Despite being the shortest month of the year, February is jam-packed with events and things to do in Italy.
Though the merriment of the holiday season is long past, there are plenty more reasons to celebrate in February – namely, Carnevale. The carnival season is one of the most exciting times to be in Italy, where confetti litters the streets and kids don costumes not just in Venice but throughout the country.
In addition to Carnevale, there are other annual rituals, like watching Italy’s most beloved music competition streaming from Sanremo. Plus, this February is extra special, with Italy hosting the Winter Olympics in the north.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about February events in Italy that will keep your calendar booked and busy all month long.
READ ALSO: Mark your calendar: Italy's biggest cultural events in 2026
Carnevale – all month
February is carnevale season in Italy, and the most famous events of all are held in Venice, with celebrations set to run from January 31st to February 17th 2026.
But Venice is not the only part of Italy famous for its carnival celebrations; there’s the parade of papier-mâché floats and political caricatures in Viareggio and an annual orange fight in Ivrea, among others.
READ ALSO: Beyond Venice: 10 other carnivals to visit in Italy this year
Festa di Sant'Agata – February 3rd-5th
The three-day Feast of Saint Agata in Catania, Sicily, involves processions, firework displays, and some unusual-looking desserts.
The story goes that Sant'Agata, a young girl from a noble family, was tortured and killed by a governor whose advances she spurned.
On her feast day, believers wander the street, wide-eyed, hoping for a vision of the saint, while bakers join the celebration by baking special sweet treats – minni di virgini, cream-filled cakes shaped like a breast, as part of Agatha’s torture was having her bosom cut off.
Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics – February 6th-22nd
Northern Italy will host the world’s most anticipated sporting event this month. From February 6th to 22nd, the XXV Olympic Winter Games will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6th to 15th.
New competitions will include the debut of ski mountaineering, or SkiMo, a high-adrenaline event where athletes race uphill using climbing skins, hike through steep sections and ski back.
READ ALSO: A quick guide to Italy’s 2026 Winter Olympics
Bernini and Barberini Exhibition in Rome – February 12th-June 14th
Following the sold-out success of last year’s Caravaggio exhibit, another big show is coming to Rome’s Palazzo Barberini this year. ‘Bernini e Barberini’ will feature the famed Baroque sculptor’s relationship with one of his most dedicated patrons, who would later become Pope Urban VIII.
Tickets are on pre-sale now.
Verona in Love festival – February 14th-16th
Verona goes all-out for Valentine’s Day with a city-wide festival commemorating literature’s famous couple, Romeo and Juliet. In these days dedicated to love, there are festive markets, themed art and museum exhibits, and tours of the most important places for Shakespeare's star-crossed paramours.
This year’s Verona in Love programme hasn’t been released yet; check back with the official website for updates.
READ ALSO: Did Valentine's Day really originate in Italy?
Ash Wednesday – February 18th
With all the Carnevale debauchery before Lent, it’s easy to forget one of the most important days in the Roman Catholic calendar. Ash Wednesday, falling on February 18th this year, marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
In Rome, Pope Leo will preside over a traditional Ash Wednesday ceremony on Aventine Hill. The commemoration will begin with statio prayers at the Church of Sant’Anselmo, followed by a procession to the nearby Basilica of Santa Sabina, where the Pope will hold mass and perform the ashes ritual.
Even if you’re not in Rome, visiting any of Italy’s massive and beautiful cathedrals for an early mass on Ash Wednesday is an experience not to be missed.
Sanremo Music Festival – February 24th-28th
February is the month for Italy’s hottest musical event: the Sanremo musical contest. From February 24th to 28th 2026, both established Italian artists and newcomers will perform their own original songs, battling it out for the golden lion trophy (and the opportunity to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest).
READ ALSO: Why is the Sanremo music festival so important to Italians?
Milan Fashion Week – February 24th-March 2nd
Milan Fashion Week (MFW) will kick off on Tuesday, February 24th. Some of the world's most renowned designers will be showing their women’s collections for fall/winter 2026 at venues across the city. It will be the first MFW following the January 2026 passing of Valentino Garavani.
Do you have a favourite event happening in February? Let us know in the comments below.
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