This is the month when Italy explodes with festivals, concerts, sagre, and more. Starting it all off, of course, is Republic Day on June 2. Look for a military parade in Rome and smaller events celebrating the 61st anniversary of the republic throughout the country. Here’s a run-down of what’s on this month:
Festa della Repubblica: In addition to being a day for parades and fanfare, it’s also the only day of the year when the gardens at the presidential palace, Palazzo del Quirinale, are open to the public. The gardens will be open from 3-8pm on June 2.
Giorgio De Chirico in Fiesole: Ending on June 3, this exhibit gives you a chance to view works from one or Italy’s best known modern artists. An “all-in” ticket for €13 grants admission to the show, as well as Fiesole’s Archeological Museum and other sites.
Sargent in Venice: Another artist, another city. Venice celebrates the Venetian-inspired art of John Singer Sargent, who was born here to American parents in 1856. His frequent trips back to his birthplace led to more than 50 watercolors and oils depicting this evocative city. At the Museo Correr until July 22.
Roma Estate 2007: Rome’s summer kick-off begins June 14 with free outdoor concerts, DJs, sporting events, and theater. Most of the action takes place at the Foro Italico, but look for special sessions in parks and clubs around the city. Admission is free Sun-Thu, and €6 on Fri-Sat.
Infiorata Festivals: There are many of these throughout Italy during the month of June. Two of the best-known flower festivals take place in Genzano, Lazio (June 17-18) and in Spello, Umbria (June 9-10).
Taormina International Film Festival: This installment of the Sicilian city’s film festival takes place from June 16-22 and will feature the debut of the big-budget Hollywood film Transformers, which was executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Festa di San Giovanni: San Giovanni, who a patron saint in many Italian towns, is celebrated with a feast day each year on June 24. Florentines mark the occasion with Calcio Storico Fiorentino, an inter-neighborhood soccer match with medieval costumes and contemporary dirty tactics. Meanwhile, the event in Rome is truly a culinary one, with vats of lumache – snails - available for consumption around the Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano.
Medieval Pageantry: This month, Tuscany boasts two big events with roots in medieval times. The first Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen) of the season takes place in Arezzo on June 23. (The second Giostra is in September.) Pisa’s jousters take aim at the Gioco del Ponte, a mock land and sea battle, on June 24.
Festival dei Due Mondi: This time of year, all eyes turn to Spoleto, which hosts the world-famous “Festival of Two Worlds.” The cultural bonanza features classical, jazz and contemporary concerts, jazz, opera, art exhibits, and more. From June 30.
italian romance…