Italy in October: Holidays, Events, and Festivals 2024

Looking for an all-encompassing rundown of October’s holidays, events, and festivals in Italy for 2024? Look no further.

Fueled by my deep-seated connection to Italy’s cultural tapestry, I’ve crafted a guide that captures the essence and energy of cherished Italian traditions.

Join me on a journey through Italy’s October offerings. Revel in the unique allure of the autumn season, which infuses this month with a special zest, enhancing Italy’s calendar for 2024.

October 2024 Events and Festivals in Italy: A Month for Food Festivals and Heritage Celebrations

Let’s start with three key events in Italy in October, a month for food festivals and festive traditions. Alternatively, explore our detailed daily October calendar for a full scope of the month’s diverse activities.

October 1: Alba White Truffle Festival

Imagine a place where the air is filled with the rich, earthy scent of one of the culinary world’s most luxurious ingredients. This is the scene at the Alba White Truffle Festival, held annually in the charming city of Alba (province of Cuneo), nestled in the heart of Italy’s Piedmont region.

As autumn paints the landscape in warm hues, the festival kicks off, transforming the city into a paradise for truffle lovers.

A Gastronomic Adventure

From early October through to the start of December, the town becomes a buzzing hub of activity. The core of the festivities is the Alba White Truffle World Market.

Here, seasoned truffle hunters and their faithful dogs proudly present the fruits of their labor. These knobby, golden treasures are a sight to behold, and the excitement in the air is palpable as visitors from all corners of the globe come to witness, taste, and purchase.

More Than Just Truffles

While the truffle is undoubtedly the show’s star, the festival is a holistic celebration of regional excellence.

You’ll find an array of stalls bursting with local delights: think robust wines, creamy cheeses, and a selection of cured meats that reflect Piedmont’s rich gastronomic culture.

Culinary Exhibitions and Family Fun

The fair isn’t just a marketplace; it’s an immersive experience. Renowned chefs perform cooking demonstrations, sharing their secrets to bringing out the truffle’s unique flavor.

For those keen on the nuances of wine, masterclasses offer the chance to sip and savor local varieties. And for the little ones, areas are dedicated to playing and learning, emphasizing a connection with nature and the region’s traditions.

The Truffle — A Hidden Gem

What exactly is the Alba white truffle? It’s a fungal gem that resides beneath the soil near the roots of oak, hazelnut, and chestnut trees.

To unearth this delicacy, a knowledgeable hunter and a well-trained dog are indispensable. With a scent that’s both potent and intoxicating and a flavor that chefs worldwide covet, these truffles are in a league of their own.

The Season of the Truffle

The best truffles come to the surface between October and November, making the Alba White Truffle one of the best festivals in autumn. It’s a narrow window of opportunity to indulge in these white truffles at their peak. This experience is truly once a year.

This festival, one of the best events in Italy in October, offers a slice of Italian heritage rich in flavor and tradition. It’s an event that promises not just a taste but a full dive into the sensory delights of Italy’s treasured Alba truffles.

October 4: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Each year, on the 4th of October, the town of Assisi bursts into a spiritual and joyful celebration for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s not just any festivity; it’s a day that honors a man who dedicated his life to faith, peace, and the love of nature.

Who Was St. Francis?

St. Francis, born to a prosperous merchant family, led a rich and varied early life before embracing a spiritual path. His transformation from a life of luxury to one of devout poverty has inspired countless people.

Known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, his teachings transcend time, emphasizing kindness to all creatures and preserving our natural world.

A Town Illuminated

In Assisi, the celebration is profound. The streets glow with oil lamps, symbolizing the light St. Francis brought into the world.

These two days of luminance lead into a series of solemn services within the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, echoing with hymns and prayers in his memory.

Blessings for Our Furry Friends

The love that St. Francis had for animals is mirrored in today’s festivities, with children bringing their pets to receive blessings.

It’s a heartwarming sight: dogs, cats, and even the occasional rabbit or bird, all part of a ceremony that strengthens the bond between humans and animals.

St. Francis Today

Declared the patron saint of Italy, St. Francis’s message of brotherhood and peace is ever-relevant. It serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action, inspiring us to live with compassion and humility. His example continues to resonate, motivating a path of goodwill and community.

October 18-27: Eurochocolate International Chocolate Exhibition

Yearly, the charming city of Perugia transforms into a chocolate paradise. Eurochocolate, an event that draws in nearly a million visitors, is a true celebration of all things chocolate.

