Italy’s not just about wine, pasta, and old ruins, you know? They’re also big on festivals – the weirder, the better! If you want to get to know the real Italy, go where the parties are. Here are some of the wackiest ones to check out:
Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea
Every February, Ivrea goes orange crazy. People act out an old revolt by chucking oranges like crazy at each other. Teams dressed in old-school costumes launch fruit bombs in the town square. It’s messy, wild, and super fun.
La Festa dei Ceri – Gubbio
On May 15th, Gubbio, in Umbria, has this thing where they carry huge wooden candles (more like towers that weigh a ton) and race around town. It’s not just showing off muscles – it’s a super old religious thing filled with local spirit.
Calcio Storico – Florence
Think soccer meets rugby meets street fighting. That’s Calcio Storico, happening every June in Florence. Players dress in old-timey gear, and the game is part sport, part all-out fight. It’s hardcore, but it’s Florentine to the core.
The Snake Festival – Cocullo
In May, Cocullo, out in Abruzzo, celebrates their saint by covering a statue of St. Dominic with live snakes and walking it around town. It’s got roots in old pagan customs, and it’s both a bit strange and really interesting – like a sign of healing and keeping safe.
Listen to the new song of Andrea Pimpini
La Quintana – Ascoli Piceno
Every August, this town puts on a jousting match that’s like going back in time. Knights in armor ride at a target while everyone cheers. There’s feasting, parades, all that good stuff.
Why You Should Care
More than just a show, these festivals tell stories about fighting back, keeping traditions alive, sticking together, and believing in something. Whether you’re dodging oranges or watching snakes, you’re not just visiting, you’re seeing something real that goes way back.
Travel Tip: Check the local schedule before you go anywhere – you might find a party you won’t ever forget. And wear good shoes. Italy celebrates on its feet.
Sareena Bilal is a versatile and passionate content writer with a flair for storytelling across diverse domains, including economics, gaming, technology, travel, and dining. With a strong foundation in computer science and a proven record of crafting compelling content for global audiences, she brings both technical insight and cultural sensitivity to every piece she writes. Sareena currently volunteers as a luxury features writer for La Haute D’Arabie, where she produces immersive content on elite travel, wellness, and fine dining.
Her background as a machine learning engineer and software developer gives her a unique edge in breaking down complex tech topics into engaging narratives. Whether she’s writing about cutting-edge AI or reviewing the latest gaming trends, Sareena combines analytical depth with creativity and clarity. She is a self-motivated professional who thrives in remote, flexible environments and is excited to contribute her writing expertise to projects that inform, entertain, and inspire. Sareena’s work is not just about words—it’s about creating lasting impact through meaningful content.