Traditions

The tradition of the Christmas Tree and Nativity scene in the Vatican is a relatively recent but deeply symbolic addition to the Church’s celebration of Christmas. The Vatican Christmas Tree was first introduced in 1982 during the papacy of John …

In the village of Vico del Gargano, in Italy’s Apulia region, Valentine’s Day is celebrated a bit differently. Saint Valentine has been the patron saint of the place since the 17th century; here, however, he doesn’t only protect lovers, but …

Torrita di Siena is a charming medieval town located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. It lies approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Florence, the region’s largest city, and 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Siena.   Torrita is known for its well-preserved historical …

The Sagra del Limone di Monterosso which, this year, is celebrated on May 18, 2024, is a fragrant and fun homage to the citrus heritage of Cinque Terre’s largest village. The annual event transforms Monterosso into a lively celebration of …

The Festa del Redentore, or the Feast of the Redeemer, is one of Venice’s most significant and beloved events, celebrated annually on the third weekend of July. This festival has deep historical roots dating back to the 16th century, specifically …

The term bòcolo in Venetian dialect refers to a rosebud and, on this day, it’s customary for men to present a red rosebud to the significant women in their lives — be it wives, fiancées, mothers, or sisters — as …

The Arena di Verona Opera Festival was established in 1913, to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi. The inaugural performance was Verdi’s Aida, chosen for its grandiose and dramatic qualities, which perfectly suited the majestic setting of …

The Festa dei Ceri, or Saint Ubaldo Day, is a centuries-old tradition held annually on May 15 in the medieval town of Gubbio, in Umbria. The festivity honors Saint Ubaldo Baldassini, the town’s patron saint, who died in 1160. Central …

The Festa del Peperoncino in Diamante, Calabria, is a lively celebration that honors the region’s beloved chili pepper (peperoncino), a cornerstone of Calabrian cuisine and culture. Known for its use in dishes such as nduja and pasta alla diavola, the spicy peperoncino has deep roots in the …

Every year on April 21st, the streets of Rome come alive to celebrate the birthday of the Eternal City, which tradition says was founded on the 21st of April 753 BC by the first of its seven kings,  Romulus. According to the …