Italy — Events
MilanoVendeModa (Autumn-Winter Fashion)
September 1, 2010 - September 30, 2010
One of the top fashion shows in the world, MilanoVendeModa, held at Fieramilanocity every year in September, is the must-attend event for all self-respecting fashionistas. This is a great opportunity to see the autumn-winter collections by the biggest names in the business, find out about all the latest trends, and mingle with the rich and famous, as anybody’s who’s anybody in the fashion world, from models to magazine editors and designers, gather for the glitzy event.
RomeEuropa Festival
September 1, 2011 - November 30, 2011
Dedicated to featuring the very best contemporary artistic performances in the fields of music, theater, opera and dance, the RomaEuropa festival is a huge cultural undertaking. Performances by emerging and leading international artists are showcased is special locations throughout the city as well as the main arts center, the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Venice Marathon
October 23, 2011
For a city that has more waterways than main roads, this spectacular marathon is now in its 26th year. The race takes place over a set route and entrants are welcomed from around the world. A maximum prize of 10,000 Euros is in place for the winner of individual categories. Side events include a family fun run and a pasta party.
Umbria Jazz Winter Festival
December 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012
The Umbria Jazz Winter Festival delivers a cheering five days of great music in the picturesque setting of historical Orvieto. The event kicks off with street parades and continues with a series of knock-out performances. The New Years Eve dinner is the high point of a packed program, with music and concerts until well after midnight. A New Year’s Day Mass is held in Orvieto Cathedral, to the accompaniment of gospel singers, in a synthesis of cultures joined through music. All events take place in various indoor and outdoor venues and locations in Orvieto’s historic center.
Christmas Cribs in Verona
December 1, 2011 - January 16, 2012
Verona’s annual Christmas crib exhibition takes place in the Roman Arena and features more than 400 cribs from all over the world. The exhibition is accompanied by music and light shows. The tradition stems from the crusades of the 13th century when travel to the Middle East was impossible due to the fighting. Instead, St Francis crafted the first crib demonstrating that it was possible to celebrate Christ’s birth anywhere in the world.
Natale
December 8, 2011 - December 24, 2011
Feast of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy)
December 13, 2011
Throughout Italy, the feast of St Lucy is an important prequel to Christmas. The saint’s name, Lucy, comes from the Latin root ‘lux’, which means light. And St Lucy’s day is celebrated on the 13th December to mark the end of winter solstice and the reappearance of the sun in the north. In Verona, a Christmas market is set up in Piazza Bra. Vendors sell food, small toys and Christmas gifts.
Feast Day of Saint Lucy (Fiera di Santa Luca)
December 13, 2011
Saint Lucy of Syracuse (also known as ‘St Lucia’ or ‘St Luca’) was a young Christian who was martyred on 13 December 304. The patron saint of blindness, Saint Lucy is revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Siena celebrates the saint’s day with special church services, festivities and a market in the city center.
Christmas Mass
December 24, 2011 - December 25, 2011
The second largest chuch in the Christian world, the 16th-century St Peter’s Basilica in Rome provides a moving setting for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Each Christmas Eve the Pope gives Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Square. Attended by a vast crown of pilgrims, the speech is broadcast to over 40 countries. Visitors to this occasion need to reserve tickets through the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia.
New Year's Day swim
January 1, 2012
For a fresh start to the New Year, join the bravest of Venetians in a plunge into the chilly waters of the Lido. The length of the swim you manage doesn’t seem to matter much to the Italians, just as long as you give it a go. Changing facilities aren’t provided though, so make sure you carry a large towel. Head to one of the local cafes afterwards for a warming coffee.
