| Glancing at the calendar of events animating the towns of Umbria during the year, one is immediately struck by the number and variety of traditional events along with the most diverse expression of contemporary creativity.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate: for the local communities, each event is a much anticipated occasion for confirming their roots and identity; for the tourist, it becomes an opportunity to participate in the most genuine and heartfelt expressions of Umbrian culture and folklore.
The typical local products are the focal point of festivals tied to great culinary traditions: black and white truffles, chocolate, and fine wines, to name but a few.
One breathes the exciting, spectacular atmosphere of once-upon-a-time in the events connected with the seasons of nature or religious celebrations, such as those in honor of St. Francis and St. Rita, the Festival of the Palombella in Orvieto, and the Corpus Christi Floral Decorations in Spello. These are not just commemorations; they are grand events in which collective involvement and passion give authentic vitality to rites of pagan origin mixed with old Christian devotions, to the chivalrous challenges of medieval times, or to the propitiatory ceremonies of rural life. The arrival of spring is welcomed in the Calendimaggio in Assisi, and summer is celebrated in the Water Festival in Piediluco. Patron saints are honoured with thrilling, centuries-old festivities steeped in religious devotion and medieval mysticism, such as the Ceri Festival in Gubbio, the Ring Race in Narni, and the Benedictine Celebrations in Norcia, while the St.Valentine’s Day celebration is tied to an event from the earliest days of Christianity.
The bowmen of Gubbio have been competing in the Crossbow Palio since the 15th century, while the challenge among the Terzieri of Città della Pieve is from Renaissance times and the contest between the knights of Foligno in the Quintana Tournament goes back to the 1600s.
The vivacity and originality of contemporary culture has been grafted into this fertile land where a love of celebrations has converged with deep-rooted popular traditions and with refined urban society.
The Umbrians’ age-old passion for festivities and entertainment has thus transformed the region into a fascinating stage for musical, theatrical, and film events, festivals, competitions and exhibitions.
Internationally prestigious events include the Spoleto Festival, Umbria Jazz in Perugia, Terni and Orvieto, the Umbrian Festival of Sacred Music in Perugia, and the Chamber Music Festival of the Nations in Città di Castello, alongside other events of great quality and renown such as the Todiarte Festival, the Gubbio Festival and the Classical Plays plays at the Roman theatre in Gubbio, Baroque Traces in Foligno, and many others.
This calendar presents, in chronological order, the popular festivals, fairs, and art and cultural exhibitions and performances chosen for their national or international importance, their historical significance or their spectacularity. Information on all special occasions taking place in Umbria during the year may be requested at the Servizi Turistici Territoriali – IAT (Area Tourist Services). |
In Autumn and Winter
In Spring and Summer |
AUTUMN EVENTS
(Trevi)
Established in 1980, the Palio dei Terzieri commemorates the tenacity and ardour with which the youth of Trevi rebuilt their town after it was destroyed in 1214. Competing for each “Terziere” are twenty young men, who take turns pushing a heavy wagon in a race against the clock, from Porta Nuova to Piazza del Comune. The Saturday evening before the Palio there is a suggestive historical procession, followed by a lively atmosphere of medieval life which is recreated until late at night in the streets, squares, courtyards and shops. Another autumn event to be remembered is the festival of the Black Celery, a speciality exclusive to Trevi.
CELEBRATIONS IN HONOR OF ST. FRANCIS
(Assisi)
The national celebrations in honor of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy, take place among solemn liturgical ceremonies in the basilicas of St. Francis and of S. Maria degli Angeli. There will also be public events, with the participation of national government representatives along with regional, provincial and municipal authorities from the region which offers, in representation of all the regions of Italy, the oil for the votive lamp that burns before the tomb of the Patron Saint. Other related events include performances of the dances and popular songs from the offering region.
EUROCHOCOLATE
(Perugia)
A great event dedicated to the lovers of the Food of the Gods, which every year transforms the town of Perugia into a lively confectioner’s shop. Amateur and semi-professional workshops, tastings, exhibitions and other events are held at the Teatro del Golosi (Sweet Tooth Theatre), the International Chocolate Gallery and the Piazza del Bacio (Chocolate Kiss Square). This is a unique, varied festival, with some events also being held in nearby towns, and which features the biggest names in Italian and international confectionery making.
THE CITY OF PERUGIA ANTIQUE TRADE FAIR
(Perugia)
Inaugurated in 1987, it hosts some of the most talented and sophisticated Italian and European dealers in antiques. Precious jewels, rare silver, elegant painting, antique furniture, bronzes, tapestries, carpets and curiosities of the highest artistic quality are exhibited here.
TRADE FAIR OF THE TRUFFLE AND WOODLAND PRODUCTS
(Città di Castello)
The event is due to be held in the historic town centre to celebrate the white truffle or “Trifola” (Tuber Magnatum Pico), one of the most sought-after species, which grows in fair quantities in the Upper Tiber Valley.
