Italy is a country that always has an action-packed calendar of events throughout the year. 2023 is no exception. We’ve decided that it would actually be impossible to create a list of every single event in Italy – there are just too many events through Italy’s towns and villages. But, here’s our list of the most famous events in Italy this year (with some of our favourites thrown in for good measure!), month by month from January to June.
January 2023 events in Italy
Epiphany
On January 6th, Italians mark Epiphany. This is officially the 12th day of Christmas and commemorates the presentation of the baby Jesus to the Three Wise Men. In Italy, it is also the day on which children will be celebrating the arrival of Befana. According to Italian folklore, Befana is an old lady who travels around on a broomstick delivering gifts to children and filling their stockings with toys and sweets on the eve of Epiphany.
Nowhere brings Befana to life more than the city of Venice. Here, at 11 o’clock in the morning on 6th January, a race begins at the Palazzo Balbi. Members of the oldest rowing association in the city – the Bucintoro – dress up as maranteghe (befane) and compete to be the first to reach the race end point at the Rialto Bridge.
Festivities aren’t confined to Venice. However, in Rome events have a religious basis. Here, preceding a special mass led by the Pope at St Peter’s to mark Epiphany, there is a procession along the Via delle Consolazioni, with hundreds of people dressed in Medieval costumes carrying symbolic gifts for the pontiff. Florence also conducts a similar procession from the Palazzo Pitti to the Duomo. Elsewhere, in small towns many churches will perform living nativities to mark the day.
February 2023 events in Italy
Carnevale
February is carnival season in Italy. There are loads of carnivals throughout the country, however the main ones are the Carnevale di Viargeggio (this year being held on the 4th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 21st and 25th February) along with the Carnevale in Venice from 4-21 February. One of the oldest carnivals in Italy though is that in Putignano in Puglia which is believed to have been running since 1394.
The Venice Carnival is steeped in history. It actually dates back to 1162 when Venetians took to the streets to celebrate the victory of the Republic of Venice over Aquileia. Every year since, Venetians marked the victory with celebrations in the streets. However, in 1797 the event was outlawed by Francis II, the Holy Roman Emperor, as were the masks that were worn by citizens to conceal their identities. After that, the festival did have brief moments when it was revived in the 19th century but actually it was only in 1979 that the Venice Carnival started to resemble how it looks today. At this time, the Italian government decided to use this historic event to rejuvenate Venice’s heritage. Ever since, the event has grown and grown and nowadays it’s one of the biggest celebations anywhere in the world.
The first week of the Venice Carnival tends to warm up slowly however it’s not long before you’ll see plenty of people dressed in impressive 17th century Venetian costumes in organised parades and simple street processions. There are also numerous events and balls that take place across this period.
In Viareggio, visitors will be treated to a bright and colourful parade of floats, featuring people in spectacular costumes and masks. Often these are caricatures of politicians, actors and sportsmen and women. The Viareggio carnival was first held in 1873, organised by the wealthy middle class who wanted to organise a parade of floats adorned with fresh flowers. A number of local citizens protested and adorned masks in order to show their disgust of the high taxes that they were being forced to pay.
Whilst the carnivals in Viareggio and Venice are the most famous in Italy, we also have rather a soft spot for the Ivrea Carnevale which will be taking place from 19-21 February 2023.
Every February or March, the town of Ivrea hosts a 3 day long festival. Incidentally, we think that this must also be Italy’s messiest festival as it involves participants literally pelting each other with oranges as they process through the streets.
The festival’s origins lie in the Middle Ages and commemorates the defiance of the city against a tyrannical member of the Ranieri family. So the story goes, this tyrant tried to rape a young miller’s daughter on the eve of her wedding, exercising the droit du seigneur. The good news is that, if the story is to be believed, the girl had the last laugh, decapitating the tyrant and triggering a riot through the streets during which the palace was stormed and burned!
Each year, a young girl is chosen to play the part of the young woman, Violetta, whilst teams of aranceri (orange handlers) on foot pelt teams of aranceri riding in carts with oranges. Those on foot represent the commoners whilst those in carts are the tyrants. There are nine combat teams in total and there is an entrance fee if you want to take part. This is serious stuff – you’ll be kitted out with a helmet for protection – but with more than 400 tons of oranges thrown each day, you’ll certainly be grateful for it!
