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.
February:
Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero, Norcia
February in Umbria is dedicated to its “black gold”: the truffle. In Norcia, the famous Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero Pregiato takes place, a market and festival celebrating the culinary richness of the Valnerina. Alongside truffles you can taste wild boar sausages, lentils, and pecorino cheese. The streets of Norcia come alive with stalls, cooking demonstrations, and tastings, fully immersing you in Umbrian gastronomy. This event attracts both foodies and local families and is the perfect occasion to experience authentic Umbria.
March:
Celebrazioni Benedettine, Norcia
On March 21st, Norcia honors its most famous son: Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order and patron saint of Europe. The Celebrazioni Benedettine bring the town to life with an impressive procession, medieval rituals, and a traditional archery contest. Visitors feel the deep spirituality that Norcia has radiated for centuries. For guests of Borgo Castello Panicaglia, it is a unique chance to witness an age-old tradition that remains central to the identity of Umbria.
April:
Celebrazioni Benedettine, Norcia
On March 21st, Norcia honors its most famous son: Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order and patron saint of Europe. The Celebrazioni Benedettine bring the town to life with an impressive procession, medieval rituals, and a traditional archery contest. Visitors feel the deep spirituality that Norcia has radiated for centuries. For guests of Borgo Castello Panicaglia, it is a unique chance to witness an age-old tradition that remains central to the identity of Umbria.
May:
Calendimaggio di Assisi
In early May, Assisi celebrates the arrival of spring with a medieval festival that brings the city back to the 14th century. Over three days, there are parades in historic costumes, music, dancing, and competitions between the city’s districts. The entire town becomes a living open-air museum, full of atmosphere and tradition.
Palio della Balestra, Gubbio
On the last Sunday of May, crossbowmen in traditional attire compete in this centuries-old tournament between Gubbio and Sansepolcro. A spectacular event to witness, brimming with medieval passion.
Corsa dei Ceri, Gubbio (May 15th)
One of Umbria’s most iconic events. Three enormous wooden “candles,” carried by teams of runners, are raced through the steep streets of Gubbio. The city buzzes with energy and emotion – a unique blend of religion, folklore, and athletic competition.
June:
Infiorata di Spello
On the second Sunday after Pentecost, Spello literally bursts into color. The streets are carpeted with stunning floral mosaics during the Infiorata di Spello. Artists and volunteers work all night creating detailed designs, which are admired and blessed during the Corpus Christi procession the following morning. For visitors, it is a breathtaking experience where religion, art, and nature come together.
July:
Gubbio Summer Festival
Classical music fills the streets and piazzas of Gubbio during this festival of international performers and masterclasses. The historic town provides a striking backdrop for concerts and recitals.
Umbria Jazz, Perugia
The highlight of the Umbrian summer. For ten days, Perugia becomes a musical paradise, with world-class stars, intimate jam sessions, and free concerts in the squares. An absolute must for music lovers.
Festival dei Due Mondi, Spoleto
The “Festival of Two Worlds” – Europe and America – is one of Italy’s most important cultural events. International artists bring music, opera, dance, and theater to this historic town. An unforgettable experience for culture enthusiasts.
Todi Mongolfieristico, Todi
In July, colorful hot air balloons rise above the Umbrian hills. The Todi Balloon Festival creates magical scenes at sunrise and sunset – a dream setting for photographers and romantics.
Umbria Film Festival, Montone
In summer, the charming medieval town of Montone turns into an open-air cinema. Films from around the world are screened on the central square, creating an intimate and unforgettable film experience.
August:
Palio dei Quartieri, Nocera Umbra
Just minutes from Borgo Castello Panicaglia, this event sees the town’s neighborhoods compete in a mix of sports, theater, and parades, all with a historical theme. A celebration full of local pride and spectacle.
Festa della Santa Spina, Montone
This religious and historical festival centers on the relic of the Holy Thorn. Medieval reenactments, archery competitions, and solemn processions make it one of Umbria’s most fascinating summer festivals.
September:
Giostra della Quintana, Foligno
In June and September, Foligno hosts the Giostra della Quintana, a spectacular knightly tournament. Horsemen race through a course, attempting to spear rings with their lances. The entire town center transforms into a stage of 17th-century splendor: costumes, flag parades, feasts, and markets transport visitors back in time.
October:
Eurochocolate, Perugia
From the third week of October, Perugia is transformed into a chocolate lover’s paradise during Eurochocolate. Streets are filled with stalls from international chocolatiers, giant chocolate sculptures, and creative tastings. For families, sweet-tooths, and gourmet travelers, this is one of Umbria’s top attractions.
November:
L’Oro di Spello
In November, Spello celebrates its pride: the new olive oil. During L’Oro di Spello, everything revolves around bruschetta with freshly pressed olive oil, local dishes, and lively music. The streets are filled with energy, and the aroma of olives fills the air. For foodies and culture lovers alike, it’s an unmissable event.
December:
Presepe Vivente, Assisi
In December, Assisi becomes even more enchanting with the Presepe Vivente, the living nativity. The town provides a magical setting with actors in historical costumes, music, and lights. Combined with the spiritual atmosphere of the Basilica of San Francesco and the festive Christmas markets, Assisi becomes one of the most beautiful places to experience Advent in Italy.
