Nero Norcia (Black Truffle Festival) - Norcia

The famous Nero Norcia, or Black Truffle Festival, is held in Norcia in Late February. The drive to Norcia, which is situated in southeastern Umbria is a very scenic one as it is located in a plain surrounded by Monti Sibillini whose snow capped peaks loom over the town.

Nero Norcia, also known as Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero Pregiato di Norcia e dei Prodotti Tipici is one of Italy’s most important black truffle markets. As well as stands selling black truffles and other culinary specialties of central Italy, many gastronomic events and demonstrations are held throughout the fair including guided tastings of typical products such as wines, salamis and cheeses.

This festival is held every year over two weekends at the end of February, and in fact is celebrating it's 48th year in 2011. Norcians are particularly proud of their black winter truffles and look forward to showing off their famous produce to an international audience each year. Although in general black truffles are not as highly prized as white truffles by most gourmets, they are none the less delicious and are commonly served shaved on top of pasta dishes or risottos. Black winter truffles grow in the surrounding countryside of Norcia beneath oak and walnut trees, and the black truffle season runs from December 1st to March 15th.

Race of the Ceri - Gubbio

The Race of the Ceri

The date of May 15 has been a very special day for the town of Gubbio since ancient times. It’s the day of "Festa dei Ceri." The climax of this historic festival is the Corsa dei Ceri — Ceri race. Three teams of 20 people compete in a race carrying three heavy wooden statues — of three saints, on palanques up through the city to the cathedral on top of Mount Ingino. The race is not won by who arrives first (the team carrying St. Ubaldo always arrives first) but who arrives in the best style.

The origins of this festival are unknown, but most theories link the festival to the patron saint of the city, Saint Ubaldo, a bishop who died in 1160. According to other theories the origins are to be found in pagan celebrations of Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest, later appropriated by Christian tradition.

Borgo Di Montemigiano

A small chapel, Maria SS Del Carmine, is a part of the village but is owned by the Vatican.  It is used rarely -- occasionally for a wedding, and notably for the feast days of San Gennaro, patron saint of Naples (September 19) and on All Souls Day or the "Day of the Dead" (November 2 or November 3rd if the 2nd falls on a Sunday). The townspeople of Niccone march with candles from the cemetery below to celebrate Mass.

It's important to mention that when there's a festival, everything (and we mean, EVERYTHING) closes down in town, for several days. Make sure to prepare with fuel and lots of food and wine supplies beforehand if you're visiting these times of the year.