Festa di Sant’ Agata
In Sicily, a very important religious event takes place in Catania – the Festa di Sant’ Agata. In 2023, it will be held between 3 and 5 February. it celebrates the life and martyrdom of the city’s patron saint Agatha who is believed to protect the citizens of Catania from the power of Mount Etna.
Events kick off with a procession at midday on the 3rd when eleven large candles (cannalori) are carried from the Church of Sant’ Agata alla Fornace to the Cathedral of St Agatha. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, there is then a race through the streets of the town followed by a concert and fireworks in the evening. The following morning, there is the Messa dell’ Aurora (Mass at Dawn). This is followed by another procession during which a reliquary bust of St Agatha is placed on the top of a silver carriage and paraded through the streets of Catania. Devoted followers of the saint wear white tunics tied at the waist with a rope. Celebrations continue that night and on the final day, there is yet another procession after mass
March 2023 events in Italy
Celebration of the Ides of March
March 15th is the celebration of the anniversary of the death of Julius Caesar. It is marked by a fascinating reenactment of events in the Largo di Torre Argentina in the very heart of the city of Rome. You can watch as citizens act out the part of the Senators plotting the assassination, as Ceasar is warned of what awaits and of Marc Anthony being distracted. You will also witness Caesar being stabbed 23 times and falling to the floor dead. An actor then plays the part of Marc Anthony and performs the famous Shakespearean lines, ‘Friends, Romans, Countrymen…’ in Italian. Events then culminate in a funeral procession to the Roman Forum and the Temple Divus Julius.
Rome Marathon
Also in Rome on 19 March 2023 is the Rome marathon. If you’re into your running, then routes don’t get much more spectacular than this. The 42 km route will take you past some spectacular historic monuments including the Colosseum, St Peter’s Square. It’s also pretty flat but runners should be aware of the long stretch of cobbles which can be tricky to run on.
Palio dei Somari
Whilst this palio may not be Italy’s most famous, we think it’s definitely one of its most entertaining. It takes place in Torrita di Siena in Tuscany and is a race between jockeys on donkeys rather than horses! It is always held on the first Sunday after 19 March (or on the 19 March itself in 2023 as this happens to be a Sunday). The eight districts of the town – Porta a Pago, Porta a Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, Cavone, Le Fonti, Refenero and Stazione – compete in the race with the first over the finishing line claiming victory. The race has been held annually since 1966 when the 7000 residents of the town decided they wanted to do something to commemorate St Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters and workers. Like the main palio in Siena, the event is also preceded by an impressive parade that includes dozens of flag throwers.
Eurochocolate
Perugia will host a week-long celebration of chocolate in Perugia, Umbria between 24 March and 2 April 2023. Perugia is well known for its chocolates, thanks to being the HQ for the Perugina company. Eurochocolate was historically an Autumn festival but its phenomenal success has led to it also being held in the Spring. (Eurochocolate will also take place from 13-22 October 2023).
April 2023 events in Italy
Easter 2023 falls in the month of April and, not surprisingly this brings about a number of events in Italy.
Good Friday Processions
Nearly 80% of Italians are Roman Catholic so it’s no surprise that there are a number of important events around Easter time. On Good Friday (Venerdi Santo), the mood in Italy can actually often be quite sombre, with many churches cloaking statues in black or dark red covers. Many churches will have special statues of both Jesus and the Virgin Mary which they parade through the streets on this day, whilst participants frequently dress in ancient costumes carrying olive branches or palm fronds.
There are processions all over Italy but the biggest and most famous of these include the Way of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa in Rome. Tens of thousands of Christians will make their way from all parts of the world to Rome to participate in a torchlit procession led by the Pope. Smaller but equally beautiful torchlit processions take place in towns such as Orvieto and Assisi in Umbria. Here, the Processione del Cristo Morto sees a procession of barefooted and hooded penitents make their way through the torch-lit Medieval streets.
There are a number of other major events in Italy including a number of processions in Sicily which tend to be the most dramatic of any across the country. These include the Good Friday procession – Misteri di Trapani – in Trapani which lasts a whole day. Alternatively, head to Enna where you will find around 2000 friars making their way through the city streets accompanied by the sombre music of a marching band. Events in Sardinia tend to be equally dramatic.
