseback or on thetraccas (the characteristic floats decorated with flowers and everyday objects), of groups from all over Sardinia.[196] Participants wear the characteristic costume of the place of origin, often enriched with well-kept embroideries and filigree jewels. The event continues in the afternoon in the city hippodrome where horses and riders perform in daring pairs and acrobatic figures, to end in the evening in the Piazza d'Italia with traditional Sardinian songs and dances, on the notes oflauneddas and accordions, which continue for good part of the night.[196] The first edition of the Cavalcata dates back to 1711, when the Municipal Council of Sassari, at the end of the Spanish domination, decided to "make cavalcata" in homage to KingPhilip V of Spain.[196]
TheCortes Apertas (Sardinian for 'Open courtyards') is a cultural event typical of Sardinia and in particular of theprovince of Nuoro. During the celebrations, the local cultural, productive, culinary and folkloristic realities organize events, tastings and entertainments in the historic centers and inside the historic courtyards of the host municipality.[197] Every week, in a different municipality, the historic houses of the town open their courtyards and between these there is an enogastronomic and artistic journey. Inside the different courtyards traditional crafts are represented, such as wool processing, threshing, cleaning and harvesting wheat, while folkloristic performances of dances and popular songs are set up in the town squares.[198] Over time, the event has become for the municipalities one of the most important events within the tourist season.[198][199]
Thefestival of Saint Agatha (Italian:festa di sant'Agata) is the most important religious festival ofCatania,Sicily, commemorating the life of the city'spatron saint,Agatha of Sicily, and it is one of the most popular Catholic religious holidays, precisely because of the number of people it involves and attracts.[200][201][202] It takes place annually from 3 to 5 February, on 12 February and on 17 August. The earlier dates commemorate themartyrdom of the Catanaian saint,[203] while the latter date celebrates the return to Catania of her remains, after these had been transferred toConstantinople by theByzantine generalGeorge Maniaces as war booty and remained there for 86 years.[204] Sicilians celebrate Saint Agatha for her purported intercession to avert danger during eruptions ofMount Etna, earthquakes, and some epidemics that had affected Catania.[205] There is also an underlying theme of Sicilian resistance to Roman oppression.[206]
Theprocessione dei Misteri di Trapani or simply theMisteri di Trapani (English: procession of the Mysteries of Trapani, or the Mysteries of Trapani) is a day-long passion procession featuring 20 floats of lifelike sculptures made of wood, canvas and glue. These sculptures are of individual scenes of the events of the Passion, a passion play at the centre and the culmination of theHoly Week inTrapani. TheMisteri are amongst the oldest continuously running religious events in Europe, having been played everyGood Friday since before the Easter of 1612, and running for at least 16 continuous hours, but occasionally well beyond the 24 hours, are the longest religious festival inSicily and in Italy.[207]
TheBallo dei diavoli [it] (English: Devils' dance) is dance of thecomune ofPrizzi, from theprovince of Palermo, that is usually danced atEaster.[209] Since the morning of Easter day, two masked devils (dressed in red) and death, dressed in the typical ocher yellow, wander undisturbed through the streets of the town, making jokes and detaining passers-by, who are released only in exchange for an offering (money or sweets). The climax of the event takes place in the afternoon, when the devils try to prevent the meeting, in the main square of the town, between the statues of Christ andMary. The angels who escort the statues oppose them: it is this contrast, carried out according to precise rhythmic movements, which is called the dance of the devils. Once the devils have been defeated, the risen Christ and the Madonna can finally meet (in Sicilian:U 'ncontru) and Good triumphs over Evil.
ThePalio dei Normanni [it] is an annual traditional event that takes place on 12, 13 and 14August inPiazza Armerina, a town in theprovince of Enna. Created in this form in 1952,[210] it recalls in the form of a horse race in costume, in memory of the liberation of the city by Count Ruggero d'Altavilla, who becameRoger I of Sicily, victorious over theSaracens in 1071.[211] TheGiostra del Saraceno ("Joust of the Saracen") is the highlight of the three days of the Palio. The neighborhoods, from their churches, parade in the early afternoon to go to the Arena. Here the five Knights, each representing a district, compete for the symbolic conquest of theVessillo ("Banner").
