Mary Jane Cryans, of Elegant Etruria, sent me the following information about upcoming festivals in Italy's Northern Lazio Region. In this area north of Rome, you'll find a wealth of Etruscan sites, medieval villages and castles, and intriguing countryside. See our Northern Lazio Map for information about the region.

Sant' Anotnio or St. Anthony's Day is celebrated January 16 with a huge bonfire in the main piazza (what's a piazza?) of Bagnaia, in the Viterbo province. The following day, January 17, many churches hold a blessing of the animals and some towns, like Vetralla, hold a big street fair. Vetralla's museum will hold an open house on January 20 at 4:00.

Carnevale celebrations start as early as January 20 although the actual carnival date is February 5. Carnevale, the Italian mardi gras festival, takes place just before the start of lent, 40 days before Easter. Italy's biggest carnevale festivals are held in Venice and the resort town of Viareggio on the Tuscan coast. Northern Lazio's biggest festivals are in Ronciglione and Acquapendente. Read more about Carnevale traditions and events in Carnevale Festivals in Italy.

Did you know there's an Irish connection in Lazio? Find out more at Mary Jane's illustrated lecture in Provincia di Viterbo Conference Hall, Via Saffi, Viterbo, 5:30 p.m on February 20. For information contact Mary Jane at macryan@libero.it

More Events in Italy: January Festivals | February Festivals | Easter Celebrations

_{Photo of Funerary Urn at Tarquinia's Etruscan Necropolis by Martha Bakerjian © about.com}