Tuesday, April 21st
Rome’s birthday – Tuesday is il Natale di Roma – the date on which the city was allegedly founded. The programme of events this year begins on Friday, April 17th, extending through Tuesday. The gladiator tournament and parade will take place on Sunday, April 19th.
Rome's rose gardens reopen – The capital's Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale) on Aventine Hill will reopen for the spring season on Tuesday, offering a stunning display of over 1,000 species from all over the world.
Thursday, April 23rd
'Corsa all’anello' festival begins in Narni – This historic festival in Narni, Umbria, celebrates a unique tradition in the town’s history. Riders on horseback try to snag a golden ring on a lance to win bragging rights for their district.
The festival kicks off on Thursday and will be spread across the following two-and-a-half weeks, with the actual race held on Sunday, May 10th. The full programme is available here.
Merano Flower Festival – From Thursday to Sunday, the Merano Flower Festival in South Tyrol transforms Merano's Piazza Terme and the gardens of the Merano Thermal Baths into a large open-air market of rare plants, botanical varieties and ornamental species, with exhibitors from across Europe.
Friday, April 24th
Public transport strikes in Lombardy – Milan's transport network is set to be brought to a standstill for much of Friday, as staff of operator ATM have announced a six-hour strike. Other areas – in Milan's suburbs, Como and Trezzo – will also be affected by walkouts.
Get more details here.
READ ALSO: What to expect from Milan's public transport strike on Friday
Saturday, April 25th
Liberation Day – Italy celebrates Liberation Day on April 25th, marking the end of the Second World War in the country. Most years, Italian cities hold marches and parades, and political rallies often take place in Rome and Milan.
One of the most thrilling events of the day is the annual flyover of the Frecce Tricolori – the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic unit – whose jets will leave trails of green, white and red smoke in the sky.
Free museums across Italy – April 25th is also one of three public holidays on which state museums and archaeological parks open free of charge across Italy in addition to the first Sunday of each month. Advance reservation may be required.
'Festa di San Marco' / 'Festa del Bocolo' in Venice – Held every April 25th, the festival honours the city's patron saint – St Mark – and in modern times it's commonly used as an opportunity to celebrate love and romance.
Also called the Festa del Bocolo, bocolo meaning ‘red rosebud’ in Venetian dialect, it's traditional to give your loved one a red rose on this day.
'Salone del Mobile' furniture fair in Milan (Saturday and Sunday)
One of the best scenes of the year for design lovers is the annual 'Salone del Mobile' (Milan Furniture Fair). It's the highlight of the annual Milan Design Week.
On Saturday and Sunday, the fair opens to the general public. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fuorisalone (literally, ‘outside the fair’) – a series of smaller shows, events and parties held across the city – will run parallel to the main furniture fair.
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