Orvieto hosts some of Umbria’s most distinctive annual events, from the winter jazz festival that fills the Duomo to centuries-old religious processions. The Orvieto events and festivals calendar is heaviest in late December, around Easter/Pentecost, and during the autumn harvest. Here are the major Orvieto events and festivals to plan your trip around. See also our Orvieto weather by month for more information.
Orvieto Events and Festivals: Winter and Spring
Umbria Jazz Winter (Late December to Early January)
The winter edition of the famous Umbria Jazz Festival has been held in Orvieto since 1993. It runs for 5 days, typically December 28 through January 1. Performances take place in the Teatro Mancinelli, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, and the Duomo itself, whose acoustics make it one of the most striking jazz venues in Europe. Past headliners include Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea, and international acts from the Blue Note roster. Individual concert tickets range from €15 to €40; a full festival pass costs around €120. Book accommodation months in advance as the city sells out. A free New Year’s Eve street party fills Piazza della Repubblica with food stalls and live music. See also our best time to visit Orvieto for more information.
Palombella (Feast of Pentecost, 50 Days After Easter)
This unusual ceremony dates from at least the 14th century. A white dove (palombella), actually a stuffed dove on a wire, is launched from the high altar of the Duomo and “flies” through the nave to a platform outside the main doors, where it triggers fireworks. The dove represents the Holy Spirit. The ritual is followed by a parade in medieval costume through the streets. The event draws several thousand spectators to the Piazza del Duomo; arrive by 09:00 to secure a viewing spot. Free to watch. The date changes annually based on Easter. See also our things to do in Orvieto for more information.
Orvieto Events and Festivals: Summer
Corpus Domini (June, Date Varies)
Orvieto’s Corpus Domini procession is one of Italy’s most elaborate, commemorating the Miracle of Bolsena (1263) that led Pope Urban IV to institute the feast. The procession features 400 participants in medieval and Renaissance costumes representing the city’s historical guilds, nobles, and clergy. The route runs from the Duomo through the main streets to the Church of Sant’Andrea and back. The event lasts about 2 hours on a Sunday morning, usually 60 days after Easter. Parade starts at 10:30. Free to watch from the roadside. See also our best neighborhoods in Orvieto for more information.
Orvieto Folk Festival (July)
A 3-day music festival typically held the second or third weekend of July in the courtyard of the Fortezza Albornoz. The lineup mixes traditional Umbrian folk with Italian and international world music acts. Tickets cost €10 to 15 per evening. Food trucks serve local specialities including porchetta sandwiches (€6) and Orvieto Classico by the glass (€4). Check the Comune di Orvieto website for exact dates each year. See also our where to stay in Orvieto for more information.
Orvieto Events and Festivals: Autumn and Harvest
Orvieto con Gusto (October)
A 10-day food and wine festival running through the second and third weeks of October. The programme includes cooking classes, truffle hunting demonstrations with trained dogs, vertical wine tastings at the Palazzo del Gusto (Via Ripa Serancia 12), and special menus at 15 to 20 participating restaurants. The “Cantine Aperte” (open cellars) event within the festival gives access to 8 historic underground cantinas. A festival passport costs €25 and includes 3 tasting vouchers and a wine glass. Individual event prices range from €5 to €30. The 2024 edition ran October 11 to 20. See also our Orvieto travel tips for more information.
Fiera di San Giuseppe (March 19)
A traditional street market and fair honouring Saint Joseph that fills Piazza della Repubblica and Corso Cavour. Stalls sell local crafts, ceramics (Orvieto has a long pottery tradition), food products, and plants. Zeppole di San Giuseppe, deep-fried dough balls filled with custard, are sold from temporary stands. Free entry. Runs 08:00 to 20:00. See also our Orvieto travel guide for more information.