Easter Sunday Celebrations
After the sombre tone of Good Friday, events in Italy on Easter Sunday are much more celebratory affairs. The most impressive Easter Sunday celebrations are in Florence. Here, you will find the Scoppio del Carro.
Dating back to the First Crusade, this tradition sees an 18th Century cart being pulled to the Piazza del Duomo by a pair of oxen whilst simultaneously being accompanied by flag throwers and drummers. Once at the cathedral square, from the safety of the cathedral altar, the Archbishop lights the fuse of a dove-shaped rocket which flies down a wire to the cart outside setting off a spectacular fireworks display. The procession starts early and the fireworks are released at 11am. Arrive early to be sure of getting a place.
Another famous event in Italy is in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Here, Easter Sunday is celebrated with the Madonna che Scappa in Piazza. Participants dress in white and green, the colours of peace, hope and resurrection. A woman plays the role of the Virgin Mary and is dressed in black however, as she moves towards the central fountain in the main square, doves are released and she is suddenly dressed in green.
Easter Monday celebrations
Religious celebrations continue into Easter Monday (La Pasquetta). Many towns and cities will celebrate with concerts. One of the most unusual is in Panicale in Umbria. Here, the annual Ruzzolone takes place. It is claimed that this cheese rolling competition originated in Etruscan times and is over 3000 years old. Competitors (giocattori) attach a leather strap with a wooden handle to a 4kg round of pecorino cheese which they have to wheel through the streets of Panicale. Each time the cheese stops, the place is marked with chalk. The winner is the person that finishes the course with the least number of ‘strokes’. The prize? The winner gets to take the winning piece of cheese home with them!
VinItaly
VinItaly is an international wine competition and exposition that has been taking place every year since 1967 in the city of Verona. These days, it’s the largest wine show in the world and in 2023, it will take place between 2 and 5 April.
An event held exclusively for wine professionals, it features an average of 3000 wines from dozens of countries across the world. Wineries will use the event to launch new wines and wine styles.
Natale di Roma
The Natale di Roma is Rome’s birthday. Celebrated annually on 21 April since legend has it that this was the day on which Rome was founded by Romulus after the defeat of his brother Remus. The day is filled with historical parades on the Via dei Fori Imperiali along with reenactments, celebrations and fireworks.
Liberation Day
Celebrated since 1946, 25 April marks Italian Liberation Day and is a chance for Italians to reflect on the events and Nazi occupation of WWII and to celebrate the freedom gained by their defeat and the fall of fascism. April 25th was chosen as the date to mark this event since it was the day when the key Northern industrial cities of Milan and Turin were liberated. As you would expect, this is a sombre day for Italians. Commemorative ceremonies are held at the Quirinale Palace in Rome and wreaths are laid by the President and others at the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland).
Festa di San Marco
25 April is also the date that the Venetians celebrate the Festa di San Marco, the patron saint of Venice. According to tradition, the men of Venice will honour their loved ones on this day by giving them a rosebud (bocolo). This is a nod to the legend about the tragic love of the humble troubadour Tancredi and the Doge’s daughter, Maria. Also on this day, the Regata dei Traghetti takes place. This is a boat race between gondoliers, who compete whilst having passengers on board! For a good veiw of the spectacle, find a spot along the shore between St Mark’s Square and the Viale Giardini Pubblici.
Artichoke Festival
On 25 April each year, an Artichoke Festival takes place in Chiusure near Pienza in Tuscany. At this time, the town is filled with people celebrating the humble artichoke that is grown in this area of Italy. It is part of a series of events called Sapori delle Crete. Incidentally, Ramacca in Sicily also holds an artichoke festival at a similar time, celebrating the violet artichoke (Violetto Ramacchese) which has been grown around this village in Catania for centuries. Again, there are plenty of tastings and live music.
May 2023 events in Italy
Festa de Lavori (Labour Day)
Over 80 countries around the world mark 1st May as International Workers Day or Labour Day. The biggest celebration you will in Italy to mark the day is in the capital – Rome. Here, the annual 1st May concert (Concerto del Primo Maggio) – is attended by around half a million people and is televised live.
