If you take a close look at any regional calendar, you'll realize that you could fill every day of the year traveling around Italy to take part in a special procession in some small town, or a world acclaimed festival in a big city.
Here is a list of only a few of the many special events in Italy. While it is safe to say that something wonderful is happening somewhere in Italy each day, we must caution that it is rare for any single tour departure to coincide with an event. Even then, some will require advance reservations and the tour member might miss an included tour activity.
Of course, it still may be worth the effort, and if there is a way we can help, we will. Enjoy!

JANUARY
January 6th, Epiphany - La Befana, Rome Piazza Navona must be visited on this day, when all the Romans come to see the Befana, the Italian version of a witch, being burnt, and leaving all the Christmas festivities behind. The square, for the days coming up to the "Befana" are full of stalls, artists ready to draw your portrait, mimes and clowns entertaining children and adults alike.
	How to go...       Roman Holiday - Beginning of January departure
FEBRUARY
Shrove Tuesday - Martedi Grasso, Venice There is only one place in the world where you can be today, and that's Venice. Venetians prepare one year in advance their elaborate and elegant costumes. Walking along the quaint canals you'll feel transported back in time.
APRIL
Easter Sunday - Papal Address, Rome The Pope makes his Easter address from the Vatican.
	How to go... (Tickets must be reserved well in advance.)       Roman Holiday - Late March departure       South & Sicily - 3rd week of March departure
Easter Sunday - Scoppio del Carro, Florence Firework display lit by a mechanical dove in front of the Duomo. The story wants it that in the year 1099 the famous Captain Pazzino dei Pazzi was the first knight to climb the Great Walls of Jerusalem, bringing the Christian flag. For his courage he was rewarded with some stones from the Saint Sepulchre. Pazzino brought them back to Florence, and the Bishop used them to light the fire during Easter Saturday. The fire was distributed to all the people in church. In honor of this ceremony the Pazzi family built a monumental cart called the Brindellone, and to this day the ceremony is repeated every Easter.
	How to go... (Tickets must be reserved well in advance.)
Fiesta di San Marco, Venice Celebration of S. Mark, the patron saint of the city. Venetians commemorate it with a gondola race across St. Mark's basin.
	How to go...       Italy North (Milan arrival) - 3rd week of April departure       Italy North Continental - 3rd week of April departure       3 City Aristocrat - 3rd week of April departure
MAY
Greek Drama in Theatre (between May and June), Syracuse Festival of Greek Drama
Maggio Musicale (between May and June), Florence Florence's biggest arts festival, including music, drama and dance
	How to go...       All Perillo Tours that overnight in Florence. Specific events and tickets should be arranged before arriving in Italy
JUNE
Calcio Storico Fiorentino (June), Florence This is a spectacular event that goes beyond the simple football match as we know it. It's the re-evocation of the original football game as it was played in Florence during the 17th century, by four teams representing the main districts of the city. All the football teams today still dress with the original costumes. Its a very fast and aggressive game that keeps spectators, both Florentines and foreigners, on the edge of their seat until the end.
	How to go...       This is a big event in a small square. I would think tickets are very hard to come by.
Festa dei Due Mondi (Late June/early July), Spoleto International festival or drama, music and dance.
JULY
July 2nd - Corsa del Palio, Siena Tuscany's most famous event, the Palio takes place in the Piazza del Palio in Siena on July 2nd and again August 16th. This bareback horse race was first recorded in 1283, but many think it goes all the way back to the Roman Empire, and their military training. The jockeys represent the 17 "contrade" (districts) in Siena, and the horses are each blessed at "their" local church. For days before the actual Palio, colorful pageantry and parades in original costumes take place in this Tuscan town. The actual race only lasts for more that 90 seconds, and the prize is won by the fastest horse, even if the jockey falls off during the race (this often happens).
	How to go...       Unfortunately, Super bowl tickets are much easier to get.
One week mid July - Feast of Santa Rosalia, Palermo, Sicily Procession, bands, fireworks in honor of the patron saint of Palermo.
Last 2 weeks of July - Festa De'Noantri, Rome (Trastevere) Folklore festival of Old Rome in Trastevere, including a colorful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dances and songs, carnival floats and fireworks.
	How to go...       Roman Holiday - 3rd week of July departure       10 Day Vesuvius - 3rd week of July departure       Italy North Classic (starting in Rome) - 3rd week of July departures       Italy North Classic (starting in Milan) 2nd week of July departures       Italy North Continental - Mid July departure       3 City Aristocrat - Mid July departure
3rd Saturday of July - Il Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer) Venice Always on the 3rd Sunday in July this is a procession of Gondalas commemorating the end of the Epidemic of 1575.
AUGUST
August 16th - Corsa del Palio, Siena This famous race is run again in August.
	How to go...       Super Bowl tickets are still much easier to get.
Venice Film Festival (Late August/Early September), Venice World famous International Film Festival at the Lido of Venice.
	How to go...       All Perillo Tours that overnight in Venice. Specific events and tickets should be arranged before arriving in Italy.
SEPTEMBER
Early September - Historical Regatta, Venice Held on the 1st Sunday of September, this is a traditional competition between two-oar racing gondolas and a procession of ceremonial boats.
Sagra dell'Uva (Early September), Rome Harvest Festival, with wine tasting and special events in the Roman castles, just outside of Rome.
September 19th - The Miracle of San Gennaro, Naples Annual re-enactment of the liquefaction of the Saints blood. This is probably the most important event in the city of Naples, followed by many processions in the streets, and spectacular fireworks in the evening.
	How to go...       Italy North Classic (starting in Rome) - Mid September departures       South & Sicily - 2nd week of September departure
OCTOBER
October 4th - Festa di San Francesco, Assisi A big feast and procession in honor of the saint.
NOVEMBER
November 21 - Festa della Madonna della Salute, Venice Traditional religious ceremony and popular festival in the homonymous Basilica to give thanks to the Virgin in memory of the 1630 plague.
	How to go...       Tours in this date range are published June
DECEMBER
Sant'Ambrogio, Milan (Early Dec.) The official opening of La Scala Opera House season. One of the most important cultural and social events in Milan and Italy.
	How to go...       Check http://www.teatroallascala.org/ for schedule and ticket info
December 25 - Christmas Day Public blessing by the Pope in St. Peter's Square.
	How to go... (Tickets must be reserved well in advance.)       Roman Holiday - 3rd week of December departure

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