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Events in Umbria
Eurochocolate
In October. Perugia seems to be transformed into a gigantic pasticceria,
with displays, tastings, exhibitions, all devoted to chocolate. Other
local towns and villages become involved, and the best of Italian ‘dolci’
are on display.
Calendimaggio
This takes place for three days in the second week in May. The origin
of today’s festival dates back to 1927 when singers from the
various churches in the city came together to sing songs based on
ancient melodies. The city divides into the Upper and Lower parts
which compete for the prize of a banner. Success depends on the quality
of the singers, the costumes, and success in depicting scenes from
the Middle Ages.
L'Infiorata
On the day of Corpus Domini the main streets in Spello are covered by
wonderful floral displays. The designs depict various religious scenes,
sometimes invented, sometimes copied from famous paintings. The ceremony
is linked to the ancient custom of throwing flowers in honor of the
statues in religious processions.
Il Mercato delle Gaite
It takes place in the second week in June, and takes its origin from
the ancient political division of the town into four ‘gaite’
or areas. The most important moment of the event is the recreation of
the medieval market in the last few days of the festival.
La Corsa dei Ceri
This takes place on 15th May. Possibly, dating back to pagan times,
it happens on the anniversary of the death of the Saint patron of Gubbio,
Sant Ubaldo. The ceri are three enormous wooden pillars, each weighing
some four hundred kilos, each one having on the top the statue of a
saint – Ubaldo, Giorgio, and Antonio. These are carried by three
teams from the lower town up the hill to the church of Sant Ubaldo,
on the top of Monte Ingino.
Il Festival dei Due Mondi
It takes place each year in the first two weeks of July. It was initiated
in 1958 by Giancarlo Menotti. The festival is a very important international
cultural event. Essentially, it is a very high quality musical event,
including ballet, opera, chamber concerts, orchestral performances,
prose and poetry readings, but there are also exhibitions, drama, and
film.
Umbria Jazz
It takes place each year in early July, in Perugia. Started in 1973,
it is now one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe, and attracts
artists from all over the world.
La Giostra della Quintana
It takes place in the months of June and September. The festival has
its origins in an ancient equestrian competition of the 17th century,
in which riders competed to display their loyalty to the Prince or his
Lady. In today’s ceremony, ten riders, each representing one district
in the town, compete with each other to insert the point of a lance
in various rings. The festival is proceeded by a procession in traditional
costumes.
