EVENTS!

Scoppio del Carro - Explosion of the Cart - Florence

Easter Sunday - Yearly

Each year in Florence the same ancient tradition takes place and literally explodes over the city-center. Since approximately 1099, this event has been repeated on the same day every year.  Florentines gather in front of Santa Maria del Fiore, the city’s main cathedral to watch a dove Colombina (now a dove-shaped rocket) swoop down from the dome and ignite the enormous wooden cart. The history of this event reflects the essential pagan roots of religious holidays as the explosion guaranteed an auspicious harvest season.

Birth of Rome Celebrations - Rome

April 2006 (Every year) dates to be announced

Rome, founded in 753 B.C. celebrates its annual birthday on April 21 with fireworks over the Tiber River and illumination of the Aventine Hill with candles. This annual event is enhanced with celebrations hosted by local historical societies and parades throughout the city. All archaeological sites and city-run museums are open and free to the public.

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino - Florence

April - June 2006 (Every year) dates to be announced

One of Italy’s oldest music festivals, and perhaps its most loved takes place in Florence annually. Each year the city hosts a wealth of cultural events that include lyrical operas, concerts and ballets beginning in May through the middle of July in the city’s many theatre venues and open piazzas.

Roses in Spring - Festa del Bňcolo- Venice

April 25 – St. Marks Day

This is the day to be a woman in Venice. Men all over the city bestow roses and fresh flowers to all the women in their lives in celebration of the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark. Venice celebrates this day even further with a gondola race across Saint Mark’s basin.