If you are a foodie, traveler, and fun-seeker like me, do not miss the awesome events taking place around this time of the year in my favorite corner of Italy, a.k.a Friuli Venezia Giulia, a.k.a HOME! Fall is pretty sweet here and there are so many fun things to do – I thought it’d be nice to share a list of my favorite events to make you want to explore this area. These are great opportunities to part-take in the local community life, experience the delicious food and get to see the beautiful places around which I’ve been blessed to grow up. Maybe I’ll see you there??
16-20 Sep: Pordenone Book Festival [“Pordenone Legge”] // This is one of the most important literature festivals in Italy. It isn’t just an opportunity for Italian and international authors to sell books; it’s a lively intellectual exchange of ideas through a rich series of discussions, lectures, interviews, and public readings – all of which are closely followed by critics and a big audience keen on culture and literature. Even if you don’t speak Italian, it’s worth taking a stroll in the pretty historic center of Pordenone during this event as it’s quite animated with people and lively bars where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of refreshing Spritz Aperol.
3-10 Oct: Pordenone Silent Film Festival [“Le Giornate del Cinema Muto”] // My favorite festival of all!! Many people from Italy and abroad come to Pordenone to part-take in 8 full days of silent films. This is the world’s most prestigious festival of its kind and a great opportunity to meet the most knowledgeable enthusiasts of early films. Subtitles are displayed both in English and Italian. The closing event is always accompanied by a live orchestra and it’s absolutely not to be missed!
3-4 Oct: Open Castles in Friuli Venezia Giulia [“Castelli Aperti in Friuli Venezia-Giulia”] // Selected castles all over Friuli open their doors to the public during this event: you can explore these fairy tale locations alongside professional guides or the owners themselves! It’s a great photo op!
3-11 Oct: Barcolana Sailing Event in Trieste [“Barcolana”] // Experiencing the Barcolana is definitely something you have to do, at least once in a lifetime. Not only you’ll be able to see one of the most crowded and spectacular sailing event in the beautiful Gulf of Trieste; you’ll also be able to enjoy shows, concerts, and a bunch of cultural events throughout the city. Make sure you visit the beautiful Castle of Miramare overlooking the sea and treat yourself with “un panin con la porzina” – a delicious sandwich made of crusted ham and flavored with horseradish.
The castle of Miramare overlooking the Gulf of Trieste during La Barcolana (Photo credit: Archivio Barcolana / Emmeemme)
24-25 Oct: Venzone Pumpkin Festival [“Festa della Zucca di Venzone”] // I love anything pumpkin…If you do too, the Venzone Pumpkin festival is the place to be. You’ll walk around a medieval walled town where you’ll sample a variety of pumpkin dishes and you’ll be entertained by jugglers, fire-eaters, dancers, story-tellers, and musicians. The streets are lit by torches and candles and are populated by noblemen, knights, ladies, innkeepers, and merchants. Don’t forget to try pumpkin pizza!
These are just some of the events: there are plenty more! If you’re curious to know more about all the fun stuff happening around the region , check out the Friuli Tourist Office website — it’s jam-packed with all the info you need.
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