Italy in August

Food and Wine Festivals in Italy in August:

Cortona (AR), August, Sagra del Fungo Porcino
Local dishes based on locally picked funghi porcini and local wine, served in the Parterre Park.

Carrara (MS), August, Sagra del Lardo di Colonnata
Started in 1979, this festival has been a favorite among gourmets ever since.

Forte dei Marmi (LU), August, A Tavola Sulla Spiaggia
Tasting of local Versilia wines and dishes.

Orbetello (GR), August, Sagra del Anguilla
Eel-based pasta dishes and main courses

Art, Music and Film Festivals in Italy in August:

Bagno a Ripoli and Rignano sull'Arno, August-September, Suoni e Colori in Toscana
Colorful festival with medieval music, jazz, folk and contemporary music artists performing in villas, churches and country estates of the area.

Follonica, July-August, Grey Cat Festival
Prestigious jazz festival in a wonderful location.

Barga, July-August, Festival Opera Barga
Festival of baroque (specialized in 17th and 18th century scores) and contemporary music in medieval Barga and other towns in the Valle del Serchio area.

Subiaco, second week in August, Rock Blues Festival
A festival dedicated to rock, blues, folk music and other alternative sounds.

Ferrara, last week in August, Ferrara Buskers Festival
International Festival of Street Musicians

Folklore in Italy in August

Siena, August 16th, Palio
One of the most famous and most exciting traditional festivals in Italy, the Palio of Siena is the only festival to have taken place without interruption since the 14th century. Originally held only on July 2nd it was held on August 16th as well from the 18th century on.

Civitavecchia, first Sunday before August 15, Palio Marinaro (Sea Prize)
A sort of boat race held in front of Forte Michelangelo during which the representatives of the various town's districts challenge each other. Another attraction is the huge frying pasn set up on the seafront with an enormous quantity of fried fish. There are also street stalls seeling a variety of goods and food products.

Ascoli Piceno, 1st Sunday of August, Festa della Quintana
Procession of representatives of the various districts, in 15th century costumes.

Sassari, August 14th, Feast of the Candles

Nuoro, August 29th and preceeding Sunday, Feast of the Redeemer

For more latest news in Italy see our blog, Slow Italy.

Photos of the YourGuidetoItaly.com banner (from left to right): red boat landscape © mmac72/Istockphoto; Wine © RCphotografia/Istockphoto; Vitruvian man © Jodie Coston; Italian food © photovideostock/Istockphoto; Fiat 500 by tizianoj,