1. Carnevale

Held just before Lent, this age-old celebration sees the area indulge in delicious food and lively pageantry. Boisterous Pulcinella – a Neapolitan comic character – is lord of this blow-out in Naples, at which kids dress up in costumes. On the Amalfi Coast, the town of Maiori hosts a parade of colourful floats.

Figurines of Pulcinella, Carnevale

2. Saints Days

The area has many celebrations dedicated to saints. Taking place three times a year in May, September and December, the Festa di San Gennaro honours Naples’ patron saint with processions of his effigy through the old quarter to the Duomo. At the Festa di San Giovanni (feast day of St John the Baptist) in June, magicians perform and locals enjoy night bathing.

3. Sounds of Music

www.pianocitynapoli.it • www.ravellofestival.com

The region reverberates with music throughout the year. At Piano City Napoli in April, free piano concerts ring through Naples. There’s classical music at the Ravello Festival in June, and in late August, the quiet island of Ischia comes alive thanks to the Ischia Jazz Festival.

4. Easter

In Italy, Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday) are both important, as is the week leading up to them in some towns. Good Friday processions are held around the area, with a particularly impressive one on the island of Procida. Pasquetta is traditionally a day for outings – picnics being a top choice to celebrate the advent of spring.

5. Movie Magic

www.capri-world.com • www.napolifilmfestival.com

Naples and its surrounds play host to a number of big-screen events. In early January, the region’s most glamorous island presents the glitzy Capri, Hollywood – International Film Festival, while the week-long Napoli Film Festival in September showcases work by lesser-known filmmakers.

6. Foodie Festivals

www.pizzavillage.it • www.gustaminori.it/en

As one of Italy’s gastronomic capitals (and the birthplace of pizza), it’s no wonder Naples is bursting with culinary festivals. Snack on freshly made pizzas at the popular Pizza Village in June and September, or head to the Amalfi Coast’s Gusta Minori festival at the end of the summer to devour seafood and sip on limoncello.

7. Pyrotechnic Performances

The region loves to mark festivities with eye-popping fireworks displays. Gaze at the huge fireworks that shimmer over Naples in February to honour Saint Biago or be dazzled by the pyrotechnics that light up Positano in August at Ferragosto (the feast of the Assumption).

8.Arts Events

www.napoliteatrofestival.it • www.amalfi-festival.org

Known for its museums and galleries, Naples is also home to some amazing arts events. At June’s Napoli Teatro Festival, the city becomes a series of pop-up theatres, while July’s Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival sees musicians and artists gather for events inspired by Italy’s beauty.

9. Sporting Events

www.napolibikefestival.it

The region offers plenty to do if you fancy getting active, from competing in the Naples Half-Marathon in February, which takes runners through the historic center, to taking a two-wheeled tour of the city at the Napoli Bike Festival in September.

10. Christmas

Decked in twinkling lights and bursting with festive markets, Naples looks beautiful at Christmas. The streets around San Gregorio Armeno are full of locals shopping for items to complete their traditional presepi (nativity scenes) and concerts take place in the churches.

Christmas nativity scene