The white truffle is valued on many accounts, its intense and absolutely unique aroma, its size and shape which should be as even and rounded as possible, its peerless flavour which is best brought out when served uncooked, since it requires neither sauces nor dressing. The many stands in the fair also display other woodland delicacies besides the truffle, such as mushrooms, chestnuts, honey, wild-berry jams and also oil, wine and cheeses.
TASTING OF ITALIAN WINES
(Torgiano)
This competition, established in 1981 and which by now drawn considerable attention for its professionalism and organizational excellence, is aimed at promoting, both nationally and internationally, wine from Umbria as a typical product of quality.
This important competition uses the evaluation method of the Union Internationale des Oenologues, an agency that groups together the various organizations from the principal wine-producing countries. Thus it is a moment of attentive judgment of the best wines, a banner of “made in Italy” quality.
Another enjoyable event to be remembered is the “Vinarelli”: a pleasant custom of spending time together amidst sumptuously laid tables, glasses of wine, and paper and colors, to paint, exchange ideas and enjoy oneself among people interested in the world of art and, naturally, of wine.
CHRISTMAS IN UMBRIA
(Umbria)
At Christmas-tide solemn rites are celebrated in the churches of Assisi. Concerts of church music and choirs are held in all the places of worship.
There are many artistic crèches of great beauty to be enjoyed, and also living crèches which are enacted in many towns: at Petrignano and Rocca Sant’angelo (Assisi), Attigliano, Giove and Lugnano in Teverina (Amelia), Scanzano and Marcellano (Foligno), Monteleone d’Orvieto, Calvi (Terni), Perugia, Volterrano (Città di Castello) and Città della Pieve (Trasimeno).
Very spectacular and charming indeed are the Christmas Tree of Gubbio (the largest in the world) and the Comet of Miranda (Terni).
UMBRIA JAZZ WINTER
(Orvieto)
Since 1993 Umbria Jazz has been offering this winter festival, with concerts being held in the 19th – century Luigi Mancinelli Theatre, the halls of the Emilio Greco Museum, the 14th – century Palazzo Soliano, the Hall of the Quattrocento in the Palazzo del Popolo, and the Palazzo dei Sette. True to its own formula, Umbria Jazz Winter offers concerts from noon till late at night, in the atmosphere of a spectacular New Year’s party, with a great feast on New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Day gospel concert is held in the magnificent Cathedral.
SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY. A YEAR OF LOVING
(Terni)
This event, first held in 1989, awards a yearly prize in recognition of a special act of love.
Past awards include those assigned to Mr. And Mrs. Green, to the memory of Premier Rabin of Israel, and to the Italian association “Telefono Azzurro”.
Included as part of this event are an exhibition of jewelry and a competition for the loveliest jewel created for Saint Valentine’s Day.
FAIR OF THE PRIZED NORCIA BLACK TRUFFLE AND OF THE TYPICAL SPECIALITIES FROM THE VALNERINA
(Norcia)
This is an agricultural / food products fair which since the 1950s has promoted the gastronomic specialities of the Valnerina, and in particular the prized black truffle from Norcia, as well as sausages and salamis, cheeses, Castelluccio lentils, spelt, and wild berries. The exhibition area also includes crafts, farming implements, and typical national food products, and in 1993 it was expanded to include ixhibitors from various European and non-European countries. Folkloristic entertainment, national conventions, shows and sports competitions are all centred around the theme of the truffle. |
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BENEDICTINE CELEBRATIONS
(
Norcia)
With the arrival of spring comes one of the most important and deeply felt festivals; the Feast of St. Benedict, the Patron Saint of Norcia and of Europe.
On the evening of March 20th, a torch coming from one of the capitals of Europe arrives in Norcia and is welcomed by the ambassadors of the European nations. The following day the town lives for a day under the banner of its glorious medieval past.
This historical commemoration involves the entire town in a marvelous display of colors, sounds and flags, with a competition between the “guaite” , the six districts of the town, in a crossbow tournament.
SPOLETO FESTIVAL
(Spoleto)
It was established by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1958 with the aim of creating an opportunity for Italian, American and European cultures to meet and exchange ideas.
Today it is one of the most prestigious international events and offers public performances of theatre, dance, opera, concerts, and art exhibitions, as well as films with the Spoletocinema film festival. Also taking place during the festival are Spoletoscienza, with conferences/debates open to the public and the participation of leading person from the world of science, including winners of the Nobel Prize.
COURSE OF CHAMBER MUSIC - THE GERMANLIED
(Acquasparta)
The course, conducted by Maestro Elio Battaglia, was established in 1973, but has only been held in Acquasparta since 1977. During the course the German Lied is studied in its historical, theoretical, technical and interpretative components. Amongst those who attended in the past are now world-famous names such as Mauro Trombetta, Lucia Rizzi, Jeanne Marie Bima, Nuccia Focile.
