🍇 Autumn Festivals in Italy: 6 Unusual Traditions You Need to Experience

When autumn arrives in Italy, the air fills with the scent of roasted chestnuts, fresh grapes, and truffles. But beyond the postcard landscapes, villages across the country come alive with festivals that are anything but ordinary. These centuries-old traditions mix faith, food, folklore, and fun — the perfect way to experience the real soul of Italy.

Here are seven of the most unusual autumn festivals in Italy that deserve a spot on your travel list.

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1. La Sagra dell’Uva – Marino (Lazio)

Every October, the small town of Marino near Rome celebrates the grape harvest in a way that seems like pure magic: wine flows directly from the fountains in the piazza. This tradition dates back to the 16th century and honors both harvest and history.

Must-try: porchetta romana paired with the town’s famous white wines.

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2. Chestnut Festival – Cuneo (Piedmont)

Known as the queen of autumn, the chestnut gets its spotlight in Cuneo. Streets fill with stalls selling roasted chestnuts, cakes, and even chestnut beer. The event includes concerts, markets, and is perfect for families looking for a cozy atmosphere.

Must-try: roasted chestnuts with mulled wine.

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3. La Corsa degli Zingari – Pacentro (Abruzzo)

One of the most daring traditions in Italy: barefoot men run down a rocky mountain slope as part of a ritual mixing faith, pain, and devotion. This centuries-old event is unique to Pacentro and ends in the village church.

Must-try: local specialties like arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers) and pallotte cace e ove (cheese and egg balls).

Read more about:https://www.ladolcevitadream.com/la-dolce-vita-dream-journal/the-corsa-degli-zingari-in-abruzzo-barefoot-courage-ancient-rituals-and-flavors-you-must-try

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4. Sagra della Cipolla – Cannara (Umbria)

Cannara turns into the capital of onions every September. Locals celebrate this humble ingredient with creativity: onion soup, onion pizza, onion jam, and much more. At night, medieval streets fill with music, markets, and shows.

Must-try: onion focaccia with a glass of local red wine.

5. The Alba Truffle Fair – Alba (Piedmont)

Every fall, Alba becomes the center of the culinary world with its International White Truffle Fair. Chefs, foodies, and travelers gather for tastings, cooking shows, and truffle auctions.

Must-try: tajarin pasta with fresh white truffle.

Read more about Truffles: https://www.ladolcevitadream.com/la-dolce-vita-dream-journal/best-italian-truffles

6. Festival della Rificolona – Florence (Tuscany)

Every September 7, Florence glows with thousands of handmade paper lanterns carried by children through the streets. The Festival della Rificolona mixes devotion to the Virgin Mary with a playful spirit.

👉 Discover the full story:https://www.ladolcevitadream.com/la-dolce-vita-dream-journal/-the-festival-of-the-rificolona-florences-night-of-lanterns

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✨ Final Thoughts

Autumn in Italy is not just a season; it’s a celebration of flavors, traditions, and community. From barefoot races to wine fountains, these unusual festivals offer a glimpse of Italy that you’ll never find in guidebooks.

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