Italofile

There are hundreds of events in Italy in May. Here are some of the highlights:

Corsa dei Ceri: May 15 in Gubbio, Umbria. Like the Palio in Siena, which happens twice over each summer, this is one of Italy’s premier medieval events. To check out some of the excitement, see this video from last year’s Corsa dei Ceri.

Feast of Saint Ubaldo: May 18-24 in Pisa, Tuscany. Pisa pays homage to Saint Ubaldo (who was born in Gubbio, see above) during this annual weeklong festival. Events include food and flower markets and a crossbow competition.

Palio of Ferrara: If Siena’s Palio is on your life list, you should also consider the Palio of Ferrara, which is the oldest Palio (medieval horserace) in the world. This year’s Palio of Ferrara takes place on May 17 and 25.

Calendimaggio: May 8-10 in Assisi, Umbria. This yearly event, also with medieval origins, is basically a singing competition between the upper and lower sections of the city of Assisi. The festival features food and parades, as well as a lot of activity centered around the Basilica of Saint Francis. More information is available (in Italian) at calendimaggioassisi.it.

Noto Infiorata: May 16-18 in Noto, Sicily. The city of Noto becomes a fragrant garden for an entire weekend, as it is carpeted with flowers in this annual event.

In Florence: From May 16-18, you can catch Artisans and the Palace, a yearly fair at the Palazzo Corsini that features artisans from all over Europe displaying their handcrafted wares and the techniques they use to make them. Of course, browsers will have the opportunity to buy these one-of-a-kind objects. May is also time for Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a music, dance, and theater festival. Later on in the month, on May 23, Florence also will have a small-scale infiorata in Piazza della Signoria.

For more info on May or other events, visit the Italian Tourism Board’s website or the websites of the many city and provincial tourist boards that we have listed on our Tourism Boards page.

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