Festivals, medieval celebrations, and transhumance: traditional events on the weekend of September 12, 13, and 14, 2025.
Traditional festivals, but also historical reenactments and late-summer peasant festivals: the weekend promises to be packed with events, including folklore and typical regional flavors .
From North to South of Italy , there are countless events linked to the seasons, from wine to grape harvests to typical products, from historical anniversaries to simply opportunities to greet summer by spending time outdoors (while you can), in the company of loved ones, laughing and having fun.
We've selected the events we thought were the most interesting to attend this weekend.
The Ghino di Tacco Days in Torrita di Siena (SI)On September 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2025, Torrita di Siena will host "The Days of Ghino di Tacco," a new event dedicated to the legendary bandit who lived in the Torrita area in the second half of the 13th century. The initiative includes the Ghino di Tacco Walk and a program of events that bring the historic center to life with a charming medieval atmosphere. Over the weekend, the historic center's doors will open to visitors for two afternoons of activities, attractions, and food and wine, including a tasting of "Ghino di Tacco" wine, the Musicians and Drummers' Challenge, and archery in the gardens.
Ciammellocco and Longarini Festival – Cretone di Palombara Sabina (RM)The Ciammellocco and Longarini Festival returns to Cretone, a hamlet of Palombara Sabina, for its 12th year, on the weekend of September 12, 13, and 14, 2025, between Rome and Rieti. The star of the show is the Ciammellocco, a savory, round, anise-scented donut, made according to tradition with eggs, flour, lemon, olive oil, and anise seeds, baked on the spot and served hot. Then there's the Longarini, handmade pasta topped with fresh tomatoes, arugula, and guanciale. All this is accompanied by plenty of other street food, all strictly homemade, expertly prepared using local ingredients. And to complement every bite, there's " Il Borgo Divino ," a journey through select wineries for a tasting experience fit for the connoisseur. And that's not all. Cretone is open to visitors. You can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the medieval village, stroll up to the 13th-century castle, gaze at the horizon opening up to the Sabina region, or enjoy a regenerating break at the Cretone Thermal Baths , where the sulfurous waters gush forth as pure as the desire to stay another day. Every evening, live music plays throughout the village.
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On September 13, 2025, one of the most traditional moments of the Alpine summer will take place in Val di Funes , South Tyrol: the return of the cattle from the Malga Dusler mountain pasture to the valley. A day-long celebration with several highlights: the farmers arrive at the mountain pasture early in the morning to gather the cattle. Each cow is assigned a bell, with the loudest ones going to the strongest animals and those who are best at ringing them. Furthermore, the cows are decorated with various floral arrangements of rhododendrons and mountain pine to invoke protection, while mirrors and bells help ward off evil spirits. Starting at 10:00 a.m., a celebration will be held on the meadow in Ranui with food, drinks, and musical entertainment. The cows will arrive in Ranui around 12:00 p.m. The festival takes place in all weathers (under a covered tent).
The kingdom of the porcini mushroom (and the happy fork), Oriolo Romano (VT)For three consecutive weekends, starting on September 12th, 13th, and 14th, the village of Oriolo Romano officially becomes the world capital of porcini mushrooms with one of the most beautiful mushroom festivals held in Italy during this period. Porcini mushrooms are served in every possible way: creamed, souped, on bruschetta, wrapped around fettuccine (with or without ragù), fried, or in succulent burgers. All this is topped off with markets full of locally sourced products, exhibitions, inflatables, a play bus for the little ones, and even a folk parade. The festival continues on the weekends of September 19th, 20th, 21st, and 26th, 27th, and 28th.
Golden Bunch in Potenza Picena (MC)From September 13 to 21, 2025, the Grappolo d'Oro will once again shine on Potenza Picena, a natural balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with this historic event that, for over sixty years, has paid homage to rural culture and the rituals of the grape harvest . The event will open with a vernissage on Friday, September 12 at 6:30 PM, offering a journey to discover the many tourist attractions, a true "village of wonders." For eight days, the historic center will be transformed into a vast open-air theater with inns, shows, music, street artists, photography exhibitions, markets, good food, and excellent wine, creating an experience that blends celebration and conviviality, offering tourists and residents the perfect opportunity to discover this beautiful village nestled between the sea and the countryside.