Celebrated artists such as Cathy Berberian, Takao Okumura, Graziella Sciutti, Daniela Uccello have sung in the opening and final concerts.
UMBRIA JAZZ
(Perugia)
Launched in 1973, today it is one of the most important jazz events in Europe. It has in its time hosted the greatest modern jazz musicians.The event lasts ten full days: a hundred or so concerts take place from morning to night among the ancient building in the historic centre of Perugia.During this event Perugia becomes a meeting point for tens of thousands of young people from all over Europe and the United States, who come to meet the most famous contemporary jazz artists. Besides the concerts, the festival includes a two-week seminar held by the teachers from the prestigious “Berklee” in Boston.
PALIO OF THE BOATS
(Passignano sul Trasimeno)
This is the commemoration of the last act of civil war in Perugia, when a small army of the Oddi family had to flee, boats on their shoulders, from the castle in Passignano, chased by the militias of the Baglioni and Della Corgna families.
The “palio” of the boats involves approximately 160 contestants (40 from each district) in a gruelling race in three separate stages: the first stage rowing from the lake to the shore; the second on foot, carrying the boat on the shoulders, through the steep tiny streets and stairs of the historic center; and finally, the third stage with the boat in the water for a last furious effort by the rowers. The highly spectacular palio is the only one of its kind in the world, and draws enormous crowds each year.
GUBBIO FESTIVAL
(Gubbio)
The “Corsi di perfezionamento musicale” (musical specialization courses) are the heart of the event. These courses are taught by teachers of international fame and are attended by students from all over the world. At the end of each session teachers, accompanied by their best pupils, become the protagonists of a dense programme of concerts held in the most characteristic corners of the historic centre.
CLASSICAL PLAYS
(Gubbio)
The summer season of classical plays with over 30 editions. It is held in the monumental and well-preserved Roman theatre, which provides a suggestive setting for performances of plays by classical writers.
COMMEMORATION OF THE AMELIA CHARTERS AND THE PALIO OF THE DOVES
(Amelia)
The Amelia charters of 1346 governed the social and political activities of the Commune of Amelia and also guided civil life. The historic commemoration of the Charters recreates moments and ceremonies of medieval life in the most suggestive corners of the historic center. The Palio of the Doves traces back to certain provisions of the Charters, by which shooting at pigeons, one of the most popular games at the time, was strictly forbidden. The Palio is a contest between the crossbowmen and the knights of the five quarters of the town; the object is to free a group of doves enclosed in a dovecote by shooting with a crossbow at a mechanism that opens the cage, without causing harm to the birds.
A sumptuous procession in 14th – century costumes closes the festivities.
MONTEFALCO AUGUST FESTIVAL
(Montefalco)
Small ensembles of strings and wind instruments filling the charming streets and squares of the histotic center with melodies, national and foreign representatives meeting in the cloister of San Francesco, shows for kids, and pleasant evenings in the Taverns of the fascinating procession, the crossbow contests, the flag-wavers, and the choreographic “Flight of the Ox”. After over thirty years, the success of this festival continues to grow.
CORCIANO FESTIVAL
(Corciano)
The event was organised for the first time in 1965 as a survey of the visual arts devoted to Umbrian artists. The ensuing editions have been supplemented with plays, concerts, pageants and conferences on the theme of art. The programme also comprises an international contest for original compositions of band music.
PALIO DEI TERZIERI
(Città della Pieve)
It’s an old medieval festival: the three boroughs of the town – Borgo Dentro, Casalino and Castello parade through the streets with about 700 personages in costume, inspired by the works of the most famous figure whose birthplace was Città della Pieve – Pietro Vannucci, known as the “Perugino”. The processioni is made up of acrobats, jugglers, fire-eaters, cannons, catapults and so on. On arriving at the “campo de li giochi” (playing field), the fights that were the original Palio of Siena, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Nowadays these “hunts” are represented by archery contests using rotating silhouettes of bulls.
UMBRIAN FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC
(Perugia)
First established in 1937, it is one of the most important and prestigious Umbrian cultural events.
In addition to the principal regional town it also involves some other localities. Merit has been given to the festival for promoting, on the one hand, knowledge of sacred music in Italy and, on the other, twentieth century music. First works and new musical interpretations are presented here. Among the guests are some very famous names: orchestra conductors like Karajan, Mitropoulos, Muti; contemporary composers such as Britten, Hindemith, Penderecki, Stockhausen.
INTERNATIONAL CERAMICS COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION
(Gualdo Tadino)
It dates back to 1959 and is attended by well-know ceramicists and exhibitors of widely differing artistic trends.
