"Glancing at the calendar of events animating the towns of Umbria during the year, one is immediately struck by the number and variety of traditional celebrations along with the most diverse expressions of contemporary creativity. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate. For the local communities, each event is a much anticipated occasion for confirming their roots and identity while, for the visitor, [these festivals] become an opportunity to participate in the most genuine and heartfelt expressions of Umbrian culture."

Typical local products are frequently the focus, involving age old culinary traditions and providing participants the opportunity to partake in the scrumptious wares. Norcia honors it's famed black truffle, along with sausages, salami, lentils and cheese while the white truffles are touted in Citta di Castello. A wine tasting competition takes place in Torgiano. Perugia sports the Eurochocolate festival paying homage to the "Food of the Gods".

Religions rituals such as those venerating St. Francis, St. Rita and St. Benedict are steeped in mysticism and ceremony. The Ceri Race Festival in Gubbio is an amazing demonstration in which huge wooden structures, surrmounted by statues of St. Ubaldo, St. Giorgio and St. Antonio, are hefted through the streets. The Festival of the Palombella in Orvieto is held on Pentacostal Sunday. The "Infiorati" in Spello celebrates Corpus Cristi with elaborate floral compositions which line the streets and fill the air with the sweet perfume of the flower petal display.

           

Finally, not to be forgotten, some events are designed to celebrate the sheer joy of living. The Mongolfiero in Todi is just that and draws hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over the world. Sure you can hitch a ride but you will have to be an early riser. Most of the balloons lift off around 5AM!