With such a varied culture and heritage, there is always something worth visiting and celebrating in Italy. Here are the main events in the Italian July calendar, which are not to be missed if you are lucky enough to be in the area – maybe even on one of our painting holidays?
The Summer Festival, Lucca – When: Throughout July
Held inside Luccas historic city walls, the main square hosts a large stage a thousands of music festival goers. Concerts are held throughout the month an draw a varied range of well known artists. This years line-up includes Elton John, John Legend, Paolo Nutini, Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Robbie Williams, Lenny Kravitz and many more international and Italian artists. The small Tusan city draws large crowds during the festival and is well worth a visit in the quieter days.
Palio Horse Race, Siena – When: 2nd July 2015
Described as ‘the most intense ninety seconds in the world’, the Palio Horse Race sets Siena’s city districts against each other as they’re representative jockey and horses race through the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site streets. The event draws 60,000 strong crowds, 40 thousand of whom are locals. This amounts to around two thirds of the city’s population. The main event occurs around 8pm, but audiences gather from the early morning to grab the best viewing experience. Although this event is so soon, you don’t have to wait till next year to go! The race occurs twice yearly, once in July and again on 16th of August, so get packing!
Festa Del Redentore, Venice – When: 18th & 19th July
The Redentore Church first held this festival as a way to thank the Redeemer for answering prayers to end a terrible 1500’s plague which claimed 50,000 lives. Today, Venetians spend the Saturday of the festival eating, drinking and celebrating – gathering in St Marks basin shortly before sunset. Thousands of decorated gondolas can be seen from St Marks square as a fireworks display entertains crowds.
Italian Book Week – When: 6th -12th of July
Hosted by Flavours Holidays, Italian Book Week is a whole seven days of discussion of Italian inspired writing. Nominations for best Italian Summer Read are open now and voting begins on the 6th. Each nomination and vote enters you into a prize draw to win a book from the shortlist. Look out for online content such as author interviews and book reviews or drop into our Stockbridge office to our pop up book corner for a coffee,chat and to sample some of the nominated reads! Nominate via our survey page here.
More at https://www.flavoursholidays.co.uk
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