GIOSTRA del SARACINO (Joust of the Saracen)
First Sunday in September
Tilting contest of the 13th century with knights in armour

SCOPPIO DEL CARRO (Explosion of the Cart)
Easter Sunday
A pyramid of fireworks in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the Altar during High Mass.

CALCIO FIORENTINO (Soccer Match)
June 24 to 28
Revival of a 16th century football match in medieval costumes.

SAN GIOVANNI  - Patron saint day of Florence
June 24th
Fireworks display from the terraced gardens overlooking the city

GIOSTRA della QUINTANA (Joust of the Quintana)
Second Sunday in September
Revival of a 17th century joust with 600 knights in costume, historical procession

PALIO MARINARO dei RIONI
June 29th
Rowing race in ancient dress

FESTA dei CERI (Race of the Candles)
May 15
A procession in local costume in which tall shrines are carried to the church on the top of Mount Ingino.

PALIO dei BALESTRIERI (The Palio of the Archers)
Last Sunday in May
Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms.

PALIO del GOLFO
First Sunday of August
Rowing contest

PARTITA a SCACCHI con PERSONAGGI VIVENTI
(Living Chess Game)
Second weekend of September in even-numbered years
Chess game is played in the town square by living pawns in period costume.

27 Aug 2006 (annual) 

 The race dates back to the 17th century and contenders roll empty wine barrels through the narrow streets up to the cathedral in Piazza Grande.  

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to sample some of the fine wine which comes from this area of Tuscany.

FESTIVAL of San GENNARO
September 19
A religious ceremony honoring the patron saint of the city

GIOCO del PONTE (Battle of the Bridge)
First Sunday in June
Medieval parade and contest

REGATTA of the GREAT MARITIME REPUBLICS
The friendly contest and historic regatta in which each of the former maritime republics (Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice) race for a price

EPIPHANY FAIR at PIAZZA NAVONA
January 5th
A fair of toys, sweets and others presents takes place in the open air among the beautiful Bernini fountains

FESTA DE' NOANTRI
July 19th to 26th
Folklore of Old Rome in Trastevere, including colorful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dances and songs, carnival floats and fireworks

PALIO dei BALESTRIERI (The Palio of the Archers)
Last Sunday in May
Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms.

PALIO - in Siena
July 2nd and August 16th
Procession and horse race. Participants are members of ancient city districts, competing for the banner (Palio). Colorful medieval pageantry.

Visitors and locals alike can pre-purchase tickets in stands, balconies, windows for view points over the circuit or attend free if standing within the centre of the Square.

CARNIVAL in VENICE
February/March
Celebrations in costumes and masks, entertainment in streets and squares.   Music, mimes and fireworks.

Private organizers offer pre-bookable day and night events including grand evening balls in 18th Century costume in Venetian Palazzos and outings in costume to private parties

www.carnivalofvenice.it

IL REDENTORE (The Feast of the Redeemer)
Third Sunday in July
Procession of gondolas and fireworks commemorating the end of the epidemic of 1575.

HISTORICAL REGATTA
First Sunday in September
Traditional competition between two-oar racing gondolas and procession of ceremonial boats.