The 11th-Century Battle between the Normans and Byzantines at TarantoOn Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, a historical reenactment of the 11th-century Battle between the Normans and Byzantines, based on the events in Puglia that occurred in 1060, will take place along the shores of the Mar Piccolo in Taranto. This two-day event will feature two armies facing each other: on one side, the one led by Robert Guiscard and Count Malgerio, and on the other, the troops of Miriarcha, who will attempt to defend themselves from the invaders and protect their territories: Taranto, Brindisi, Oria, and Otranto. In a unique natural setting, between the Mar Piccolo, the Cervaro River, and the ancient paths of the Appian Way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , a large medieval camp will be reconstructed. In addition to the battle, there will be craft workshops, historical education, archery, medieval games for children, grotesque characters of the time, musical performances, and fire shows. Finally, there will be street food featuring typical Apulian products, enriched with references to the flavors of the past.
Quarantino Bean Festival of the Dragone Valley in Volturara Irpina (AV)The 13th edition of the "Festa del Fagiolo Quarantino della Valle del Dragone" (Quarantine Bean Festival of the Dragone Valley) kicks off in Volturara Irpina from September 12th to 14th. This year , the event will be held in three squares, instead of two. Over 70 stands are expected, along with the participation of Coldiretti and Slow Food farms, offering tastings not only of beans, but of all the valley's culinary delights. On the tradition side, two demonstrations of "stonnitura dei fagioli" (bean snuffing), an ancient art passed down from generation to generation, are scheduled, along with performances by folk music groups that will enliven the evenings in all three squares. Children will also be involved in a painting competition.
Cannonau Experience in Dorgali (NU)Dorgali celebrates the grape harvest like you've never experienced it before: among the rows of vines, the flavors, and the stories of Barbagia. A journey into the heart of authentic Sardinia , where Cannonau becomes the common thread of a day—Saturday, September 13th—that unites nature, culture, and conviviality. From 4:00 PM until midnight, the picturesque Isalle Valley will host the third edition of the Cannonau Experience, the Authentic Sardinia event that transforms the grape harvest into an immersive experience combining tradition and innovation. More than just a party, but a sensory journey through the vines, accompanied by winemakers and local guides, to discover the secrets of the island's iconic grape variety. Here, you can experience the ripening of the grapes up close, attend traditional winemaking demonstrations, taste pairings of Cannonau, Vermentino, cheeses, cured meats, and local seafood, and meet artisans and producers who preserve ancient knowledge. The evening will conclude with a convivial harvest dinner, where Barbagia cuisine will take center stage with signature dishes such as Maccarrones alla Dorgalese, Pecora in Cappotto (Sheep in Coat), and Roast Suckling Pig with Wild Herbs from Supramonte.
UmbriaWine 2025 in PerugiaUmbriaWine 2025 is the Umbrian wine festival taking place from September 12th to 14th in the iconic squares of Perugia's historic center. Now in its third year, the event reaffirms its commitment to promoting regional wineries and producers, promoting wine culture with the support of the Perugia Foundation. This year, Umbria Top is once again a partner of excellence for the event. Visitors will be able to taste free premium wines from 33 Umbria Top member wineries.
2025 Harvest Festival in Serralunga d'Alba (CN)A festive weekend in the heart of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will take place from September 13th to 14th, featuring nature, music, entertainment, street food, vintage markets, and fine wines. This edition celebrates biodiversity and features convivial dinners, immersive experiences, and activities designed for everyone. The 2025 Harvest Festival returns to the Fontanafredda Narrante Village, preparing to celebrate the most important moment of the winemaking year with a "Hymn to Biodiversity." The event, with free admission via accreditation, includes access to the Village areas, the vintage markets curated by Flairy Market, street food stalls, and symbolic moments of the harvest, such as the traditional barefoot grape stomping for children.