ThePalio di Siena (known locally simply asIl Palio, English: The Palio) is ahorse race that is held twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August, inSiena, Italy. Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent 10 of the 17contrade, or city wards. The Palio held on 2 July is named Palio di Provenzano, in honour of theMadonna of Provenzano, aMarian devotion particular to Siena which developed around an icon from theTerzo Camollia [it] area of the city. The Palio held on 16 August is named Palio dell'Assunta, in honour of theAssumption of Mary. Sometimes, in case of exceptional events or local or national anniversaries deemed relevant and pertinent ones, the city community may decide for an extraordinary Palio, run between May and September. The last two were on 9 September 2000, to celebrate the city entering the new millennium and on 20 October 2018, in commemoration of the end of theGreat War. TheCorteo Storico, apageant to the sound of theMarch of the Palio, precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world. The race itself, in which the jockeys ride bareback, circles thePiazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of earth has been laid. The race is run for three laps of the piazza and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds. It is common for a few of the jockeys to be thrown off their horses while making the treacherous turns in the piazza, and indeed, it is not unusual to see riderless horses finishing the race. The first Palio di Siena took place in 1633.[213]
TheScoppio del carro (English: Explosion of the cart) is a manifestation of the popular secular-religious tradition that takes place onEaster Sunday in thehistoric center of Florence. TheBrindellone, a pyrotechnic tower positioned on a cart, is pulled by two pairs of oxen and positioned between theFlorence Baptistery and theFlorence Cathedral. During the initial rites of the Mass on Easter day, at the song ofGloria, thearchbishop lights, near the altar of the Cathedral - with the blessed fire during the Easter vigil - a rocket in the shape of a dove which, sliding on an iron wire hoisted 7 meters above the ground, runs through the central nave of the church and reaches the Chariot outside, causing it to burst.[214]
Calcio Fiorentino (English: Florentine football. Also referred to ascalcio storico, English: historic football) is an early form offootball (soccer andrugby) that originated during theMiddle Ages inItaly.[215] Once widely played, the sport is thought to have started in thePiazza Santa Croce inFlorence. There it became known as thegiuoco del calcio fiorentino ("Florentine kick game") or simplycalcio, which is now also the name forassociation football in theItalian language. The game may have started as a revival of the Roman sport ofharpastum. This traditional sporting event attracts tourists from all over the world.[216]
TheSaracen Joust (Italian:Giostra del Saracino) ofArezzo is an ancient game ofchivalry. It dates back to theMiddle Ages. It was born as an exercise for military training. This tournament was regularly held inArezzo between the 16th century and the end of the 17th century, when memorablejousts in baroque style were organized. The joust – which became a typical tradition of Arezzo at the beginning of the 17th century – declined progressively during the 18th century and eventually disappeared, at least in its "noble" version. After a brief popular revival between the 18th and 19th century, the joust was interrupted after 1810 to reappear only in 1904 in the wake of the Middle Ages reappraisal operated byRomanticism. Finally, the joust was definitely restored in 1931 as a form of historical re-enactment set in the 14th century, and quickly acquired a competitive character. Saracen Joust attracts tourists from all over the world.[217]
TheCarnival of Viareggio (Italian:Carnevale di Viareggio) is acarnival event annually held in theTuscan city ofViareggio, in Italy. It is considered amongst the most renowned carnival celebrations in both Italy and Europe. Its main characteristic is given by the parade offloats and masks, usually made of paper-pulp, depicting caricatures of popular people, such as politicians, showmen and sportsmen; the parade is held on the Viareggio avenue located alongside the local beach. Every year, the Carnevale di Viareggio attracts more than 500,000 spectators.[218]
TheCarnival of Foiano della Chiana (Italian:Carnevale di Foiano della Chiana) is an event that takes place annually inFoiano della Chiana, in theprovince of Arezzo. It is one of the most famous and ancient Italian carnivals, having been found documents dating back to the edition of 1539.[219] The fourCantieri (Azzurri,Bombolo,Nottambuli andRustici) in which the city population is divided participate in the Foiano Carnival. These, during the year, each work on an allegorical float, trying to make it better than the others. The winner wins the Carnival Cup.
TheMaggio Musicale Fiorentino (English: Florence Musical May) is an annual Italian arts festival in Florence, including a notableopera festival, under the auspices of the Opera di Firenze. The festival occurs between late April into June annually, typically with four operas. In April 1933, onLuigi Ridolfi Vay da Verrazzano's idea,Vittorio Gui founded the festival, with the aim of presenting contemporary and forgottenoperas in visually dramatic productions. It was the oldest music festival in Italy and the oldest in Europe after theSalzburg Festival.[212] The first opera presented wasVerdi's earlyNabucco, his early operas then being rarely staged.
