The traditional elements of summer are in place this July, with events covering popular foods, music, and the arts. It's a great chance to enjoy the sunshine against the backdrop of tasty food cooking or the sounds of blues and jazz.
As always, we recommend that you check the specific event websites listed for any last-minute changes or news regarding the events.
Celtica Festival
Val Veny, 1st - 4th July 2021
Who says fairy tales can't come true?
Located at Val Veny, the Celtica Festival returns for its 24th year this July. The location of the festival transports visitors back to a charming, magical era, with the Peuterey Forest and old fort conjuring up a suitably fairy tale ambience. It also happens to be one of the highest festivals, standing at more than 1500m above sea level.
The festival is suitable for all the family, with a wide selection of activities to keep everyone occupied. Celtic-themed music, games, poems, dancing, and re-enactments are all on the agenda. A delightful step back in time, this is a festival that takes you away from the relentless hurly-burly of the modern world and into an enchanting landscape bursting at the seams with Celtic legends.
Ancona Jazz Summer Festival
1st - 18th July 2021
Summer is a time for outstanding music festivals. A couple of examples are included in this month's round-up, including the acclaimed Ancona Jazz festival, which spans two and a half weeks in July.
One of the best-known jazz music festivals in the country, the event has attracted some of the biggest names in the genre. This year's line-up looks set to be another winner, with guests including Carmen Sousa and the Silver Messengers; the Charles Turner Quartet; the Gismo Graf Trio; Roberto Ottaviano; and Andrea Centazzo.
Pistoia Blues Festival
8th - 15th July 2021
Here's another great music festival, and one that sings the blues to great effect.
Piazza del Duomo is the heart of the Pistoia Blues Festival, which showcases some of the finest blues musicians from Italy and around the world.
However, while the line-up is predominantly blues-based, there is still room for other inroads into other musical styles such as indie and rap. This year's acts promise much for all music fans, with names including Subsonica; Francesco De Gregori; Diodato; and Ghemon. There's a very strong chance that by the end of the festival you'll be singing the blues, too!
Umbria Jazz Festival
9th - 18th July 2021
And here's another! And one of the biggest festivals of the lot.
Umbria Jazz Festival is rightly revered as a key jazz festival not just in Italy, but throughout the world. Dating back to 1973, it's also one of the longest-running events.
The acts will be performing at a choice of selected locations in Perugia. Along with the main location of the Santa Giuliana Arena, other places include the Morlacchi Theatre, Piazza IV Novembre, and the Giardini Carducci. If you're feeling peckish and/or thirsty, there will also be musical helpings at the Bottega del Vino and the Ristorante La Taverna.
This year's listing is a strong one, including appearances from Enrico Rava and Fred Hersch; Paolo Fresu paying tribute to David Bowie; and Cécile McLorin Salvant with Sullivan Fortner.
International Children’s Theatre Festival
Porto Sant’Elpidio, 11th - 17th July 2021
This regular survey of festivals isn't just for grown-ups. Sometimes, they include events for children and teenagers. If your young ones are stuck for things to do and live in the Porto Sant’Elpidio region, then the International Children’s Theatre Festival is a great port of call.
The 32nd edition of the theatre-based festival will put on a varied spread of shows with plenty of dancing, puppetry, and color. As well as the entertainment side, children can also learn the tricks of the theatre trade through workshops, talks, and exhibitions. Youngsters will have a whale of a time—especially those who have a keen interest in the performing arts.
Ghironda Summer Festival
Ostuni, 17th - 19th July 2021
The heart of Summer brings with it the Ghironda Summer Festival, which is due to mark its 24th edition this July.
As well as celebrating the best in the arts, the festival is also a great way to learn more about the cultures and traditions of the five continents. The event boasts a good cross-section of performances including drama and dancing, as well as music, art, and languages from around the globe.
The event is ideal for broadening the mind and learning about different styles of celebration and entertainment. Sunny days, indeed.
Griglie Roventi
Jesolo, 24th July 2021
Tempting the tastebuds of summer cooking is the good old-fashioned barbecue. So why not put people's barbecue skills to the test in a mixed grill cook-off?
Griglie Roventi is due to pit budding chefs against each other this July. Amateur chefs—either singular or in couples—will be able to cook up a mixed grill feast, using only a barbecue, meats, and the traditional chef's hat...plus the odd slug of wine or beer to accompany the meal.
Those who take part will get to keep the grill, and there are prizes for the best mixed grill, as well as the funniest couple.
An event that is packed to the grills with food, fun, and laughter!
