29 Jul An Italian Summer full of festivals!
It seems as if Italy has finally got its mojo back, this year the Italian beaches will be the summer destination of choice for millions of Europeans probably wary to venture to tourist destinations in Turkey, France and Spain. Unfortunately, the terror threat has had a certain decisive factor for many travelers however Italian hotel owners will be the last to complain. If you are coming to Italy this summer you are absolutely spoiled for choice as there are countless music, theatre and gastronomy festivals, outdoor operas and concerts by international stars. There is still plenty on schedule for this Italian Summer.
As it promises to be another long hot summer with temperatures up to 40 degrees in many popular destinations I’m guessing you will be up for some action during the cooler evenings. This is a rundown of my favourite events which will be taking place during the end of July up to about the end of August in some of the main tourism destinations such as Marche, Tuscany and Sardinia.
Marche is a glorious summer destination with some of the best beaches, food and wine Italy has to offer. Marche is also the destination for Summer Outdoor Opera lovers such as the Macerata Opera Festival will be playing through the 14th of August at the Arena Sferisterio. www.sferisterio.it
A favourite of Classical music lovers is the Ravello Festival, these enchanting concerts take place high above the Mediterranean Sea in the ancient hamlet of Ravello, with unmatched views over the Amalfi coastline. Concerts are to be scheduled throughout the month of August up until September 30th. www.ravellofestival.com
Stunning views at the Ravello Festival
I’m going to skip right over to Sardegna if I may, for the Dromos Festival, for those of us that would like to celebrate the existence of the ‘disobedient’ woman! Who doesn’t? The objective of the festival is to pay homage to contributions of women in music and the arts. A festival that could potentially please many with an international line up filled with new age jazz, blues and contemporary acts. Taking place from the 1st august until the 15th of August: Concerts, expositions and theatre some of which will be held center stage at the spectacular ancient seafront amphitheater, the Arena di Tharros. www.dromosfestival.it
So you actually think you would like to spend August in Rome? No you aren’t completely weird, no weirder then me in any case! Because I think Rome is awesome in August, no traffic, parking spots, quiet evenings. So don’t miss taking in an Puccini Opera at the Roman Thermal Baths of Caraccalla which is being used as a backdrop for some of the most amazing Italian Operas up until mid August with Madame Butterfly, Nabucco and The Barber of Seville on the program. Tickets are available here
However the hottest ticket in town is most likely the Andrea Bocelli concert The Cirque to be held at the open air Teatro di Silenzio near the Tuscan town of Lajatico on the Maremma Coast on the 29th and the 30th of July. http://citysoundmilano.com/it/teatro-del-silenzio/biglietti/
I’ll meet you here this Italian summer! – Cous Cous Fest 16th – 25th of September in Sicily
If you ever traveled to Sicily and missed a visit to the beaches and islands off the Western Coast in my opinion you have missed out on some of the prettiest beaches, national parks and idyllic holiday islands on the Sicilian coastline. From Castellemare di Golfo to the outer island of Pantelleria the province of Trapani makes for a stunning holiday destination. Those of you looking for great street food, eateries and great beaches look no further than the town of San Vito Lo Capo. You would do well to stop by during the annual Cous Cous Fest that’s set between the narrow streets and piazza’s. It’s a truly a gastronomy festival where Europe meets Africa. This is a Cous Cous cook off with contestant chefs from eight countries – Côte d’Ivoire, France, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, plus the Palestinian Territories. www.couscousfest.it
Feast your tastebuds at the cous cous fest. Photo source: http://www.deliciousitaly.com/
Love,
Elisabeth
*Elisabeth Jane is one of our guest bloggers who lives in Rome and knows all about Italy! If you are looking for more entertainment options, feel free to give these events pages a quick visit for a year round selection of the best events in Italy. www.dolcevia.com
Elisabeth Bertrand
Posted at 08:47h, 29 JulyThanks guys, cool! I see you like the idea of the Ravello Festival on the Amalfi Coast. If I am lucky I may just have the chance to go this summer. Great to blog for you in my mother tongue instead of in Dutch. Love from Elisabeth in Rome