If you want the complete Italian experience in Umbria, you have to visit a sagra (village feast) or a some other major event. Sagras are popular with the locals and focus on cooking and eating together. Villagers cook and serve the food themselves and each sagra focusses on a different local product. Posters by the road or the local tourist information office can tell you where and when the next sagra is. The region also boasts a lot of big (sometimes world-famous) events, such as Umbria Jazz in Perugia or the dei Due Mondi festival in Spoleto.
January:
Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate (various villages)
In January, villages throughout Umbria honor Sant’Antonio Abate, the patron saint of animals. The whole community gathers as farmers bring their animals for a traditional blessing, children join in colorful parades, and local delicacies are prepared. This festival connects community and spirituality, offering a special way to start the new year amidst Umbria’s authentic village atmosphere.
February:
Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero, Norcia
February is all about black gold: truffles. Norcia hosts the famous Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero Pregiato, a market and festival celebrating the culinary richness of the Valnerina. Alongside truffles, you’ll taste wild boar sausage, lentils, and pecorino cheese. Streets fill with stalls, cooking demos, and tastings, immersing visitors in Umbrian gastronomy. This event attracts foodies, families, and bon vivants from near and far.
March:
Celebrazioni Benedettine, Norcia
On March 21st, Norcia honors its most famous resident: Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order and patron saint of Europe. The city celebrates with a grand procession, medieval rituals, and a historic archery contest, creating a festival full of spirituality and connection, preserving Norcia’s ancient role in European culture.
Umbria Green Festival (March—November, various towns)
From March, this festival spreads across the region. In Assisi, Narni, Perugia, and other towns, concerts, lectures, and art projects center around sustainability. For those wanting to combine culture and nature, it’s an inspiring way to experience Umbria from a contemporary angle.
April:
Coloriamo i Cieli, Castiglione del Lago
At the end of April, the skies above Lake Trasimeno burst into color during Coloriamo i Cieli. Thousands of kites fill the sky, ranging from simple children’s designs to artistic masterpieces. Children join workshops, families picnic on the grass, and music fills the streets. This cheerful, playful festival welcomes spring with color and movement.
May
Calendimaggio, Assisi
In early May, Assisi celebrates spring’s arrival with Calendimaggio, a medieval festival filled with parades, costumes, music, and dance. For three days, the city becomes a living open-air museum, as rival districts compete in singing and dancing, and guests are immersed in tradition and festivity.
Corsa dei Ceri, Gubbio (15 May)
One of Umbria’s most iconic events. Teams of runners carry three giant wooden candles through Gubbio’s steep streets. The whole city buzzes with energy and emotion—a unique blend of religion, folklore, and athletic competition.
Palio della Balestra, Gubbio (last Sunday in May)
In historic dress, crossbowmen from Gubbio compete against rivals from Sansepolcro. The town square becomes a medieval battleground where tension and tradition merge.
June:
Infiorata di Spello (second Sunday after Pentecost)
Spello’s streets become a sea of flowers during the Infiorata. Volunteers and artists work through the night to create colorful carpets of flowers, admired and blessed during the Corpus Christi procession. It’s a magical fusion of art, nature, and faith.
Giostra della Quintana (Spring edition), Foligno
A spectacular jousting tournament where mounted knights aim their lances at rings. Streets fill with flags, costumes, and music as Foligno returns to the 17th century.
July:
Umbria Jazz, Perugia (11–20 July 2025)
One of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals. For ten days, Perugia becomes a musical capital, with concerts by world stars, intimate jam sessions, and free performances in the squares. A must for music lovers.
Festival dei Due Mondi, Spoleto
The Festival of Two Worlds brings music, dance, opera, and theater of international renown to Spoleto. Historic squares, churches, and theaters set the stage for performances that unite Europe and America.
Gubbio Summer Festival
A tribute to classical music. International artists and young talent perform and teach masterclasses in medieval Gubbio, blending music and heritage.