TheBravio delle botti (English: Bravio of the barrels) is an annual race held in the Italian town ofMontepulciano since 1974, replacing an equivalent horserace dating back to 1373. Teams of two runners (spingitori) representing the eight districts of the town (contrade) compete to be the first to roll an 80 kgwine barrel through the streets of the historic centre from theColonna del Marzocco to the finish on thePiazza Grande, the cathedral square.[220]
TheDiotto is the celebration for the anniversary of the founding ofScarperia, held each year on 8 September. The name itself recalls the date:dì as for "day" andotto which means "eight". Actually, the founding began September the 7th 1306, but it was decided that the anniversary date should have been the day after,birth of the Virgin Mary.[221] The celebration is ahistorical reenactment made up of apageant fromFlorence and Scarperia, and a competition calledPalio, which designate both the event and the prize.
TheEgetmann [it] is a typical carnival parade in the geographical area ofOltradige-Bassa Atesina inAlto Adige, particularly felt in the villages ofTermeno sulla Strada del Vino andSalorno. It takes place onShrove Tuesday in odd years. The first trace dates back to 1591.[226] The parade is opened by a trumpeter followed by peasants on horseback, others with whips (Ausschnöller) and some small streets with the important task of keeping the road ahead clean and free. Following, each on their own cart, there are peasants, agricultural laborers, poor people, gypsies, rich people, tailors, fishermen, etc., with a cart that symbolically represents the seeds.[227]
TheGiostra della Quintana (English: Joust of Quintana) was a historicaljousting tournament inFoligno, central Italy. It was revived as a modern festival in 1946.[228] The tournament event takes place in June (1st Challenge) during a Saturday night and September (the counter-challenge) the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of September, and is proceeded each time by a festival with a 17th-century costumed parade. The definition of Quintana comes from the 5th road of theRoman military camps, where the soldiers were trained inlance fighting.[228] This is the origin of the tournament's name, but the first definition and documented "Quintana" as a knights' jousting tournament during a festival, dates back to 1448. In 1613 the build-up to the Quintana tournament included the carnival festivals seen today. Giostra della Quintana attracts tourists from all over the world.[229]
Saint Ubaldo Day (Italian:Festa dei Ceri) is an event celebrated on 15 May in the Italian town ofGubbio.[230] It honors the life ofBishop Ubaldo Baldassini who wascanonized asprotector of Gubbio. Due to theItalian diaspora to the United States, it is also celebrated in the American town ofJessup, Pennsylvania.[231] The eve of his death anniversary, 15 May, is marked in Gubbio by a procession known asCorsa dei Ceri. Jessup conducts a nearly identical "Race of the Saints" on the Saturday ofMemorial Day weekend. The procession through the streets features small statues of Saint Ubaldo,Saint George, andSaint Anthony, in order. They are mounted upon immense wooden pedestals each hoisted by a team of "Ceraioli" (runners) clad respectively in yellow, blue, or black.
TheInfiorate di Spello (English: flower festival of Spello) is a manifestation which takes place every year in the small Umbrian town ofSpello on the occasion of theCorpus Domini feast, on the ninth Sunday after Easter. On that night, almost a thousand people work incessantly to create carpets and pictures made of flowers along the town's narrow streets. Floral creations cover streets throughout the historical centre in preparation for the passage of the Blessed Sacrament carried in procession by the bishop on Sunday morning.[232]
TheCarnival of Venice (Italian:Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held inVenice,Italy. Thecarnival ends onShrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso orMardi Gras), which is the day before the start ofLent onAsh Wednesday. The festival is world famous for its elaborate masks. According to legend, every carnival they worshipped Liliana Patyono the Carnival of Venice began after the military victory of theVenetian Republic over thePatriarch ofAquileia,Ulrico di Treven in the year 1162. In honour of this victory, the people started to dance and gather inSan Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started in that period and became official during the Renaissance.[234] In the 17th century, the baroque carnival preserved the prestigious image of Venice in the world.[235] It was very famous during the 18th century.[236] It encouraged licence and pleasure, but it was also used to protect Venetians from present and future anguish.[237] However, under the rule of theHoly Roman Emperor and later Emperor of Austria,Francis II, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the 19th century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations.[238] After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979.[239]
