No matter when you visit Italy, you’re bound to come upon a celebration of the Madonna or a Saint. Which means colorful processions and great food.

The saints are traditionally honored in their home towns with big celebrations on their feast days. There are also less elaborate festas in other parts of Italy held simultaneously. For example, in Catania, where Saint Agatha lived and worked her miracles, an extravaganza (one of the largest religious processions in the world) takes place February 5 and the days surrounding it. Also on February 5 in Massa Lubrense, a coastal town in Campania, there’s a smaller Santa Agata festa.

JANUARY 21	Saint Agnes of Rome
FEBRUARY 5	Saint Agatha of Catania, Sicily
FEBRUARY 22	Saint Margaret of Cortona, Tuscany
MARCH 8	Festa della Donna, International Women’s Day Italian women are given yellow mimosas by their admirers
MARCH 25	The Annunciation Big celebrations in Florence and Venice to celebrate The Angel Gabriel’s announcement to the BVM
APRIL 27	Saint Zita of Lucca, Tuscany
APRIL 29	Saint Catherine of Siena, Tuscany
MAY	The Month of Mary Celebrations honoring the Madonna all over Italy
MAY 4	Saint Monica (entombed in Rome)
MAY 22	Saint Rita of Cascia, Umbria
JULY 15	Santa Rosalia of Palermo, Sicily
JULY 26	Saint Ann, Mother of Mary Celebrations in many Italian towns
AUGUST 11	Saint Claire of Assisi, Umbria
AUGUST 15	Feast of the Assumption–Ferragosto Biggest holiday in Italy after Christmas and Easter, celebrating the BVM’s rise into heaven.
SEPTEMBER 8	Nativity of the BVM, Prato, Tuscany
NOVEMBER 21	Madonna della Salute, Venice
NOVEMBER 22	Saint Cecilia of Rome
DECEMBER 8	Feast of the Immaculate Conception The celebration of the BVM’s purity is the start of Christmas festivities.
DECEMBER 13	Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Sicily