Italy events diary

Holidaying in Europe gives you the great opportunity of experiencing many local events and festivities. We have selected a variety of events taking place across Europe this year, so for an introduction to these events and a list of the nearest parcs, please click on the country you are travelling to below.

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Vogalonga

27 May 2012
The Vogalonga is a rowing race that began in 1975 and takes place in St Mark's Basin. More than 50 Venetian rowing clubs take part, as well as people from all over the world; in the past these have included a Chinese crew in a dragon boat, Oxford and Cambridge rowing crews in straw boaters, and a local who has twice swum the entire course of the race.

Nearby parcs:
Pra'Delle Torri (Caorle)
Ca'Savio (Cavallino)

San Gimignano Medieval Festival

June
The Ferie delle Messi two-day festival brings jugglers, acrobats and jousting knights to town. Although a great tourist attraction this festival is also for the benefit of the locals who take great pride in their historic town.

Nearby parcs:
Valle Gaia (Cecina)
Norcenni Girasole Club (Florence)

Venice Film Festival

29 August - 8 September 2012 
The Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica, better known internationally as the Venice Film Festival, is by far the oldest film festival still in existence today. Screenings take place in cinemas all over the city, but the centre of the action is the Lido area.

Nearby parcs:
Pra Delle Torri (Caorle)
Ca'Savio (Cavallino)

Palio Siena horse race, Palio Siena

2 July and 16 August 2012
A tradition since the 14th century, for the people of Siena the Palio horse-race is a matter of life and death. Ten bareback riders clash in a frenzied 90-second dash around the huge Piazza del Campo. Arrive very early in the day to ensure that you get in.

Nearby Parcs:
Norcenni Girasole Club (Florence)

Unicorn Festival

July (annual)
A medieval fantasy attracting elves, witches and all kinds of imaginary creatures to Vinci, the Unicorn Festival fills Leonardo's hometown with duels, magic shows, archery contests and Gothic music.

Parcs nearby:
Norcenni Girasole Club

Opera Festival

July - August
The annual Opera Festival offers a series of performances from June to August. Classic pieces such as Carmina Burana and Aida are performed at Florence's Boboli Gardens and Villa Medici of Cafaggiolo as well as Siena's San Galgano Abbey.

Parcs nearby:
Norcenni Girasole Club

Pellestrina Regatta

August (annual)
The Pellestrina Regatta is one of the 120 regattas of the Venetian rowing season, and coincides with the colourful feast of the Madonna dell'Apparizione. Spectators can enjoy the action from the shore of the island.

Parcs nearby:
Ca’Savio,
Pra’delle Torri,
Marina di Venezia,
Garden Paradiso

Burano Regatta

September
The last Venetian regatta of the season takes place around the island of Burano which you can reach from Venice via a pleasant boat trip. You could also make a day of it and take in the beautiful nearby island of Murano too.

The regatta is visible from land (particularly from the ferry point on Burano), allowing you to take in the wonderful views of gondolas and mascarete with ease. Note: You can easily reach Venice by the ferry from the port of Punta Sabbioni.

Nearby parcs:
Punta Sabbioni (Italian Adriatic)
Cavallino, Garden Paradiso (Italian Adriatic)