Italy has few national festivals, but there is no shortage of celebrations, saints' days being the usual excuse for some kind of binge. All cities, small towns and villages have their local saint, who is normally paraded through the streets amid much noise and spectacle. There is no end of other occasions for a festa - either to commemorate a local miracle or historic event, or to show off the local products or artistic talent. Many happen at Easter, or in May, September or around Ferragosto (August 15); the local tourist office will have details and exact dates.

Recently there's also been a revival of the carnival ( Carnevale ), the last fling before Lent, although the anarchic fun that was enjoyed in the past has generally been replaced by elegant, self-conscious affairs, with ingenious costumes and handmade masks. Venice has the most famous carnival - a well-organized event that is so popular it sometimes takes over the entire city centre - and there are other, equally large and perhaps more fun events such as at Viareggio in Tuscany and Acireale in Sicily, while smaller towns will often put on a parade. A carnival usually lasts for the five days before Ash Wednesday; because it's connected with Easter the dates can change from year to year - count on some time between the end of February and end of March.

Festivals:

Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

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