Calendimaggio
Always held across the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May (so it will be between 3-6 May in 2023), Calendimaggio sees the two historical rival camps of Assisi battle it out in a Medieval themed celebration of the arrival of Spring! The Parte de Sopra are the upper parts of the town. Here, the nobles of the city are represented. The Parte de Sotto is the lower neighbourhood of Assisi representing the simpler, lower classes. The two rival camps compete in a number of games, songs and plays, all done in Medieval costumes. A carefully selected jury (which includes a historian, musicologist and entertainment personality) chooses the winner of each contest. On the final evening, the Madonna Primavera is elected.
Festival of the Snakes
Italy’s Festival of the Snakes – is always held on the first Thursday in May in the small town of Cocullo in Abruzzo. It commemorates the legend that, back in the 11th century, the town’s patron saint, San Domenico di Sora, helped the town’s farmers by rendering all the poisonous snakes in the area harmless. Before the festival, snake catchers and charmers – serpari – go out and catch harmless snakes which they then hand out to worshippers. As the statue of the Saint is carried through the streets of Cocullo, it is draped with hundreds of these live snakes. So many are added that the statue is almost hidden beneath a sea of the slippery creatures. The procession is accompanied with live music and many participants wear traditional costumes, handing out sweets and snake shaped bread to those watching.
Festa della Sensa
The Festa della Sensa or Ascension of Christ is a spectacular annual event in Venice which this year will be held on the weekend of 20 and 21 May 2023.
It commemorates two key events in the history of the city. The first is 9 May 1000 AD when Doge Pietro II Orseolo rescued the Dalmatians from the Slavs. The second was the later events of 1177 AD when Doge Sebastiano Ziani, Pope Alexander III and Frederick Barbarossa agreed the Treaty of Venice ended the war between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Every year since then the Doge would sail on the state barge – the Bucintoro – to San Pietro di Castello at St Elena where the Bishop of Venice would be waiting aboard a gilt-edged boat to bless him, after which the Doge would throw a gold ring into the water of the lagoon.
These days, the day is marked with a parade of colourful, traditional rowing boats on the water. The Serenissima – a boat carrying the mayor and other dignitaries – leads the way. And still today, a ring is launched into the water followed by a religious ceremony at the Church of San Nicolo on the Venice Lido. Events also include a Venetian rowing competition.
Festa dei Ceri
This annual event in the city of Gubbio will be held on 15 May 2023 and involves a traditional ‘ceri’ race in the late afternoon. ‘Ceri’ are wooden candles, 5 metres high weighing a staggering 300 to 400 kg. They’re carried vertically by their bearers – the ‘Ceraioli’. The weight of them means that each Ceraioli is only permitted to carry the structure for a distance of 70 metres.
Each candle is mounted with a statue of either Saint Ubaldo (yellow), Saint Giorgio (blue) or Saint Antonio Abate (black). Supporters of each Ceraioli will dress in the colours of their candle.
On the morning of the festival, a Ceraioli is nominated to lead the three relay teams who are tasked with transporting these wooden candles through Gubbio and uphill to the Basilica of St. Ubaldo, located on the top of Mount Ingino. Although it’s called a race, the participants must remain in their starting order throughout – with the best Ceraioli chosen by Gubbio’s inhabitants.
Infiorata
Also held on the 9th Sunday after Easter is the Infiorata. This takes place in many towns around Italy but the three most spectacular and important are in Spello (Umbria), Noto (Sicily) and Genzano (Lazio).
In Spello, the event dates as far back as 1831, commemorating the Corpus Domini feast. Whilst Spello seems to be filled with flowers all year round, during the Infiorata, the town’s streets are literally paved with over sixty large flower murals. All constructed using flower petals, these carpet Spello’s narrow pavements and roads. The Infiorata in Genzano dates even further back to 1778. Here, fifteen flower panels are created using half a million flowers and seeds. The one in Noto has much more modern beginnings and only started in 1980. Here, the Via Corrado Nicolaci (122 metres long and 7 metres wide) is divided up into 16 sections, each 6 metres by 4 metres and each one becomes a canvas for artists to create their incredible pictures using flowers, all linked via a common theme. In 2023, the Infiorata will be held between 19 and 23 May.
