Traditions

The Advent period is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas, as well as the return of Jesus at the second coming. The term “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning …

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th holds a special place in Italy’s cultural and religious calendar because it marks the beginning of the Christmas season.  On this day, the Catholics celebrate the belief that the Virgin Mary …

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 …

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 Battaglia delle Arance, or the Battle of the Oranges, is a unique and lively tradition held annually in Ivrea, a town in Italy’s Piedmont region. This event is part of the town’s historical carnival and takes place over three …

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 …

The Fiera di Sant’Orso in Aosta is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the region’s rich craftsmanship and folklore. It is held annually on January 30th and 31st and is one of the most important events in the Aosta Valley’s calendar. The event traces …

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 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 …

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 …