Calcio, Carnivals, Winter Olympics and Fighting With Fruit… Italy in February

February might not scream ‘Italian holiday’ at first glance, but look a bit closer and it’s one of the most event-packed months of the year. Football rivalries, world-class sport, surreal carnivals, and a unique tradition you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are five events to catch in February.

Weekend of February 14/15: Napoli vs Rome at Stadio Diego Maradona, Naples

Two passionate fanbases, two very different cities and a history of bad blood mean this one always feels like more than just a game. Serie A champions Napoli are struggling to balance injuries and playing every three days, while Roma are doing well under Gian Piero Gasperini, but it is all built on shaky foundations for now.

February nights at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona are intense. The the noise travels and the crowd barely takes a breath once the teams are out.

Expect choreographed displays, constant chanting, and an atmosphere you will never forget. It’s raw, loud and raucous – Italian football at its most emotional.

At the time of writing the day and kick-off time are still to be confirmed so give yourself flexibility around booking flights.

Tickets for the match go on sale through the Napoli website where priority is given to season ticket holders and fidelity card holders before a general sale. The fidelity card can be bought online from the club for €20. P1Travel.com are in partnership with Napoli and sell tickets for international visitors although these tickets are always more expensive.

February 6-22: Winter Olympic Games Milano-Cortina

Italy hosting the Winter Olympics for the first time since Torino 2006 is a huge deal. The unique part is the split setting: sleek Milan on one side, dramatic Alpine scenery on the other. Instead of one purpose-built resort, events are spread between the city and the Dolomites, which means you get to experience the best the region has to offer.

You can watch elite sport during the day and still enjoy proper Italian food and nightlife in the evenings (think risotto and aperitivo in Milan and hearty Alpine food in Cortina). Even outside the events, the Dolomites are stunning in winter, and Milan is as chic as ever.

And if you’re not obsessed with skiing or ice hockey, the atmosphere, nightlife and sheer scale of the event make it worth the trip. From the opening ceremony at the San Siro to the closing ceremony in Verona, plus everything in between, there really is something for everyone.

Check out the full schedule here and find out how to buy tickets here.

February 7-17: Carnevale di Venezia – Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival is easily the most famous February event in Italy, and for good reason. Masks, elaborate costumes and candlelit streets turn the city into something that feels more like a film set than a real place.

Yes, it’s busy, but it’s a unique way to experience this historic city. Wander the back canals and you will see people in full costume quietly drinking coffee or crossing bridges at dawn – surreal moments you’ll remember forever.

You can find the full programme of events here. As for the football, Venezia play Modena on February 10.

February 24-28: Sanremo Music Festival

Sanremo is the Italian TV event of the year. Part music competition, part fashion show, part national obsession, it’s been running since the 1950s and is still a highlight of the year.

The atmosphere in Sanremo during festival week is great fun. Bars show the performances live, the town buzzes late into the night, and you get a real sense of modern Italian pop culture in action.

Tickets can be bought here but note, they do sell out.

Local football team Sanremese do not have a home match scheduled during the five days of music but check the fixtures and extend your stay if you fancy some Serie D action at the Stadio Comunale Sanremo.

February 14-17: Carnevale di Ivrea – The Battle of the Oranges, Turin

This one is unique. Once a year near Turin, the citizens of the old medieval town of Ivrea gather in the main square to hurl oranges at each other.

The Historic Carnival of Ivrea runs from January 6 to February 18, and culminates on the final few days in the famous Battle of the Oranges, where teams of orange-throwers in historic costumes face off in organised battles, commemorating the city’s medieval revolt against tyranny.

It’s chaotic, loud and tons of fun. Wear old clothes and protective gear, or stay on the sidelines and watch the madness unfold.

Find out more information here. For a football fix that same weekend, Torino are hosting Bologna.