Festivals in Italy in May
May is a wonderful time to visit Italy, as the country comes alive with vibrant festivals and events. Here are some notable festivals you might want to know about:
- May Day (Festa del Lavoro): Celebrated on May 1st, this public holiday is similar to America’s Labor Day. You can expect parades, festivals, and big crowds in popular Italian tourist destinations.
- Giro d’Italia: Italy’s big bike race starts in early May and lasts most of the month. The race takes in scenic countryside and is fun to watch.
- Night of Museums: One Saturday in mid-May, museums in many Italian cities are open late, often with free admission and special events.
- Cantine Aperte: “Open cantinas” is a big wine celebration throughout Italy during the last two weekends of May. Cantinas and wineries invite guests for tastings and tours, often with food and live music.
- Saint Ephysius Festival (Sardinia): From May 1 to May 4, this festival in Sardinia remembers the miracle of 1656, where Saint Ephysius emerged as a beacon of hope amidst a devastating plague.
- Calendimaggio (Assisi): Every year, the picturesque town of Assisi bursts into a vibrant tapestry of colors and melodies, marking the jubilant Calendimaggio festival on May 8.
- Ascension: On May 29, Venice’s Festa della Sensa features a parade of traditional boats and the ritual of Venice’s “marriage” to the sea.