The exhibition is an opportunity for artists and artisans to meet and compare their work. This exchange of cultural experiences from different environments is designed to stimulate artistic renewal.
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE NATIONS
(Città di Castello)
Established in 1968, the Festival of the Nations is one of the most important musical events in Italy. Now in its 33rd year, the Festival features a guest nation each year, which presents internationally prestigious musical groups through a rigorous selection of the highest artistic quality, in a musicological search that gives precedence to rare performances and first works, remaining alert to contemporary music so as to favor its production and publication with the awareness of its importance as an artistic expression of our time. While keeping music as its core, the Festival is moving in other artistic directions as well, with a variety of events including dance, theatre, and the visual arts, for best representing the personality of the guest nation.
TODIARTE FESTIVAL
(Todi)
This event is dedicated to music, theatre, the visual arts, ballet, poetry and literature. Completely renewed and under new artistic direction, the Festival proposes to promote works by talented young Italians and also to bring the works of foreign artists to the attention of the general public. The Municipal Theatre, churches, cloisters, and squares of Todi provide a splendid setting to the performances.
OPERA SEASON OF THE A. BELLI EXPERIMENTAL OPERA THEATRE
(Spoleto)
Founded in 1947, it is linked to a competition which, since 1988, is open also to newcomers from EU countries.
It usually takes place at the beginning of the year and the winners are admitted to a five-month course held at Rome in collaboration with the Teatro dell’Opera. At the end of the course follows the opera season at Spoleto which marks the winners’ debuts.
Among the many singers who have come out here, are: Renato Bruson, Ruggero Raimondi, Antonietta Stella, Cesare Valletti.
BAROQUE TRACES FESTIVAL
(Foligno)
Established in 1981, it comprises musical, theatrical and cinematographic events and exhibition which have in some way a baroque quality.
The search for this style of art is not confined to the seventeenth century alone but includes its later influences and revivals.
The event is accompanied by costume parties, tournaments and games.
NATIONAL HORSE FAIR
(Città di Castello)
One of the most important equestrian events in Italy, it offers a vast program: exhibitions of selected breeds, an international class B Arab thoroughbred competition, horse auctions, a national horse show, and various equestrian performances. Steeplechases, Western-style riding and work-style riding contests, free jumping contests, horseshoeing contests and, starting last year, “Ippofestival”, a review of riding shows in which breeders and trainers of all breeds of horses may participate. Plus, the Exhibition also includes a Show of Equipment and Horse Promotion, as well as a Show of Farm Holidays and of Typical Specialities, offering to all persons interested in horses a complete picture of the major aspects of the world of horses: breeding, trade, and performances.
QUINTANA TOURNAMENT
(Foligno)
The celebration, revived in 1946, is inspired by a horseback contest that dates back to the seventeenth century, to determine the order of priority for an honourable knights, representing the ten districts of Foligno, test their skill by attempting, at a gallop, to transfix on their lances a series of rings which gradually become smaller and smaller. This contest is highly spectacular.
On the eve of the competition, which is held in the town stadium, a procession of 600 people in costume parades through the streets.
PERUGIA CLASSICO
(Perugia)
“Perugia Classico” is the most important exhibition of acoustic musical instruments in Italy, and is a key event for those involved in this field as well as for the vast public of music lovers. In the enchanting setting of the Rocca Paolina, Italian and foreign instrument makers exhibit works of the highest craftsmanship. The exhibition, which is supported by a wide variety of conferences and instructional activities, is spreading to the theatres and historical locales of the city, with concerts and master classes by woeld-famous musicians, an international chamber music competition and historic exhibitions. For the year 2000 this event will feature the World Piano Symposium.
THE GAMES OF THE GATES
(Gualdo Tadino)
This event is inspired by the “Pallium decurrendum” that took place (probably beginning in the 13th century) on September 29, the Feast of the Archangel Michael. Preceded by a historic procession, this event revives the contest between the “Four Gates” of the town, which challenge each other in races with carts drawn by donkeys and riding donkeys bareback, an archery contest, and a sling-shooting contest. The winning Gate carries off the prize and also has the right to set fire to the “Bastola”, the atavistic witch that is enermy to Gualdo Tadino. During the Games there are also the characteristic “Taverns”, for meeting friends and sampling area specialities.
TOURNAMENT OF ARMS
(San Gemini)
A historical-folkloristic event taken from the 14th-century communal “Charters”, which mention the “Knights Tournament” in honor of the patron saint of the town. The leading roles are played by the two quarters – “Rocca” and “Piazza” – which spark off a number of events, including a parade in 14th century costumes, the staging of moments from the town’s medieval history, and the portraying of rural and family life. The high point of the event is the Tournament of Arms, a knightly contest between the town quarters. Taverns are opened for the entire period where one can enjoy typical dishes from the country tradition. Painting exhibitions and concerts will also be held. |
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