Must-Attend (or Must-Avoid) Events in Italy 2025

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Looking to either attend or avoid the biggest events in Italy in 2025? These are the top events in Italy that you'll want to know about.

Depending on the type of traveler you are, the Italian experience you're seeking, these top events in Italy are ones you won't want to miss...or you'll do anything to avoid.

While being around for a unique holiday or festival can be a lot of fun, it typically means higher cost of accommodation, bigger crowds, and seeing your bucket list destination in a completely different light than maybe you've been dreaming of.

Now that I've lived in Italy for a year and counting, we've done our best to celebrate some of the biggest festivals, like Venice Carnival, and have purposely planned a last-minute trip to Rome in order to avoid it for the upcoming Jubilee Year.

Either way, it's important to know the dates of the biggest holidays, festivals, and events so you can be best prepared. Just note that some events don't publish the exact date until just before the date rolls out, so you might have to just hope for the best in some situations. Also note that these are just a few of the biggest and most interesting. There are countless other events big and small in addition to these.

With that, let's dive into the top must-attend or must-avoid events in Italy for 2025.

Short on time? Here's the quick guide:

Religious and non-religious holidays take place all year-round in Italy so whether planned or not, you might stumble upon one.

The biggest events in Italy though you might want to avoid due to bigger crowds and higher prices for accommodation but for a unique experience few get to have, attending one might be the perfect addition to your Italian getaway.

From musical performances to parades and an orange battle to pure destruction, Italy goes big on some of their most unique events.

Jubilee Year

Rome has been under construction in preparation of the Holy Year

When: All year
Where: Rome & Vatican City
Need to Know: This holy year only comes around once every 25 years or so, making it a very important one for the Catholic church.

A Jubilee Year is a Holy Year deemed by the Catholic church. It's a special year of remission of sins, debts, and universal pardons. Throughout the year, the Catholic church will be hosting special events, geared towards target demographics.

Many of the events will take place in the Vatican City at St. Peter's Basilica and other churches around Rome.

Rome is expecting more than double the usual amount of tourists due to the pilgrimage. Rome is already a crowded city so unless you're visiting for religious purposes, I'd think twice when planning a trip to Rome in 2025.‍

Learn more about the Jubilee Year and if visiting Rome in 2025 is a good idea.‍

Stay overnight in Rome to join in on the festivities at Palazzo Navona Hotel right in Rome's city center.

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Carnevale di Viareggio

They go big with the floats in Viareggio, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: Select Dates from Feb 8-March 4
Where: Viareggio, Tuscany
Need to Know: While this is a big event within Italy, it's off the beaten path for others since most flock to Venice instead for Carnival.

Carnevale di Viareggio, or Viareggio's Carnival, is another of the major Carnival celebrations that occurs in Italy. While not as famous internationally as the Venice Carnival, it's a big one locally.

Here, Carnival is all about the parades. But not just any parade with a marching band and people waving as they cruise by, Viareggio goes big with their floats. Think the Macy's Day Parade but far more unique and artistic.

Artists work year-round to create massive papier-mâché sculptures, usually satirical, making light fun of politicians, societal problems, and famous figures. This has been a tradition in Viareggio since 1873.

If you can't be in town for Carnival or would rather skip the crowds, you can still see the artwork at the Carnival Museum.

Vi Suites offers a great studio apartment right in the center of town if you want to stay longer in Viareggio.

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Venice Carnival

A much needed cicchetti break from the festivities

When: February 13-March 4, most active on weekends
Where: Venice
Need to Know: Less people dress up than I was expecting which did take away from the magic of the event but it's still a very cool experience.

Venice Carnival is one you've at least seen images of, even if you didn't realize it. The Venice masks made famous in the Western world thanks to films like Eyes Wide Shut take center stage during Venice's Carnival.

Traditionally, people dress up in classic Renaissance wear, with over the top costumes, masks, wigs and accessories. For the people that get into it, they go big. It's a lot of fun to see people dressed up within the backdrop of Venice.

Since we now live in Trieste, just a train ride away from Venice, last year we decided to head to the islands for one Saturday during Carnival. Yes, there were plenty of people in costume, including us (although we used what we had at home, topping off with masks bought in Venice) but there were also plenty of people not, which did dampen the mood. These people were just there to gawk and take pictures and while I understand that, it would have been a lot more fun had everyone at least put on a mask.

Alongside walking around and enjoying the costumes, there are also a number of masquerade balls and feasts that you can buy tickets to. To join in on these, period or themed costumes are mandatory. There are also parades through the canals and other special events on the major Carnival dates.

Unless you make it a day trip from Trieste like I did, stay overnight to fully enjoy the Carnival fun. I recommend Ca Dell'Arte to keep the Renaissance charm.

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Ivrea Carnevale

This one definitely wins for uniqueness, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: March 1-5
Where: Ivrea, Turin
Need to Know: This is the most historic Carnival in Italy so for those that want to be part of living history, this is the event for you.

Welcome to Ivrea Carnival...otherwise known as the Battle of the Oranges! Spain throws tomatoes, Italy throws oranges. Although there are other smaller events that take place throughout the Carnival period, the highlight for many is the Battle of the Oranges, taking place on the last weekend.

