December 8th is ‘Immacolata Concezione’ (Immaculate Conception Day), when Italy traditionally turns on its Christmas lights, but in Abruzzo, there is another tradition and rite in many beach and mountain towns, the lighting of giant bonfires accompanied by song and cheer that begin on the 7th December!
Christmas markets in Abruzzo (Mercatini di Natale) are beautiful, short and sweet experiences that celebrate the Immaculate Conception which is a national holiday in Italy. Here’s our guide to to let you know which one is hosted in a castle, who has a beer festival, where can you buy chocolate & white truffles and more
Each first Sunday of the month, Abruzzo and Italian state museums and archaeological sites open their doors for free as part of Domenica al Museo. This is a fabulous national wide initiative that allows you to explore and discover the history and treasures of Abruzzo.
Abruzzo’s purifying fire feste are legendary especially those lit in January to celebrate the Egyptian Saint Anthony Abbot and giving without asking
Discover why bells still hold a unique position in Abruzzo with festivals and a pilgrimage associated with them and the chance to win a handcrafted personalised ceramic bell from the Ceramiche Fulvi studio
Montorio Al Vomano’s carnival celebration, La Morte di Carnevale, is held unusually on Ash Wednesday and since its inception lampooned established authorities to show that spontaneity, irony, satire, freedom and, therefore ‘Carnival’ itself had in fact died with the regime.
Don’t miss the chance to join the Marsican town of Collelongo’s traditional & very unique 4 century year old San’Antonio celebrations – songs, a glass or two of wine, a bowl of ‘cicerocchi’ and oranges!
A papier-mâché costume disguises a man and fireworks whose enthralling rhythmic dance to local folk music begins slowly before reaching its finale, ecstatic explosions
Listen to a TV or Radio show with an Italian in it and you’d almost be surprised if he wasn’t called Tony, but do you know why or about Saint Anthony Abbot
If only we all adopted Italy’s most famous witch La Befana and her sprinkle of magic on what is regarded as one of the most depressing images of the year!