Castiglion del Lago – Let’s paint the sky – late April / 1 May
It’s the Festival of Kites which are held on the shores of lake Trasime­no. The aim of festival is to promote the image of theTrasimeno area, which is based on environmental and cultural values. The kite was chosen as its symbol! simce it brings to mind an activity that respects nature and is full of impor­tant cultural, scientifìc and poetic significance. “Painting the skies” is a festival open to expertas as well as beginner kite-flyers, and anyone who wants to attend out of pure curiosity – all are welcome to express themselves freely and to enjoy the splendid spot where the event is held: the ex-airport of Castiglione del Lago. The highlight of the festival will be on the days of free flying, although the program also includes many other activities of great interest.

Assisi – Calendimaggio – 4/6 May
It is a spectacular evocation of medieval and Renaissance costumes and life.
The two ancient medieval wards, the “Parte di Sopra” and the “Parte di Sotto” engage in a spectacular challenge which takes the form of theatre shows, concerts, songs and choruses, dances, processions, archery, crossbow and flag-waving displays. The districts compete in a singing contest among the spectacular floral decorations, flags, torches and candles.

Gubbio – Ceri Race – The second Sunday of May
Held on the eve of the anniversary.
Of the death of the patron St. Ubaldo, it has time-honoured traditions. ” The “Ceri” are three gigantic woo-den structures weighing about 400 kilos each, surmounted by statues of St. Ubaldo, St Giorgio and St Antonio. Youths carry them on their shoulders from the historic part of the town to the top of Mount Ingi­no, where the basilica of the patron stands. The route is such that the “ceri-bearers” rush headlong through the streets; then face the arduous and tiring slope to the mount. They are followed throughout by an enthusiastic, cheering crowd. The festival is one of the most unusual popular religious events in Italy. It is imbued with very strong mystical emotion which fascinates the public. . The “Ceri” of Gubbio have been adopted as the coat-of-arms of the Region of Umbria.

Passignano sul Trasimeno – Palio of the Boats – 25-31 July
This is the commemoration of the last act of civil war in Perugia, when a small army of the Oddi family had to flee, boats on their shoulders, from the castle in Passignano, chased by the militias of the Baglioni and Della Corgna families. The “palio” of the boats involves approximately 160 contestants (40 from each district) in a gruelling race in three separate stages; the first stage rowing from the lake to the shore; the second on foot, carrying the boat on the shoulders, through the steep tiny streets and stairs of the historic center; and finally, the third stage with the boat in the water for o last furious effort by the rowers. The highly spectacular palio is the only one of its kind in the world, and draws enormous crowds each year.

Perugia – Umbria Jazz – July
Launched in 1973, today it is one of the most important jazz events in the wold. I has in this time hosted the greatest jazz musicians. The events last ten full days: a hundred or so concerts thake place from morning to night among the ancient buildings in the historic centre of Perugia.
During this event Perugia becomes a meeting point for tens of thousands of young people from all over Europe and the united States, who come to meet the most famous contemporary jazz artist.

Foligno – Quintana Tournament – 16/18 June
The celebration, received in 1946, is inspired by a horseback contest that dates back to the seventeenth century, to determine the order of priority for an honourable kinght in his allegiance to the prince or to his lady-love. Today ten knights, representing the ten districts of Foligno, test their skill by attempting, at a gallop, to transfix on their lances a series of rings which gradually become smaller and smaller.

Todi – Italian Hot-Air Balloon Gran Prix – 8/17July
50 hot-air balloons from Europe and the United States will be participating in the 17th Italian Hot-Air Balloon Gran Prix to be held in Todi (Loc. Ponte Noia). There will be two flights per day. A captivating event, not easily forgotten, with all the ballons up in the air at thesome lime, at the mercy of the winds, drifting aver the town of Todi amid the luxuriant green Umbrian hills.