Todi Mongolfieristico
The skies above Todi fill with colorful hot air balloons rising at dawn and dusk, creating fairy-tale scenes—perfect for photographers, romantics, and families.
Umbria Film Festival, Montone
A charming film festival in a medieval town. The central square turns into an open-air cinema, screening films from around the world in an intimate setting.
Sagra dell’Oca, Bettona (late July—early August)
A village festival dedicated to goose dishes, continuing Bettona’s centuries-old tradition. Tastings, music, and parades create a festive summer atmosphere.
August:
Palio dei Quartieri, Nocera Umbra
Near Borgo Castello Panicaglia, this vibrant event takes place as the districts of Nocera Umbra compete in sports, parades, and theater, all with historical themes.
Festa della Santa Spina, Montone
This festival centers on the relic of the Holy Thorn, featuring medieval reenactments, archery contests, and solemn processions that bring history and spirituality to life.
Todi Festival
One of Umbria’s most important cultural festivals, blending theater, music, and art in Todi’s historic streets and squares for a creative atmosphere.
September:
Giostra della Quintana (Autumn), Foligno
The second edition of this impressive joust. Once again, Foligno is all about horses, lance competitions, and medieval grandeur.
Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia (various wineries)
During the grape harvest, wineries open their doors to visitors. Sample young wines, walk through vineyards, and experience the magic of harvest time.
Festival dell’Oriente, Umbriafiere (27–28 Sept & 4–5 Oct 2025)
A major event bringing together Asian culture, music, street food, and workshops. It’s a surprising contrast to Italian traditions, ideal for those who want to explore another world.
Festival of the Middle Ages, Gubbio (24–28 Sept 2025)
Gubbio returns to its glory days with reenactments, markets, lectures, and performances. The city exudes the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, fitting its centuries-old history.
Festival della Piana del Cavaliere, Orvieto (22 Sept 2025)
A combination of music, art, and sustainability in a medieval setting. For guests who want to blend culture with modern themes.
October:
Eurochocolate, Perugia (third week of October)
Perugia turns into a chocolate paradise. International chocolatiers showcase their creations with massive sculptures and creative workshops—a heaven for those with a sweet tooth and families.
Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco e della Patata, Pietralunga
The white truffle takes center stage alongside local potatoes and typical products. Ideal for foodies and lovers of traditional flavors.
Borgo diVino, Spello
A wine festival in one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages, with tastings, tours, and music filling streets and squares.
Umbria World Fest, Foligno (12–14 October 2025)
Concerts, photography, and art exhibitions at special locations like Palazzo Trinci—a modern festival in a historical setting.
Festa delle Salvie e del Giardino, Assisi (27–28 Sept, 4–5 & 11–12 Oct 2025)
For garden and nature lovers: a charming fair dedicated to sage, flowers, and garden life at Il Lavandeto di Assisi.
November:
L’Oro di Spello, Spello
New olive oil is celebrated at this atmospheric festival, with the scent of freshly pressed olives everywhere and tastings of bruschetta, local dishes, and wine. Music and conviviality complete the experience.
Festa di San Martino (various villages)
A traditional festivity featuring chestnuts, new wine, and local specialties, capturing the authentic autumnal atmosphere of community and gastronomy.
Truffels & Nieuwe Wijn (various villages)
Autumn in Umbria means tastings of truffles, chestnuts, and young wine. Small villages organize markets and celebrations honoring the flavors of the season.
People and Religions – Terni Film Festival
A film festival exploring religion, culture, and society—thought-provoking and inspiring, held in the city of Terni.
December:
Presepe Vivente, Assisi
In December, Assisi grows magical with the living nativity scene. Locals dressed in historical costumes bring the Christmas story to life, accompanied by music and lights.
Gubbio Christmas Tree
On Monte Ingino, the world’s largest Christmas tree shines every year. Hundreds of lights form an impressive symbol that attracts visitors from all over Italy.
Domenica al Museo – Free Museums (Perugia, every first Sunday of the month)
Every first Sunday of the month, museums open their doors for free. An ideal way to discover culture during the winter months.
