Travel Italy: Vacation Packages, Tips, Tours of Italy

The gorgeous scenery of Lake Como is the setting for a medieval festival that remembers a battle dating back to 1159.

The Palio del Baradello, held in the city of Como, Aug. 23 - Sep. 14, recalls Emperor Barbarossa’s visit to his allies in Como after defeating the city of Milan during a battle in 1159.

It’s the major historic festival held in the Lake Como area.
Historic dances, parades, music, games and tournaments take place from Aug. 23 through Sep. 14 in Como.
For full details and programme, visit http://www.paliodelbaradello.it.

The hilltop town of Montepulciano, Tuscany, well-known as the home of the famous Nobile wine, hosts a singular festival last Sunday of August.  

It’s  the “Bravìo delle Botti“, a contest where the Contradas, districts into which the town of  Montepulciano is divided, compete by rolling 80 kg barrels which in an uphill race along the main street of the town.

Montepulciano lies in the heart of one of the most important wine-making areas of Tuscany. Nobile wine is being produced there. The festival offers a chance to taste one of the most excellent wines of Tuscany, paired with the many local specialties.
- View (Montepulciano (Tuscany) on the interactive map).

In Italy August 15, the Ferragosto Day, is the major feast of the Summer holiday season. The day is celebrated in the sea resorts accross the Peninsula with games in water and on the beach, fireworks, and various events.

The town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast celebrates August 15, with a historic festival, the re-enactment of the landing of the Saracens. A battle dating back to 1558, on the night of August 15, when a pirate attack took place on the beach of Positano.
To remember this day, Positano offers events involving actors in historic costume, music, and great seafood.

A festival to not be missed for those who are vacationing on the Amalfi Coast or in the surroundings of Positano.

English-speaking theatre troupe the Miracle Players performs, for 2008 Summer season, a new comedy in the ancient splendour of the Roman Forum: “The History of Rome - Part One“.

Miracle Players is a troupe performing texts and comic adaptations of classics in various historical locations.

As every summer the Miracle Players perform comic theatre in English at the Roman Forum, using creative storytelling techniques and humorous characterisation to re-enact the fortunes and misfortunes of the Roman Empire.

Details at http://www.miracleplayers.org/historyofrome/ .

A video of “Palio di Siena” held on July 2, 2007.
The most known of the historic horse races takes place in Siena, Tuscany, two times a year, on July 2 (Palio di Provenzano) and on August 16 (Palio dell’Assunta).

(via YouTube).