Italy's favourite summer festivals

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Italy is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, and there is no better time to experience it than during the summer months. From June to September, Italy is home to a wide range of summer festivals that showcase everything from music and dance to food and wine. Whether you're a lover of classical music, jazz, or rock and roll, there's a festival in Italy for you.

One of the most popular summer festivals in Italy is the Ravenna Festival, which takes place in the charming city of Ravenna on the Adriatic coast. This festival is known for its diverse lineup of classical music, opera, and dance performances, as well as its beautiful outdoor setting. Another must-see festival is the Umbria Jazz Festival, which takes place in the central Italian region of Umbria and features some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and world music.  If you're looking for a more laid-back and fun festival experience and a local food feast, you might want to visit the Bravio delle Botti in Montepulciano on the last Sunday of August.  Eight pairs of runners (spingitori), each representing a different district, compete in this annual race by rolling a 80kg wine barrel up the main street in the town center – quite a remarkable show of strength considering it is nearly 2 km uphill. As the streets narrow, the barrels become more cumbersome, resulting in frequent collisions. Whichever pair of runners arrives at the Piazza Grande wins a painted cloth bearing the image of the town’s patron saint. 

List of the best Summer Festival in Italy

No matter what type of summer festival you're looking for, Italy has something for everyone. This list includes events in bustling cities to the rolling hills of the countryside, the country is bursting with cultural events and festivals that will make your summer vacation one to remember. So why not plan a trip to Italy this summer and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer. 

1. La Notte Bianca (The White Night) is a popular summer festival that takes place in Rome . The specific date of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival typically involves a night of music, dancing, and other cultural events, with many museums and other cultural institutions staying open late into the night. https://www.turismoroma.it/
2. La Festa del Redentore (The Feast of the Redeemer): This is a traditional festival that takes place in the city of Venice, Italy. It is held in honor of the city's patron saint, the Redeemer, and typically takes place on the third weekend in July. The festival involves a procession of boats on the Grand Canal, as well as fireworks and other celebrations. https://redentore.veneziaunica.it/
3. Il Palio di Siena (The Palio of Siena): This is a traditional horse race that takes place in the city of Siena, Tuscany. It is held twice each year, in July and August, and is accompanied by a series of events and celebrations, including parades and pageants. https://www.ilpalio.org/
4. Il Festival dei Due Mondi (The Festival of the Two Worlds) is an international arts festival that takes place in the city of Spoleto, Umbria, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of performances, including music, dance, and theater, as well as visual arts exhibitions and other cultural events. https://festivaldispoleto.com/
5. La Festa della Madonna della Neve (The Feast of the Madonna of the Snow) is a religious festival that takes place in the city of Rome, Italy. It is held in honor of the Madonna of the Snow, a patron saint of the city, and typically takes place on August 5th each year. The religious festival involves a procession through the streets of Rome and other celebrations.  http://www.santamariadellaneve.eu/
6. Il Festival delle Sagre. Sagre are food festivals that takes place in various cities throughout Italy they traditionally celebrate the harvests or hunting seasons. Obviously specific dates of each festival can vary from year to year and from location to location, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June, July, or August. The festivals feature a variety of traditional Italian dishes and culinary delights, and is a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine and learn about the culinary traditions of different regions of Italy. If you are interested in attending one it is best to check with local tourism organizations or cultural institutions for specific dates and details.
7. Rock in Roma is a rock music festival that takes place in Rome, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of international and Italian rock bands and is a great opportunity for rock music fans to see artists live. https://rockinroma.com/
8. Lucca Summer Festival is a music festival that takes place in the city of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of musical performances, including rock, pop, and electronic music. https://www.luccasummerfestival.it/
9. Heineken Jammin' Festival is a music festival that takes place in the city of Imola, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of rock and pop bands and is a great opportunity for music fans to see their favorite artists live. Tickets should be available at Ticket One in the Spring. https://www.ticketone.it
10. The Home Festival is a music festival that takes place in the city of Treviso, Veneto, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of musical performances, including rock, pop, and electronic music. https://www.homefestival.eu/it/
11. Siren Festival: The Siren Festival is a music festival that takes place in the city of Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of Italian pop bands. https://sirenfest.com/
12. Ypsigrock Festival is a music festival that takes place in the city of Castelbuono, (PA) Sicily. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in August. https://www.ypsigrock.it/en/
13. Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi (The Festival of the Two Worlds) is an international arts festival that takes place in the city of Spoleto, Umbria, Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in June or July. The festival features a variety of performances, including music, dance, and theater, as well as visual arts exhibitions and other cultural events. https://festivaldispoleto.com/
14. Festival della Valle d'Itria is a classical music festival that takes place in the city of Martina Franca, Puglia,  Italy. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in July. The festival features a variety of classical music performances, including orchestral, choral, and chamber music, and is a great opportunity for classical music fans to see live music. https://www.festivaldellavalleditria.it/
15. Festival di San Giovanni Rotondo: This is a classical music festival that takes place in the city of San Giovanni Rotondo in the north of the region Puglia and features a variety of classical music performances, including orchestral, choral, and chamber music. The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in July or August. 
16. Festival di Musica Classica di Cortona (NUME Festival) : This is a classical music festival that takes place in the city of Cortona in Tuscany and features a variety of classical music performances, including orchestral, choral, and chamber music.  The specific dates of the festival can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in the summer months, often in July or August. https://numefestival.it/