Venice Biennale
The Venice Art Biennale runs from May to November every other year. It alternates between art and architectural exhibitions, all working to one overarching theme. The event was founded in 1893 and these days, it showcases a selection of modern art from artists around the world. The last one was in 2022 so there will not be one in 2023, but watch out for it returning in 2024!
Sagra dei Limoni
The Sagra dei Limoni in Monterosso in the Cinque Terre is always held on the third Saturday of May. The village is filled with the scent of lemons and there are ample opportunities to taste them in dozens of different food and drinks including lemon marmalade, torta al limone and limoncino.
Feast of San Giorgio
The Feast of San Giorgio is arguably one of Italy’s most loud and colourful festivals, held on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. It takes place in Ragusa Ibla, a hilltop city in the south east of Sicily. The festival takes place over three days but the highlight of festivities is a procession through the streets of Ragusa during which residents carry a statue of San Giorgio (St George) aloft along with a huge silver casket containing his relics. All this is accompanied with a backdrop of booming cannons, ringing church bells and the sound of military bands playing. Fireworks mark the moment when the statue is carried up the steps of the Duomo and returned to its normal position.
Festa delle Madonna delle Milizie
The Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie is held on the last Saturday of May in Scicli, Sicily. This annual event commemorates the attempted Turkish invasion and the successful defence by the Normans who, just as they were about to be defeated, were saved by a sword-wielding Madonna! In the main Piazza Italia, local actors recount the deeds of the Madonna. As evening falls, the sound of drums announces the beginning of the reenactment of the battle and the arrival of the Madonna delle Milizie. Fireworks round off the evening as the Turks escape on their boats!
Vogalonga Regatta
28 May 2023 sees another regatta in Venice. The Vogalonga Regatta is a non competitive event between rowers and is a peaceful protest against the damage that has been caused to the city by motor boats, cruise liners and lagoon degeneration.
La Pioggia di Petali di Rose
Pentecost (28 May 2023), the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday, sees the rose petal drop from the open oculus in the ceiling of the Pantheon in Rome. This is the day when it is said that the Holy Spirit comes down to earth.
The event takes place after Mass has been held. It is a free event but if you want to have a chance of attending, you will need to start queuing hours before.
Ferrara Palio
The 28 May 2023 is a busy day in Italy! On this day, the Ferrara Palio will also take place. This is believed to be the oldest palio in Italy and has taken place ever since 1279. The eight districts (contrade) of the city compete against one another in this horse race in the main Piazza Ariostea.
Cantine Aperte
On the last weekend in May, Cantine Aperte takes place in Italy. Translated literally, this is ‘Open Cellars’. The event was founded in the 1990s and has grown ever since. These days, nearly 1000 winemakers across Italy fling open their doors for wine enthusiasts to sample their wine. It’s also a chance to learn more about the wine-making process and food pairings since many wineries will also provide the opportunity to taste some local food specialities.
June 2023 events in Italy:
Verona Opera season
Verona Opera Season runs between June and August each year. In the beautiful setting of the Arena di Verona, the Roman amphitheatre that dominates the city’s Piazza Bra, a series of performances. The festival was held for the first time in 1913 and these days it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Anniversary of the Republic
2 June marks the Anniversary of the Republic. Back in 1946, this was the day when 12 million Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and form a republic. Celebrations take place all over Italy but the place to be is in Rome. Here, the Italian President will lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Rome’s Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) before a military parade then makes its way along the Via dei Fiori Imperiali. Events culminate in an impressive flyover by nine of the Frecce Tricolori (Italy’s version of the British Red Arrows) sending streaks of red, white and green into the sky behind them.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics
This is an annual event held between the four crews of the four ancient maritime republics – Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. It is held in a different city each year. In 2021 Genoa was the host. In 2022, it was in Amalfi.
The event always starts with a parade and the lighting of a bonfire before the 4 crews of 8 rowers and a helmsman compete in a 2000 metre race. It’s easy to spot one crew from another thanks to sculpted figureheads at the prow of each boat. The Amalfi boat is represented by a winged horse, Genoa by a winged dragon, Venice by a lion and Pisa by an eagle. The event has been running since 1956.