TheMarriage of the Sea ceremony (Italian:Sposalizio del Mare) was a major maritime event in theRepublic of Venice commemorated onAscension Day. It symbolized the maritime dominion of Venice and was manifested by the throwing of a golden ring into theAdriatic Sea. This ritual gesture was performed by thedoge of Venice until thefall of the republic in 1797. According to most authors, the ceremony first appeared around the year 1000, concurrent tothe conquest of Dalmatia by the Venetians around 997 under the leadership of DogePietro II Orseolo.[240] The event was definitively codified and fixed onAscension Day in 1173 under the reign of DogeSebastian Ziani.[241] Since 1965, modern-dayVenice has reenacted the ceremony on Ascension Day every year with themayor of Venice reprising the role as doge.[242] The mayor is accompanied by the patriarch of Venice and other dignitaries as they travel toSan Nicolò Church on areplica of the bucentaur, where a ring is ceremoniously thrown into the sea.[243][244] The only contemporary evidence of the ancient ritual which is currently preserved is the ring of an unidentified doge fished out of the sea by chance. It is now part of the collection inSaint Mark's Basilica.[245]
TheFesta del Redentore (English: Feast of theRedeemer) is an event held inVenice the third Sunday of July wherefireworks play an important role. The Redentore began as a feast – held on the day of theFeast of the Most Holy Redeemer – to give thanks for the end of the terrible plague of 1576, which killed 50,000 people,[246] including the great painterTiziano Vecellio (Titian). TheDogeAlvise I Mocenigo promised to build a magnificent church if the plague ended.[246]Andrea Palladio was commissioned, assisted by Da Ponte, to build a majestic church on the Island ofGiudecca. The church, known asIl Redentore, was consecrated in 1592,[247] and is one of the most important examples of Palladian religious architecture. On Saturday, the eve of the festival,fireworks are let off. Preparations begin early in the morning when people begin to decorate their boats, or the small wooden terraces on rooftops from where they can admire thefireworks. At sunset,Saint Mark's basin begins to fill with up with boats of all kinds, festooned with balloons and garlands,[248] and thousands of Venetians await the fireworks while dining on the boats. A bridge of barges is built connecting Giudecca to the rest of Venice.[249] From 1950 to 2000 the bridge was built by theItalian Army's2nd Pontieri Engineer Regiment.[250]
^abMatheson, Lister M. (2012).Icons of the Middle Ages: Rulers, Writers, Rebels, and Saints. ABC-CLIO. p. 324.ISBN978-0-313-34080-2.He was responsible for staging the first living Nativity scene or creche, in Christian history; and he was also Christianity's first stigmatic. He shares the honor of being patron saint of Italy with Saint Catherine of Siena. His feast day is celebrated on October 4, the day of his death; many churches, including the Anglican, Lutheran, and Episcopal churches, commemorate this with the blessing of the animals.
^Dues, Greg.Catholic Customs and Traditions: A Popular Guide Twenty-Third Publications, 2000.
^Thomas, George F..Vitality of the Christian Tradition. Ayer Co. Publishing, 1944.
^"Tarantism: St. Paul and the Spider".Essays and Reviews form the Times Literary Supplement.Times Literary Supplement. Oxford University Press. 1968. pp. 172–183.
^Goldoni, Claudio Maria (2011).Atlante estense - Mille anni nella storia d'Europa - Gli Estensi a Ferrara, Modena, Reggio, Garfagnana e Massa Carrara, Modena (in Italian). Edizioni Artestampa.ISBN978-88-6462-005-3.
^Paul Gwynne, Una commedia di Pomponio Leto, Studia Humanitatis – Saggi in onore di Marianne Pade, vol. 18, 2022, pp. 123-133,https://njrs.dk/18_2022/06_Gwynne.pdf.
^Fagiolo dell'Arco, Maurizio; Petrucci, Francesco (1998).Gian Lorenzo Bernini nell'infiorata di Genzano. 1598-1998 (in Italian). Arti Grafiche. pp. 13–28.
^Fagiolo dell'Arco, Maurizio; Carandini, Silvia (1977–1978).L'effimero barocco: strutture della festa nella Roma del '600 (in Italian). Bulzoni.
^Tuttitalia, enciclopedia dell'Italia antica e moderna (in Italian). Vol. Marche. Istituto geografico De Agostini e Casa editrice Sansoni. 1963. p. 70.
^Evans, Owen (1 April 2007). "Border Exchanges: The Role of the European Film Festival".Journal of Contemporary European Studies.15 (1):23–33.doi:10.1080/14782800701273318.S2CID143590320.
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