Since 1993, this festival has been a haven for sweet tooths, with the air in Perugia becoming thick with the rich scent of cocoa.

The Heart of the Festival

Perugia’s historic squares and streets, including the bustling Piazza Italia and the scenic Corso Vannucci, become the stages for this chocolate festival. From awe-inspiring chocolate art exhibits to interactive tastings where you can savor avant-garde flavors, the city buzzes with chocolate-fueled excitement.

Artistry in Chocolate

Imagine artists carving giant blocks of chocolate into intricate sculptures, their hands crafting stunning pieces that are as delicious as beautiful.

It’s an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate, and it’s all happening right in the heart of Perugia, making the Eurochocolate one of the most sought-after events happening in Italy in October.

A Melting Pot of Activities

Eurochocolate isn’t just about watching; it’s about doing. You can roll up your sleeves in chocolate workshops, sway to live music, and even learn how to whip up your chocolate creations in cooking classes hosted by master chocolatiers.

A World of Chocolate at Your Fingertips

Stalls upon stalls present a dizzying array of chocolate from global brands to artisanal producers. Picture the delight of savoring complimentary samples from famous Italian chocolate brands, such as Perugina, home to the legendary Baci chocolates, and other big names, such as Lindt and Caffarel.

Beyond the Festival Grounds

The experience extends to the Perugina ChocoMuseum and Factory, where you can deep dive into the legacy of chocolate. And during the festival? Entry is free, giving you the perfect excuse to explore the journey from bean to bar.

Tips for the Trip

If your heart is set on a chocolate odyssey in Perugia, plan ahead. Accommodations fill up fast, and you’ll want to ensure a comfy place to rest after days spent indulging in the finest cocoa creations.

Visiting Italy in October? Stay ahead with essential weather insights. Explore our guide: Weather in Italy in October.

October 2024 Calendar: Italy’s Holidays, Anniversaries, Events, and Special Days

October 1

• Opening of the Alba White Truffle Festival: The beginning of the prestigious festival honoring the highly sought-after white truffle, a culinary treasure deeply rooted in the gastronomy of Italy’s Piedmont region.
• International Music Day: A celebration of the global language of music, highlighting Italy’s rich musical heritage from classical to contemporary.
• International Coffee Day: Honoring the cherished ritual of coffee consumption with a nod to Italy’s iconic coffee brands that have shaped espresso culture worldwide.

October 2

• National Grandparents Day: A special day to honor the wisdom and love of grandparents, including the affection for ‘nonna’ and ‘nonno,’ the Italian words for grandma and grandpa.

October 3

• Commemoration of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226): Reflecting on the life and teachings of Saint Francis, with his feast honored the following day.

October 4

• Feast of St. Francis of Assisi: Commemorating the patron saint of animals and the environment.
• Feast of Saint Petronius of Bologna: Honoring the protector of Bologna, a city worth visiting.
• Sagra dell’Uva (Marino, Rome): This venerable festival draws crowds to honor local wine grapes, featuring statues adorned with vines and a fountain famously flowing with white wine.
• World Smile Day: A day dedicated to acts of kindness and spreading joy, reflecting the warm hospitality Italy is known for.
• World Animal Day: Celebrating the Italian animal breeds that are vital to the nation’s biodiversity and the charming Italian animal names that reflect our cultural heritage.

October 5

• World Teachers’ Day: A day to honor the contributions of teachers, echoing the respect for education and scholarship deep-rooted in Italian culture.
• Gregorian Calendar Adjustment (1582): A day that never was. It vanished during the shift to the modern calendar.

October 6

• Inaugural Radio Broadcast in Italy (1924): Marking the anniversary of Italy’s first radio broadcast, showcasing the country’s historical contributions to communication technology, including this significant Italian invention.

October 8

• Remembering the Death of Cola di Rienzo (1354): Honoring the memory of the visionary Roman tribune.

October 9

• International Beer and Pizza Day: Combining two staples of casual dining, this day pays homage to the country’s delicious contributions to the world of pizza, paired with the growing appreciation for Italian beer brands.

October 10

• Giuseppe Verdi’s Birthday: Honoring the legendary Italian composer. If you’re a fan of Verdi’s moving compositions, Festival Verdi, held every year in October in Italy, features concerts with his iconic operas at venues including Parma’s Teatro Regio and Teatro Farnese, as well as Busseto’s Teatro Verdi.