Corpus Domini
11 June marks Corpus Domini when festivals will take place all across Italy. The biggest of these are in Rome, Orvieto and Castelrotto.
Giostra della Quintana
On 16 and 17 June 2023, the Giostra della Quintana will take place in Foligno, Umbria. This is the first of two challenges that take place during the course of the year with the other held in September. This event pits ten city districts against one another in a bid to be crowned jousting champion. However, contestants don’t battle each other but instead have to spear a gold ring from the wooden outstretched arm of the ancient Roman god of war. The competition is won by the knight who spears three gold rings and completes the course in the quickest time with no penalties.
Over this weekend, a parade with over 800 characters dressed in baroque attire also takes place, transforming Foligno.
Feast of San Ranieri
The Feast of San Ranieri is a beautiful spectacle that takes place on the River Arno in Pisa. It takes place on the evening of 16 June each year, the eve of the city’s patron saint’s day. The event’s origins go as far back as 1688 when the urn containing the ashes of Saint Ranieri was placed in the Cappella dell’ Incoronata in the Pisa cathedral. Cosimo di Medici III wanted to create a sumptuous event to mark the occasion and the Luminara was born. These days, the electric lights are turned off and instead over 70,000 lumini (candles placed inside containers) are floated along the River Arno as well as being placed in the windows of buildings around the city. Around 11 pm, fireworks are launched from the Cittadella Vecchia as well as from floating platforms on the river.
On the afternoon of 17 June, the Regatta of San Ranieri then takes place, commemorating the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. Four teams representing the four districts of Pisa – St Francesco, St Martino, St Antonio and St Maria – compete in a 1.5 km rowing race along the River Arno from the Railway Bridge to the Medici Palace near the Fortezza Bridge. Eight rowers are in each boat along with a helmsman and a climber. The latter has a crucial role to play in the race. At the finishing line, his job is to scale one of the four ropes that lead to the top of a ten metre high flagpole. Once at the top, he needs to be the first to catch hold of the light blue flag to be proclaimed the winner. Second and third prizes are white and red flags respectively whilst fourth place have to console themselves with a couple of geese instead!
Feast of St John the Baptist
The Feast of St John the Baptist is celebrated on 24 June. Celebrations are most common in North West Italy and particularly in Florence. Here, the city organises a number of cultural and folkloric events to mark the occasion. Events commence with a parade of dignitaries from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Baptistery in the Piazza Duomo. Here, candles are offered to the Archbishop and a Mass is held. Events culminate in a glorious firework display over the River Arno. We recommend you head to the north side of the river for the best views.
24 June also sees the final match of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino being played. This annual tradition dates back to the 1450s. This is definitely no ordinary football match though! Played in traditional Renaissance costumes, this mix of football, rugby and wrestling is pretty bloodthirsty at times! The match starts at 5 pm in the Piazza Santa Croce between the two neighbourhood teams that made it to the final. This will be one of the following – Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red) and San Giovanni (green).
A huge procession that includes the famous sbandieratori (flag flower) group precedes the match, and goes from the Piazza Santa Maria Novella to the Piazza Santa Croce.
Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi
From 23 June to 9 July 2023, Spoleto will host the annual Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds). Founded in 1958, the idea behind the festival name was to showcase American and European culture within the same event — emboldened by a sister event held in South Carolina — and the event has evolved into a three-week festival of art, music, drama, and dance.
Gioco del Ponte
The Gioco del Ponte (Battle of the Bridge) is a historic reenactment that takes place in Pisa on the last Saturday in June. It starts with a massive procession which includes more than 700 participants dressed in elaborate 16th century costumes. Two teams are represented – the Mezzogiorno south of the River Arno and the Tramontana north of the river. Following the procession, the battle is formally opened. Then follows a call to arms, challenges by the ambassadors and finally, the battle itself. The winners are the team that remains in possession of the bridge following a tug-of-war contest.
Santi Pietro e Paolo
In Rome, St Peter and Paul Day is celebrated on 29 June. Snails – lumache – are eaten around the Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano. A carpet of flowers is also created in St Peter’s Square and there are fireworks in the evening.