![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/limoncello-1.jpg\" "\\"Ferragosto")
One of our biggest beat-the-heat tips: Enjoying nice crisp glass of limoncello.<\/p><\/div>\n
Ferragosto,\u00a0<\/em>the traditional holiday dating back to the time of Emperor Augustus, technically runs from Aug. 15 to Sep. 1.<\/strong> That’s when Italian families tend to take their holidays, and when stores and restaurants (particularly the smaller, family-run establishments) often are closed.<\/p>\nBut while Aug. 15 is a national holiday, the rest of the vacation is up to interpretation. Result? Some establishments close as early as mid-July. Others stay open through the entire summer. Some close for a week; others for a month.<\/p>\n
In other words? If you’re coming to Italy in late July, August,\u00a0or\u00a0<\/em>early September, be prepared to be flexible<\/strong>, particularly if you’re headed to one of Italy’s big cities. And plan ahead. If there’s a restaurant you want to try, have your hotel call in advance to make sure it’s actually open. Likewise for small shops you’ve been wanting to try.<\/p>\n<\/span>Festivals in Italy in August<\/span><\/h2>\nAugust might be the month when Italians flee for ferragosto, <\/em>but given the number of events going on across the country, maybe they shouldn’t! There are so many events that take place during the summer, it would be impossible to see them all. But we’ve rounded up a great list of Italian events in August by region.<\/p>\n![\"Traveing](\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/5-358x1024.png\")
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<\/span>Events on the Amalfi Coast<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Ravello Festival<\/span><\/h3>\nThe famed Ravello Festival<\/strong> is a series of concerts, talks, and performances take place in the beautiful town of Ravello on the Amalf Coast. Many of the concerts are on the outdoor Belvedere, a gorgeous spot in the famed Villa Rufolo with a backdrop of the sea. In August, performances range from a concert to dance performances.<\/p>\n![\"Villa](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/48644439913_1d9e0add59_k.jpg\")
Picture yourself attending a concert here, Villa Rufolo’s Belvedere, as part of the summer’s Ravello Festival! Photo credit: Nick Amoscato<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Events in Venice<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>The Duke’s Festival<\/span><\/h3>\nMedieval music, shows, poetry readings, and a Middle Ages-style crafts market take over during Urbino’s Duke’s Festival<\/strong>, along with feasts for the “commoners” and parades. Who knew you could go back in time so easily?<\/p>\n<\/span>Beach on Fire<\/span><\/h3>\nIt’s the world’s longest pyrotechnic display – 13km of fireworks above Venice’s coastline<\/strong>. Simply stunning.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ad7e58ec-c44e-4417-a90b-c5290e839757.jpg\")
Like fireworks? Then don’t miss Venice’s “Beach on Fire.” Photo credit: Gianni Torre<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Events in Northern Italy<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Rustic Middle Ages Festival<\/span><\/h3>\nThe little town of Tenno, on Lake Garda, hosts their medieval festival every year.<\/strong> Locals festoon their balconies with flowers in a friendly competition, making the town incredibly picturesque. Games, shows, a medieval market, and food – with traditional fare like polenta, gulash, and wine – abound.<\/p>\n<\/span>Events in Tuscany, Umbria, and Central Italy<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Palio di Siena<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is your last shot to see Siena’s world-famous race this calendar year! The Palio di Siena, <\/em>which started in 1310, is a bareback horse race between the city\u2019s 17 contrade <\/em>(districts) at the historic Piazza del Campo<\/strong>. It only takes 90 seconds, but the buildup, including a huge medieval parade, is enormous. And so are the festivities afterward!<\/p>\n![\"Flag](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/4956460992_cffcbfc26d_k.jpg\")
In Siena, everyone gest in on the action during the Palio festivities! Photo credit: David Barrie<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Siena Jazz Festival<\/span><\/h3>\nJazz concerts, classes, talks and more, the wonderful Siena Jass festival has been going strong for over 50 years. This Tuscan festival t is a can’t-miss for jazz lovers and musicians!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/span>Balestro del Girifalco<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\nIt’s season for medieval competitions between different neighborhoods, and it’s no different for the districts of Massa Marittima, a tiny town in the Maremma. The highlight of the Balestro del Girifalco? A crossbow competition to “kill” a mechanical falcon<\/strong>. After, of course, after the hsitorical reenactment, there’s a celebratory parade.<\/p>\n<\/span>Puccini Festival<\/span><\/h3>\nOpera lovers shouldn’t miss these stunning performances, which take place in an open-air theatre<\/strong> (the Gran Teatro all\u2019aperto Giacomo Puccini.) Located within a sculpture garden in Viareggio, the arena can seat more than 3,000 spectators!<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4776363889_4f782e6f5f_k.jpg\")
Italy has countless music series during the summer, and the Puccini Festival is one of the best. Photo credit: Umberto Rotundo<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Events in Rome and Southern Italy<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Opera at the Baths of Caracalla<\/span><\/h3>\nEvery summer, Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera performs some of the world’s most beloved ballets and operas outdoors in the atmospheric ruins of the Baths of Caracalla<\/strong>. Make sure to book in advance if there’s a performance you don’t want to miss.<\/p>\n<\/span>Lungo Il Tevere Roma<\/span><\/h3>\nEach summer, the banks down by Rome’s Tiber River teem with some 2km of shops, bars, and restaurants as part of Lungo Il Tevere Roma.<\/strong> On a hot August night, there’s no better place to be!<\/p>\n<\/span>Palio delle Contrade<\/span><\/h3>\nSiena’s Palio has horses, but Allumiere, a little town near Rome, has a Palio with donkeys!<\/strong> The town’s six different neighborhoods all participate in the donkey race with origins in the 12th century.<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/walks-20190709-rome-colosseumatnight-0037-highres.jpeg\")
Taking a walking tour at night is also a great way to stay cool while visiting Italy in August.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Italy in August FAQ\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>What is the weather like in Italy in August and what should I pack?
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Amalfi-Coast.jpg\")