August Events in UMBRIA
Preggio Chamber Music Festival
Date:
Weekly concerts throughout late July and August.
Where:Preggio
Fine singers and musicians perform under the stars in the shadow of a 10th century Romanesque church. Professional and intimate.
Antiques and Flea Market
Date:first weekend of the month
Where:Arezzo
An antiques and flea market is held in the main
piazza
International Festival of Chamber Music
Date:throughout August and September
Where:Citta di Castello
Performances every week in various indoor and
outdoor locations around the town.
Web Link: www.argoweb.it/tifernate/tifernate.uk.html
Forgiveness Festival
Date:August 1st-2nd
Where:Assisi
Forgiveness festival at the Porziuncola
commemorates the famous indulgence that
Saint Francesco received from Pope Onorio III on
August 2nd, 1216, who announced to the believers,
"I want to send all of you to heaven."
Web Link: listserv.american.edu/catholic/
franciscan/tour/tour.html
The Palio
Date:1st through the 3rd Sunday of August
Where:Citta della Pieve
This is an Inter-district Palio, an old festival with competitions between the archers of the different village districts, a historical Parade, and the opening of 14th century stalls and taverns.
Arte per le Mura
Date:1st through 3rd Sunday of August
Where:Montefalco
As part of Montefalco's August festival, (with folk and cultural celebrations), they feature an Arte per le Mura art shops and artistic handicraft exhibition in the village streets.
Festival of Saint Rufino
Date:August 11th
Where:Assisi
Festival of Assisi's patron Saint Rufino (with solemn liturgies in the cathedral and spiritual music concerts) features a palio with a crossbow competition, a medieval costume parade and flag-wavers' performances (celebrations inspired by the Renaissance).
Saint Chiara's Festival
Date:August 11th
Where:Assisi
For Saint Chiara's festival, patron saint of television, a solemn liturgy takes place in the Basilica with the same name. The following Sunday there is a holy music concert.
Donazione della Santa Spina
Date: 2nd or 3rd week of August
Where: Montone
A charming medieval festival celebrating the arrival of the Holy Thorn (from the Crown of Thorns) brought to Montone as a gift by Carlo Fortebracci. There are games, contests and proclamations that culminate in a parade of medieval pageantry.
Antiques and Flea Market
Date:every second Sunday of the month
Where:Todi
An antiques and flea market is held in the Piazza del Popolo
Antiques and Flea Market
Date:every second Sunday of the month
Where:Spoleto
An antiques and flea market is held in the Piazza del Mercato
Antiques and Flea Market
Date:second weekend of the month with an annual fair in the spring
Where:Assisi
An antiques and flea market is held in the main piazza
Festa of Our Lady of the Assumption
Date:August 14th
Where:Orvieto
Folk and religious celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron saint of Orvieto.
Web Link:www.cittadiorvieto.com/index.html
Web Link:www.slowfood.com/
Gubbio's Palio
Date:August 14th
Where:Gubbio
A local folk festival between neighborhoods featuring a crossbow competition, medieval events and flag-wavers' performance. Very colorful.
Ferragosto - Assumption Day
Date:August 15
Where:throughout Italy
This is the day that The Holy Virgin Mary was taken up and assumed into heaven and it virtually shuts down Italy. Most of Italy is already shuttered because August is considered 'vacation month'. Be aware that not only during, but also slightly before and after ferragosto, everything is closed including supermarkets, restaurants, stores, banks, public services and offices, businesses, and most tourist attractions, newsstands and bars. If the 15th falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, the Monday or Friday in-between is treated as a ponte (bridge) holiday and retail stores and public services remain closed. Travelers take note: Many cultural sites and services shut down for the entire month of August! Check specifically to be sure that the sights you want to visit will be open If your destination is a beach or mountain area, have a confirmed reservation as there will not be a single vacancy.
Fuga del Bove "Running" of the Bulls
Date:3rd Sunday of August
Where:Montefalco
This tiny, medieval walled town hosts a race that has been run since the fifteenth century. Its unique characteristic is that each neighborhood is represented by a bull that is shepherded (cajoled, bribed with food, agitated and yelled at) from start to finish in hopes of arriving before the others. Accompanying this bizarre contest is live music, wonderful wines, flag throwing competitions, dancing, food galore with a view of the surrounding valleys that will make you sigh. Montefalco is famous for its fine linens (made using techniques passed down from medieval times), olive oil, and wine. Do try the Sagrantino, a wonderful red wine.
Antiques and Flea Market
Date:third weekend of the month with an annual fair in the spring
Where:Gubbio
An antiques and flea market is held in the main piazza
Antique Furniture Market
Date:third weekend of the month, with an annual fair at the end of August
Where:Cortona
An antiques and furniture is held in the main piazza
Antiques Market
Date:third weekend of the month
Where:Citta di Castello
An antiques and flea market is held in the main piazza
Baroque Festival
Date:end of August to beginning of October
Where:Foligno
A month-long Festival that runs from the end of August to the beginning of October. Theatrical performances and concerts of Baroque music and dance are scheduled throughout the month and traditional food is served at picturesque taverns and stands.
Web Link:www.umbria.org/Eventi/eng/evento.asp?id=10
Web Link:www.feditgiochistorici.it/efoligno.html
