The Turin Salone del Gusto is currently one of the world's biggest food fairs. It is held during the end of the month of October and is every two years; the most recent in 2008. It includes food vendors and demonstrations, and one can find restauranteurs, cooks, and wine specialists there. As well, the fair also incorporates various themes such as healthy eating and diverse cuisine.
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In Marino, a town 40 minutes from Rome, on the first Sunday of October is the Sagra dell'uva (Grape festival). This festival has been around in Marino since 1925, even though similar festivities have taken place since 1573. During the day, families listen to music, dance, and fill the streets. At five o' clock, a blessing to Virgin Mary is given in thanks for the year's crop. After, wine is dispensed from a fountain and people enjoy foods such as porchetta, olives, mussels, fruits, sweets, and of course wine.
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On December 8th is the public holiday of Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception). This day is considered the holy day of obligation because worshipers are required to attend mass for the purpose of commemorating Mary being graced by God. However, Suvereto, Livorno, also celebrates the feste of the wild boar, and it is tradition for hunters to pile tables high with the meat of the wild boar.
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On June 16th in the city of Pisa, people deck the banks of the River Arno with approximately 70,000 lights to mark their patron saint. This celebration is centuries old. The next day, tradition follows with the Regatta of Saint Ranieri. This entails that one boat from each district of Pisa (four of them) battle on the Arno; one man from each boat must climb up a hemp rope to acquire the palio of victory. Afterwards, the losers receive humiliation, but all in good nature.
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Carnevale is on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Martedi Grasso). It not only serves the purpose of gathering and fun before Lent, but also has the purpose of cheering people up from the gloominess that comes about people in the winter. Everyone is included in this celebration; children dress in disguises for school and adults wear festive costumes and masks. Different cities may practice varying activities. The city of Viareggio holds the most famous Carnevale parade with elaborate floats, feasts, and puppet shows on the four sundays before Shrove Tuesday. The Venetians celebrate in a different way; their celebration includes 10 days of acrobats, jugglers, mimes, and other amusements that fill the streets.
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