Il Palio - Sienna's famous horse race around the central square, Piazza del Campo, takes place July 2 and August 16. You might be able to snag a standing place, reserved seats are usually sold out in advance. Before the race there's a spectacular procession with people in medieval costume. More about Il Palio di Siena | Siena Palio Photos | Siena Travel Guide
Festa della Madonna Bruna is celebrated July 2 in the city of Matera, an interesting town with cave dwellings, sassi, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. A huge float of the Madonna Bruna is paraded through town. Finally the statue is attacked, torn apart, and burned accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display over the sassi, the best fireworks display I'd ever seen. Read more about the Festa della Madonna Bruna with a few pictures, from James Martin, Europe for Visitors.
A Medieval Festival is held the first week of July in Brisghella, an interesting medieval hill town and spa center in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. (More about Brisighella)
Nostra Signora di Montallegro is held at the beginning of July in the Ligurian coastal resort town of Rapallo. The highlight is the procession. A fireworks display culminates the festival July 3.
Giostra della Quintana is a joust held in Foligno the first Saturday in July and the second Sunday in September. Over 600 participants compete wearing traditional 17th century clothing. There are usually several thousand spectators, but even if you can't see the joust, you'll probably see people walking around in their costumes.
World Fireworks Championships take place in San Remo every other evening starting at the end of June and continuing until the finale the second Saturday in July.
L'Ardia di San Costantino is a horse race around the Sanctuary of San Costantino in the central Sardinian town of Sedilo, July 5-7. The race takes place twice, in the evening and again the following morning after most of the riders have been up drinking all night! There are also food booths so it's a good chance to try some Sardinian specialties. Read more about L'Ardia di San Costantino and see a few pictures, from James Martin, Europe for Visitors.
U Fistinu of Saint Rosalia is one of Sicily's biggest festivals held July 10-15 in Palermo. The procession centers around a 50-foot high float with a statue of Saint Rosalia and a musical band inside. There is lots of feasting and music.
Redentore Church Feast Day is the third Sunday in July on Venice's Giudecca Island. There is a parade of decorated boats and a big fireworks display around midnight.
Disfida degli Arceri di Terra e di Corte takes place in mid-July in Fivizzano, northern Tuscany. Archers from each neighborhood compete in a re-enactment of a medieval festival with costumes and flag throwers. pictures
Festa de'Nontari street fair is held in the Trastevere District of Rome during the last two weeks of July. Also in Rome in late July is an international fashion show at the Spanish Steps, Donne Sotte Le Stelle.
La Giostra dell'Orso, Bear Joust, on July 25 in Pistoia celebrates St. James, patron saint of Pistoia.
Feast of Sant'Andrea the Apostle is celebrated in Pescara, on the Adriatic coast, the last Sunday in July with a huge parade of fishing boats off the coast.
Festa del Cristo degli Abissi has an unusual procession - to the underwater statue of Christ in San Fruttuoso on the Ligurian coast, July 29. The 2.5 meter high bronze statue, molded from medals of mariners and athletes and parts of ships and bells, is dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea. A laurel crown is placed at the base of the statue and mass is held on the beach.
During July, you'll find outdoor music performances in many cities and towns, usually in the main piazza. Page 2 has some of the biggest performing arts festivals in July.