October 11

• Boccaccesca Food and Wine Festival, Certaldo (Tuscany): A tribute to Giovanni Boccaccio, this festival, celebrated in the charming Italian village of Certaldo, invites epicureans to savor Tuscany’s local food and wine through engaging cooking classes and contests.
• Feast Day of Pope John XXIII: Honoring the pope renowned for initiating the Second Vatican Council.

October 12

• Honoring the artistic life of Piero della Francesca (1492): Reflecting on the significant contributions of the Italian Renaissance artist.
• Luciano Pavarotti’s Birthday (1935): Remembering the iconic operatic tenor.

October 13

• Barcolana Regatta (Trieste): An annual sailing race held in the Gulf of Trieste, renowned as one of the largest regattas in the world, highlighting Italy’s maritime heritage and love for sailing.
• Emperor Claudius’ Passing (54): Reflecting on the reign of the Roman Emperor.
• Commemorating the artistic life of Antonio Canova (1822): Honoring the master sculptor.

October 14

• Columbus Day (Celebrated in the US): Commemorating the voyage of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492.
• Dessert Day (Celebrated in the US): A sweet celebration that includes a rich array of Italian desserts, from tiramisu to cannoli, that have found a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers.

October 15

• Lucretius’s Birthday (99 B.C.): Honoring the renowned poet and philosopher.
• Virgil’s Birthday (70 B.C.): Remembering the celebrated Roman poet.
• Foundation of the Alpini Corps (1872): Celebrating the establishment of the elite mountain warfare military corps.

October 16

• World Food Day: A day focused on good food and nutrition, with an opportunity to explore facts about Italian food and its global influence on cuisine.
• Rome Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma): An illustrious film festival, usually held in mid-October, filled with premieres, competitions, and events, standing as Italy’s second grandest cinema celebration after Venice.
• Birth of Gian Galeazzo Visconti (1351): Marking the birth of the first Duke of Milan.
• Ascension of Pope John Paul II (1978): Celebrating when the first non-Italian pope took office in 1523.

October 18

• Eurochocolate (International Chocolate Exhibition in Perugia): An annual event for chocolate enthusiasts, taking place in Perugia, celebrating Italy’s love affair with chocolate and showcasing confectionery innovations.
• Establishment of Il Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI) (1975): Observing the foundation of Italy’s leading environmental organization.

October 19

• Beatification of Mother Teresa in Rome (2003): Commemorating the day Mother Teresa was declared blessed in Rome.
• Beatification of Pope Paul VI in Rome (2014): Marking the day Pope Paul VI was beatified in Rome.

October 23

• Gianni Rodari’s Birthday (1920): Honoring the legacy of the famed children’s book author.

October 24

• Emperor Domitian’s Birthday (51): Marking the birth of the Roman Emperor noted for his authoritarian rule.

October 25

• World Pasta Day: Savoring the variety and culinary artistry of Italian pasta, arguably some of the best in the world.
• World Opera Day: Honoring the art of opera with a special tribute to Italy’s best opera singers who have graced stages across the globe.

October 26

• Remembering Carlo Collodi (1890): Honoring the creator of the Adventures of Pinocchio.
• Birth of Ercole I d’Este, Duke of Ferrara (1431): Honoring the rule of the notable Duke of Ferrara.

October 27

• Niccolò Paganini’s Birthday (1782): Honoring the virtuoso violinist and composer.
• Roberto Benigni’s Birthday (1952): Marking the birth of the famous actor and filmmaker.

October 28

• Chocolate Day (Celebrated in the US): Indulging in the world of sweets, including the fine Italian chocolate brands representing Italy’s part in the rich history of chocolate making.

October 29

• Cat Day (Celebrated in the US): Honoring our feline friends, including those with Italian cat names that reflect Italy’s cultural heritage.

October 30

• Norcia Earthquake (2016): Remembering the devastating earthquake that struck Norcia in Umbria.
• Breadstick Day (Celebrated in the US): Appreciating the crunchy side of Italian cuisine, a day for the breadsticks (grissini) that have become a staple in Italian snack foods.

October 31

• Completion of the Sistine Chapel Frescoes by Michelangelo (1512): Commemorating the magnificent artistic achievement.
• Halloween (Celebrated in the US): Though not traditionally Italian, the holiday is marked by Italian Americans and showcases the global reach of this spooky celebration.