1. Battaglia delle Arance (Battle of the Oranges) - Ivrea
In this festival, held in February in the town of Ivrea (Piedmont), every year hundreds of participants divide into teams and throw oranges at each other. This tradition recalls the medieval revolt against a tyrannical ruler. For a few days, the town is transformed into a veritable orange battlefield. If you don't want to get hit, it's better to watch the action from a safe distance!
2. Il Palio di Siena - the most famous horse race in Italy
This festival takes place in Siena, Tuscany on July 2 and August 16. The Palio di Siena is one of the most famous horse races in the world. Riders in historical costumes represent the different districts of the city (contrade) and ride unsaddled horses down the Piazza del Campo. It is a wild and thrilling spectacle where honour, prestige and long-standing rivalries are at stake.
3. La Festa dei Ceri - the run with giant candles
La Festa dei Ceri, held in the town of Gubbio in May, is one of Italy's oldest traditions. It is a run with huge wooden candles (ceri) that weigh over 300 kg. Three teams carry these candles through the town to the top of Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo. The whole event is associated with religious festivities and great enthusiasm from the locals.
4. Infiorata di Noto - the city of floral carpets
Every year in May, the main street of the Sicilian town of Noto turns into a colourful carpet made of flower petals. Artists create intricate mosaics and paintings inspired by different themes. The festival is a celebration of spring, art and Sicilian creativity.
5. Calcio Storico Fiorentino - medieval football for life and death
Forget ordinary football - this is a brutal mix of football, rugby and boxing. Four teams representing the historic districts of Florence (Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, Santa Maria Novella and San Giovanni) will take on each other in Piazza Santa Croce on 24 June in a match where almost all moves are allowed. The festival has its roots in the 16th century and still attracts crowds of spectators today.
Interesting festivals, what do you think? Have you been to any?
