There are plenty of festivals to enjoy in Umbria, whatever time of year you choose to visit. Whilst the largest music festivals in the region are across the warmer Summer months (including Umbria Jazz and the Rossini Opera Festival), the advantage of attending the Winter music events is that the crowds tend to be smaller and events more intimate.
For general music lovers, an event well worth attending this Winter is ‘Jazz Winter‘ held every New Year in the streets and buildings of Orvieto, whilst for those percussion fans out there, Citta di Castello has a world rhythm festival every October. Also of note at this time of year is Bianco Rosso and Blues, an event held each weekend across September and October, and which involves music concerts with dinner and wine tasting. An event that combines music and wine…. what’s not to like?!!!
Of course, Italians love their music but they love their food in equal measure and there are plenty of Winter festivals to enjoy that revolve solely around food. Not least is ‘Eurochocolate‘, a festival held every October in Perugia celebrating chocolate and cocoa when you’ll find stalls lining the streets of the city. Incidentally, not to be outdone, Gubbio also hosts its own chocolate festival in the same month.
For those looking for an event with a more historical foodie flavour, head to Umbria at the end of February instead when the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero di Norcia takes place, an event celebrating the famous black truffle.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Umbria in December in the run up to Christmas, then cribs and nativity scenes will be in abundance across Umbria’s villages and towns. And, don’t miss a chance to head to Gubbio in December where you’ll discover the world’s largest Christmas Tree (as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1991). Sitting on the vast area of Mount Ingino, it overlooks the town and with over 3000 lights, can’t be missed!
And then February signals carnival season with carnivals across the region. Of particular note is the Baroque Carnival in Foligno which incorporates the renowned Palio della Quintana, re-enacting a jousting tournament with knights on horseback. Foligno is a wonderful town and is well worth a visit, with some superb restaurants on offer.
If you’re planning a holiday in Umbria this Winter then be sure to take a look at one of our Umbria holiday villas and apartments for your stay.