Italy — Events
Antiques Market
The Naviglio Grande is the oldest canal in Milan, built in the 12th Century, the stretches between the Darsena of Porta Ticinese and the bridge of Via Valenza (itself particularly drenched in olde worlde charm). Along the canal banks in this section, about 400 vendors gather on the last Sunday of every month to set up stalls selling a fascinating selection of furniture, clocks, porcelain, silver, jewelry, dolls, books and numerous collector’s items, from comics to walking sticks. On market day the adjacent shops, bars and art studios all remain open, adding to the pleasure of browsing.
La Vecia
Held during Lent on Lake Garda, where Gardone and Gargnano host festivals and an image of a woman is burnt on a bonfire, this event commemorates the ‘Hag Trials’ that were held in medieval times. There will be many traditional meals, souvenirs and sights to revel in; make a weekend of it and enjoy the water, sun and fun!
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair
The Milanese love Christmas and start the festivities early, on the feast day of the city’s patron saint Saint Ambrose, with the fair known as Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (literally meaning ‘So beautiful! So beautiful!’). The fair takes the form of a street market arranged around the Saint’s Basilica, offering everything from antique stalls and buskers to roast chestnuts and candy floss. The fair provides an excellent opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, and is particularly enjoyed by children. The Saint’s day also coincides with the opening of the season of the world-famous Milan La Scala Opera.
Rome Marathon
The annual event takes runners on a scenic tour of Rome, passing some of the most famous monuments like the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica. The Marathon Village sets up a week in advance with concerts, stalls and shows for all to enjoy.
ATP Masters Series: Rome
Many tennis fans consider the Rome Masters to be the second most prestigious clay court tennis tournament in the world, after the French Open. The ATP Masters Series consists of nine tennis tournaments that are held annually in Europe and North America and sees the world’s top tennis players competing for the title of world number one.
Biennale
The Biennale takes place in odd-numbered years, and is a Modern Art exposition featuring painters, sculptors, and performance artists from around the world. Most of the events are held in the Giardini Pubblici, or nearby at the Corderie dell’Arsenale. Tel. +39 041 521 8711.
La Sensa, Marriage to the Sea
Known as one of Venice’s oldest festivals, this annual ceremony reaffirms the ‘marriage’ of Venice and the Adriatic sea. The mayor arrives at the Lido by boat and drops a gold ring into the sea as a symbol of Venice’s eternal fidelity to Serenissima, ‘Queen of the Seas’. He then proceeds to the San Nicolo church to attend a service. Anybody who dives into the sea and retrieves the ring may keep it, and be exempt from all state taxes for a year.
Verona Opera Festival
Each summer, the famous Opera Festival takes place in Verona and is one of the city’s largest cultural events, taking place at the historic and magnificent Arena di Verona. Visitors will be able to enjoy operas of the calibre of Aida, Turandot, Madame Butterfly and Carmen in one of the world’s most spectacular settings.
Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica di Venezia) is the oldest film festival in the world, and takes place at the end of August and beginning of September each year. Take a water bus to the Lido to enjoy the presentations, mingle with the stars and catch sneak previews of some of the top films of the forthcoming year! Book your accommodation and cinema tickets early. Tel. +39 041 521 8711.
Italian F1 Grand Prix
Monza was one of the first F1 tracks ever built, but for more than sentimental reasons it remains one of the highlights on the Formula One calender as it is also the fastest. The track is located 10 miles (16km) north east of Milan.