Anyone is welcome to join in on the festivities but you must join one of the 9 teams, either on foot or on a throwing carriage. Yes, there are carriages.

This is one of those events that you'll definitely want to be aware of if you have the small town of Ivrea on your list because I can't imagine a bigger surprise than showing up to town and seeing an orange war taking place. Although I've yet to experience this, it sounds like a lot of fun to me.

Stay at Spazio[Bianco] right in the center of town. You'll appreciate the bathtub in the room when it's time to wash off all the oranges!

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Vinitaly

Any time of the year is worth trying Valpolicella in Verona

When: April 6-9
Where: Verona
Need to Know: This wine exhibition is for serious wine fans more so than those who enjoy the casual glass or two.

Calling all wine connoisseurs! Vinitaly is one of the largest wine exhibitions in the world. While they host events all year-round in cities around the world, in April the exhibition heads to where it all began: in Verona.

Verona is one of my favorite places in Italy and a spot that I highly recommend you to visit but know that during these few days in April, the stunning piazzas will look slightly different. The event isn't big enough to overrun the city but it can change the landscape.

For wine lovers though, you can join in and get a real taste of wines from all over Italy, not just the famous few you know from back home.

Drink up and don't worry about the rest when you stay overnight in Verona. I'd recommend Verona House Aparthotel for a conveniently located but still affordable getaway.

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Infiorate - Flower Festivals

The flower festival in Noto, Sicily, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: April-June
Where: All over the country
Need to Know: You'll find flower festivals all over the country in spring, so even if one isn't on this list, it still might pop up

Infiorate are flower festivals that take over the entire country of Italy from north to south during the spring. They're meant to celebrate the start of warm weather that slowly starts to sweep through the country.

These flower festivals are more than just looking at beautiful flower markets, they're works of art. Artists make giant pieces of artwork that from afar look like paintings until you get close enough to see that the pieces are actually crafted from hundreds (if not more) flowers.

Flower festivals can be found all over Italy in April, May and June but a few of the biggest are:

May 16–20, 2025: Infiorata di Noto, Sicily
June 21–22, 2025: Infiorata di Spello, Umbria
June 15-17, 2025: Infiorata di Genzano di Roma

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Festa del Limone

You'll find hordes of lemons all along the western coast of Italy, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: May 17
Where: Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
Need to Know: Italy takes their lemons seriously so if you want to try an abundance of lemon-based treats, this is the event for you.

Italy loves their lemons and if you do too, you'll likely enjoy the Festa del Limone, or Lemon Festival, that takes place every year in Monterosso al Mare. Monterosso is one of the 5 towns that make up the beloved Cinque Terre.

Alongside what should be great weather, beautiful beaches, and picture-perfect architecture, you can indulge in all things lemon.

Although I haven't yet tried the lemons of Monterosso, one of my favorite treats in Italy is a lemon pastry in Procida, an island off the coast of Naples. Given that Procida doesn't have a lemon festival but this town does makes me want to try their lemon goods even more.

The festival is just one day so I wouldn't let this change the plans for your trip, unless of course you only have one day to spend here and don’t want to deal with added crowds. The festival is mainly about giving you the chance to try homemade lemon goods like limoncello, pastries, and sherbet.

Nico's Guest House is cozy and cute place to stay right in the center of Monterosso al Mare.

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Ravello Festival

Ravello is picturesque in summer, just know there will be crowds, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: June-August (exact dates announced later)
Where: Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Need to Know: This is a general festival of music and arts so you're likely to find a show or musical that you'll enjoy.

Summer is when most people flock to the Amalfi Coast and while I can understand why, I'm a big fan of shoulder season there to beat the crowds. But, if you want sunny weather and plenty of dips in the sea, you'll likely be around in time for the Ravello Festival.

While most festivals are geared towards one specific genre of music, one patron saint, or only opera like the summer concert series in Verona (not mentioned - but you can find out more here), the Ravello Festival is a celebration of all types of music and arts. Even if it's not the type of arts you typically like, if you can get tickets, the backdrop of the rocky coastline will make nearly anything you watch magical.

Casa Amorino is the perfect place to stay for those that was a quiet retreat while still near town.

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Palio di Siena (Palio dell’Assunta)

The main piazza looks completely different on race weekend than usual, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: July 2 and August 16
Where: Siena, Tuscany
Need to Know: Although the main race days are the big event, three days before each race, the horses arrive, trials are run, and festivities begin.

If you've been to tranquil Siena before, you won't believe how the Tuscan town transforms itself for the Palio di Siena, or horse race of Siena.

The race doesn't take place in an arena outside of town like you might imagine but right in the central square, the Piazza del Campo. Events leading up to race day spill out from the piazza, overtaking the rest of the city, too.

Of the 17 districts of Siena, 10 are chosen to compete. The choice of which will compete is by lottery, drawn three days before the race. The 7 that aren't chosen are guaranteed a spot in the next year's race. This race is a big deal in Siena, giving the winner and their district bragging rights all year.

