What to do in Italy at New Year’s Eve

Luci d’artista, Salerno - Campania

The celebrations for New Year’s Eve in Italy liven up the squares from north to south of the Boot, with concerts, shows and fireworks. To attend a truly sensational show you can spend your New Year’s Eve in Ferrara: here, on the night of December 31st within the city walls, the town is animated by music, activities for grown-ups and kids and by the magnificent Burning of the Estense Castle, with scenic fireworks shows, light and color cascades at the stroke of midnight.

Lights are also the stars of the show on New Year’s Eve in Salerno, where throughout the Christmas holiday period (from mid-November 2019 to well into January) the downtown streets are lit up by the wonderful illuminations and art installations known as Luci d’Artista.

One of the most characteristic New Year’s Eve celebrations is the one that takes place in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square, where the ancient tradition of the “Bonfire of the Old Man” is relived: a puppet, representing the year that has just finished, is burnt on a bonfire to superstitiously leave behind all the bad things of the last year and wish oneself all the best for the coming one. The Old Man, or “Vecchione”, is a giant illuminated sculpture positioned in the middle of the square at the end of December and destined to stay there until the countdown to midnight on the 31st. The celebrations in the square continue after the bonfire too, spilling into the nearby streets with music and performances by street artists.

For those who yearn to breathe in mountain air on their New Year’s Eve in Italy a good option is Tarvisio, in the province of Udine, where they can attend the 47th edition of the Alps’ longest torchlight parade: the traditional Torchlight Parade of Monte Lussari. The event takes place on 1st January, at sunset, in the Camporosso area: 250 skiers descend the ski slope of Di Prampero wearing traditional costumes (Tyrolean wool cloak, sweater, wool socks and pants, studded boots and hat) illuminated only by their torchlights. There is also a market hosting stalls with local products and a torchlight parade for kids at 4:30 pm.

Finally, if you are a jazz enthusiast, your New Year’s Eve can only be spent in Orvieto, where you can attend the 27th edition of Umbria Jazz Winter. From 29 December to January 2nd tens of events bring the historic center to life, with more than 30 bands and over 150 international artists. There is non-stop music from midday until late at night, not to mention jam sessions and events where jazz music meets fine food & wine. Highlights of the event are the gospel concert after New Year's Eve Mass, the afternoon in the Cathedral, and the Grand New Year’s Eve Dinner with concerts before and after midnight.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

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