Italian Festivals in May

During your May travels in Italy you'll find a number of local spring festivals. Many of the festivals have historic origins such as the ring race and procession in Narni in Umbria, a race with contestants carrying giant candles in Gubbio, and the 3-day Roman fest in the Piedmont region. You'll find some odd ones like the Snake Handlers parade and the Wedding of the Trees. Pinocchio's birthday celebration is May 25. And of course there are food festivals: risotto, polenta, and fish.

Many Italian cities will hold wine festivals during Cantine Aperte at the end of May. Read about these festivals and more in our May Festivals in Italy. Attending a local festival is great free entertainment and a good way to experience Italian culture.

^{Bacchus and friends in Bologna picture ©2006 by James Martin, licensed to About.}