Stay the weekend to fully enjoy the festival by booking a night at Palazzetto Rosso. This boutique art hotel is one of the most beautiful in town.

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Festa della Bruna

Matera is usually pretty calm but July 2nd is another story

When: July 2
Where: Matera
Need to Know: This is one of the longest running celebrations in the world, having started in 1389.

The Holy Madonna or Madonna della Bruna is the patron saint and protector of Matera. On July 2nd locals go over the top celebrating her at the Festa della Bruna. When I first heard about a celebration in honor of a Catholic saint, I assumed it would be a nice parade followed by a church service.

Then I visited Matera and learned the truth.

Each year, the celebration starts at 5 in the morning as locals carry the image of the Virgin throughout the city. Late in the morning, a statue of the Madonna is then carried in procession.

Last, the Carro della Bruna, or the cart of Bruno, takes center stage. This is a massive papier-mâché cart, pulled through the Sassi by mules. At the end of the journey, locals attack the cart, stealing pieces of it to take home as a trophy and completely destroying it in the process.

I wasn't expecting the absolute destruction and chaos that ensues each year in honor of their patron saint but if you want a little bit of madness, this is the event for you. If that doesn't sound like fun, I'd suggest visiting Matera any other day of the year.

If you visit Matera for Festa della Bruna, you'll need to stay overnight to fully witness the event. I recommend a cave room at Palazzotto Residence&Winery.

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Umbria Jazz Festival

Perugia is well worth a visit, Jazz Festival or not, photo courtesy of depositphotos.com.

When: July 11-20
Where: Perugia, Umbria
Need to Know: This is the king of jazz festivals so if jazz music is your thing, you'll love this one. Just be sure to get tickets well in advance.

Love jazz? This festival has been tooting it's own horn for over 50 years now and is ready for you to join in.

Perugia is always charming but becomes even more so during the 10-day Umbria Jazz Festival. Music fills the piazzas, gardens, bars, and everywhere in between as performances from musicians from around the world take over.

The main event is the summer jazz festival in Perugia but if you can't visit that one, you can experience Umbria Jazz Winter over New Year in Orvieto or Umbria Jazz Weekend each September in Terni.

Times Suites is historic bed and breakfast that'll really help you absorb the history and charm this town has to offer.

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Ferragosto

When: August 15 but stretches throughout the month
Where: All over the country
Need to Know: Although most important for locals who get time off work, it can affect your trip because more businesses close than usual for holidays.

Ferragosto is considered the height of summer in Italy but here, they take their summer break seriously. Most businesses give employees time off for Ferragosto. This is always August 15 but usually extends to cover the entire week and one week either before or after the 15th. In some cases, people take the entire month of August off.

Cities empty out and beach towns hit max capacity.

Ferragosto coincides with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary and dates all the way back to the Roman emperor Augustus’ times. Nowadays, it's not celebrated as a religious holiday but a time off work when most Italians, if possible, travel.

If you're visiting Italy around August 15, more businesses than usual will be closed. Touristic spots will stay open though and beach towns will be more crowded.

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Barcolana

The view of the regatta up near the Victory Lighthouse

When: 2nd Sunday of October
Where: Trieste, Italy
Need to Know: Barcolana holds the Guinness Book of World Records for largest sailing regatta in the world.

Whether you like sailing or not, Trieste comes alive during the Barcolana Weekend. If you have Trieste on your list to enjoy the sleepy city's architecture and laid back coastline, I wouldn't recommend visiting around Barcolana but if you want to see a sailing regatta in-person, it's a lot of fun.

Barcolana typically hosts events, performances, live music, and street vendors for 2 weeks leading up to race day but the main excitement happens during Barcolana Weekend.

If you want to see the world's largest sailing regatta, spend Saturday in Trieste, eyeing the sailboats that'll compete and Sunday head into the hills of Prosecco to watch the race from a better vantage point.

To stay overnight in Trieste, treat yourself to something unique, like a stay at Seven Historical Suites.

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Christmas Markets

Verona's Christmas market in Piazza dei Signori

When: End of November until Early January
Where: All over the country‍
Need to Know: Don't compare these markets to what you can experience in Germany and Austria but they're still fun to visit

The Christmas Market scene in Italy isn't nearly what it is in nearby Germany, Austria, or France but if you're in town during the month of December, it's still worth visiting one or two for you fill of holiday cheer.

Even if you don't plan it, it's likely you'll stumble upon one as most cities and towns throughout the country host at least a small Christmas market.

Although it's not as common to find unique Christmas ornaments or stock up on souvenir wine mugs, it is a good chance to try a variety of street food and different snacks. A lot of the food influence does come from Germany, with sausages and pretzels the most common sells. In Trieste, our food stalls at Christmastime are super international which doesn't quite fit the theme but does make it fun.

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Which Event in Italy Will You Celebrate?

With events happening throughout the country all year round, you'll have your choice if this is something you dream of joining in on. For the average traveler though, these might be good dates to mark as when to not to visit destinations on your bucket list due to larger crowds and higher prices.

The choice is yours if you'll take the extra entertainment or not but now you know the biggest events in Italy for 2025.

Save it for later!