Festivals in Umbria: A Cultural Journey
Umbria has a wealth of cultural treasures – from medieval hilltop towns to ornate churches, archaeological sites, and contemporary art exhibitions. Additionally, Umbria is renowned for a variety of celebrations and festivals that shine a spotlight on food, music, art, and history, attracting visitors from around the world to central Italy.
Art Appreciation
The region hosts a diverse assortment of festivals celebrating the arts. One of the most famous is the internationally renowned Umbria Jazz Festival. For over 50 years, this festival has attracted the world’s top jazz talent to Perugia for a 10-day program each July. The event has seen such success that it now includes a winter jazz festival in Orvieto and a weekend of jazz in Terni each fall.
If you’re in the mood for Blues rather than jazz, Trasimeno Blues, also held in July, showcases some of the best contemporary blues performers. Hosted in the medieval fortress town of Castiglione del Lago, located on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, this festival offers a unique atmosphere.
Offering a wide variety of artistic expressions, the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) takes place each summer in Spoleto. Created in 1958, the festival aims to unite European and American artists. It celebrates the styles and cultures of both continents through performances in dance, music, opera, and theater, enlivening historic buildings, theaters, and open-air venues across the city.
Moreover, if you seek additional arts events, the late summer Todi Festival presents a calendar packed with theater and musical performances, visual arts exhibitions, and literary events. There are also theater masterclasses and workshops available, as well as many national debut performances. Similarly, the Festival delle Nazioni is a chamber music festival held in Città di Castello, featuring both concerts and a competition for youth chamber music groups, and the Sagra Musicale Umbra, a classical music festival that spans cities throughout the region.
History on Display
Umbria also hosts several festivals with rich historical roots. For instance, in Assisi, Calendimaggio, held in early May, is a celebration welcoming spring that dates back to medieval times. The city is divided into two teams – one from the upper city called Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and another from the lower city called Magnifica Parte de Sotto. Throughout this multi-day festival, the factions compete in events that test skills and strength, including crossbow shooting, tug of war, and choral singing.
Additionally, participants in period costumes engage in reenactments and parades. A jury of international experts in music, history and entertainment crowns the winning team at the end of the event.
Foligno hosts a modern version of a historic event called Giostra della Quintana, which started in 1613. This competition features knights representing ten city districts, each participating in a ring jousting challenge, attempting to strike rings hanging from a statue of Mars, the Roman god of war. As the competition progresses, the rings grow smaller, increasing the challenge.
The Infiorate di Spello is a captivating event held annually during the Christian holiday of Corpus Domini. For over 100 years, residents of Spello have adorned the procession route with floral displays. The intricate designs, crafted from both fresh and dried flowers, have evolved into elaborate carpets and pictures, with preparations commencing months in advance.
The Tastes of Umbria
The locals are equally passionate about their culinary specialties, celebrating with numerous food festivals throughout the year. The famous black truffles, for instance, take center stage at Nero Norcia, a mid-winter festival showcasing these delicacies in various forms, accompanied by cooking demonstrations and lectures.
As autumn arrives, food festivals abound, including saffron festivals in Cascia and Città della Pieve, the onion festival in Cannara, and the black celery and sausage festival in Trevi. These events not only highlight local products through tastings and educational events but also offer opportunities to tour production fields.
Media and More
Each year, Umbria takes the global stage during the International Journalism Festival held in Perugia. This five-day event is Europe’s largest media conference, featuring over five hundred speakers from around the world. The festival not only attracts journalists, scholars, and media experts but also opens its sessions to the public.
Offering a world-class array of events and festivals, Umbria is a vibrant regional destination for art, history, and culinary delights. Regardless of the month you choose to visit, there will be an exciting festival to experience.
