THE ITALIAN SEASON FOR FESTIVALS

Like the rest of Europe, Summer is festival season in Italy, with many taking place in August, particularly during Ferragosta - an annual public holiday marking a break from work.

Festivals embody everything Italians love about leisure time; a chance to switch off from the everyday, spontaneous enjoyment, time outdoors, a sense of celebration, authentic Italian food and enjoying BIRRA MORETTI in the company of family and friends.

Italian festivals are diverse, steeped in history and often regarded as wildly eccentric. Here are some of our favourites:

POPULAR FESTIVALS IN ITALY

Popular summer Italian festivals include Il Palio di Siena, La Quintana, ‘Bravio’ of Montepulciano as well as an impressive line-up of outdoor summer music festivals. There’s also the truly spectacular Carnevale di Ivrea (Battle of the Oranges), which takes place earlier in the year.

POPULAR FESTIVALS IN ITALY

IL PALIO DI SIENA

The annual horse-race takes place on the 2 July and 16 August each year in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. Relish in the thrill and exhilaration of 10 horses galloping around the piazza as their brave jockeys ride them bareback.

Not to be missed, be sure to arrive on time; it’s quick, with only three laps in less than 90 seconds.

But with a real sense of excitement in the Piazza, it’s a great place to take in the ambience post-race and sip on a BIRRA MORETTI in one of their local eateries.

LA QUINTANA

This medieval Italian festival in the beautiful town of Ascoli Piceno, takes place on the first Sunday of August in the town’s Campo Squarcia. The headline attraction is the evening’s medieval jousting, which sees six neighbourhoods vying for victory.

The daytime features a stately medieval parade with hundreds of people adorned in lavish 15th century costumes, walking to the rhythmic beat of a drum. Take a break in one of the town’s delightful gelato bars and then, as darkness falls, you’ll experience the victorious jousting winner (accompanied by a medieval procession) passing through the Piazza Arringo and into the town’s incredible old quarter.

BRAVIO’ OF MONTEPULCIANO

Montepulciano’s unique and fiercely contested uphill barrel race takes place on the last Sunday of August each year. Competitors from eight districts make the journey along the quaint streets of Montepulciano’s historical city centre, before winding up in the Tuscan city’s Piazza Grande.

This must-visit Tuscan art city boasts breath-taking views of the surrounding area, an ideal backdrop for kicking back to watch the sun set while enjoying a BIRRA MORETTI Aperitivo with friends.

BATTLE OF THE ORANGES

As the name suggests, the Carnevale di Ivrea (Battle of the Oranges), sees organised ‘throwers’ fearlessly throwing oranges in a citrusy battle between nine opposing teams. Hailed as Europe’s largest food fight, it takes place around the time of lent (February/March), hosted in the northern Italian city of Ivrea. A truly unique and immersive festival that is sure to leave you with a zest for life.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Summer creates the perfect backdrop for Italian culture to thrive. Music festivals are held al fresco, with a variety of genres and performances close to every Italian’s heart. Opera goes into full swing in Verona, whilst four weeks of music concerts kick off in Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Perugia hosts the Umbria Jazz Festival, drawing in performers from across the globe whilst the Ravello Concert Society puts on classical music concerts across the picturesque Amalfi Coast.

Meanwhile, Florence’s Estate Fiorentina summer festival stars an eclectic mix of contemporary dance, theatrical performances, jazz, classical and dance concerts, and open-air cinemas (check out our partnership with Luna Cinema to enjoy a taste of outdoor entertainment here in the UK).

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Italian festivals embody much-loved community celebrations; a chance to break free from routine, go with the flow and become fully immersed. And nothing quite compares to sipping on BIRRA MORETTI as you soak in the festivals atmosphere with friends.

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The Season for Festivals | Birra Moretti

THE ITALIAN SEASON FOR FESTIVALS

POPULAR FESTIVALS IN ITALY

POPULAR FESTIVALS IN ITALY

IL PALIO DI SIENA

LA QUINTANA

BRAVIO’ OF MONTEPULCIANO

BATTLE OF THE ORANGES

MUSIC FESTIVALS

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS