Nativity scene exhibition
About 30 different creations in the churches, palaces and monuments around town. Traditional and modern versions, thanks to the local craftsmen.
(1/1 - 6/1)

St. Anthony Abate
Benediction of the animals. The day starts with a procession through town with the figure of St. Anthony on a float depicting a garden with real trees, plants and a fountain. The locals place their pets and other animals on the float to receive the saint's blessing. Then they all go to church for another blessing (animals included).
(17/1)

Carnival
Three masked races down the streets (Thursday, Sunday and Shrove Tuesday). The traditional carnival sweets are handed out to the kids (and adults) in Piazza Matteotti ("La Sagra della Castagnola").
(Carnival week - last week in February)

Re-enactment of Christ's Passion
A slow procession through the town centre: young men and women in Roman costume, holding the objects of Christ's passion, re-enacting Jesus's suffered progress prior to his crucifixion.
(Good Friday)

Procession of the Risen Christ
This event has pagan roots, a demonstration of force and ability. A wooden figure of the Risen Christ (1831 by Tenerani/Bartolomeo Canini, Canova School) leaves the church of San Giuseppe and is carried at a trot by 16 strong young men through the streets. Before this, however, a series of "penitents" bear large heavy oak crosses decorated with flowers, plus local hunters with their weapons, symbolising the passage of the Saviour, shooting in the air. And, of course, the local brass band. Curiosity: local legend has it that the wooden statue was carved by a prisoner who then became blind upon completion of the work.
(Easter Sunday)

"Giostra delle contrade"
Italian pageantry at its best: historical processions (Saturday and Sunday) in mediaeval costume, mediaeval jousting on the Saturday between the five town quarters, including attempts to thread a lance through a ring, flag throwing displays, music and a mediaeval supper in costume.
The pageant recalls the final rout from Tarquinia of the Moors who plagued the coast until the 10th Century.
(24/4)

Branding festival
Re-enactment of traditional local traditions, such as branding of the free-grazing calves and bulls, typical cowboys skills (mustering, lassoing and fast branding). Typical local produce and wine. Località Roccaccia.
(24/4 - 25/4)

Farm Machinery Show
As well as agricultural machinery and equipment (from the smallest implement to the mega cutting-edge tractors), there are also building, marine products and automobile materials and products. (At the same time as the Tarquinia Festival in town - 29/4 to 2/5.)

Tarquinia Festival
Crafts, folklore and music in the town centre. (At the same time as the Farm Machinery Show.)
(29/4 to 2/5)

Feast day of Maria SS.ma di Valverde
Religious procession with the image of the Madonna di Valverde through the streets of the town.
(1/5)

Procession of Corpus Domini
The streets are blanketed with a layer of colourful flowers overnight, forming beautiful images to the surprise of all the next day.
(June - Thursday following the first Sunday after Pentecost)

Summer Tarquiniese
A rich Summer calendar of events: "Theatre under the Stars", "Baroque Music Festival", "Etruria Music Festival", "Etruscan Nights" (music in local archaeological settings), "La Giostra degli Sponsali" (re-enactment of a historical tournament), "Butteri sotto le Stelle" (cowboy rodeos under the stars), "Local Theatre", "Guided Night Visits" (to the town's tourist attractions) and the classic "Fireworks on 15th August". Plus music, dance, plays, painting, crafts and demonstrations ("Arte Tarquiniese"), the "Summer Fair" down by the sea and even a "Summer's Carnival".
(mid June - July - end August)

Summer's Carnival
Allegorical floats and masks along the promenade.
(July)

Etruscan Nights
International artistes play their music in the local archaeological settings (Ara della Regina, Aninas Tomb).
(August)

Giostra degli Sponsali
Re-enactment of a historical tournament commemorating the wedding of two important characters in 1451: procession with courtiers and horses, ending with a mediaeval banquet at Santa Maria in Castello.
(6/8 - 7/8)

Procession of boats on the sea and fireworks
Ferragosto celebrations.
(15/8)

Open doors, a museum in the city
"A porte aperte, un museo nella città": churches, cloisters, courtyards, architecture and art exhibitions. Plus visits to local archaeology sites; conferences; concerts; theatre; visual arts and documentaries. The idea is to enhance Tarquinia's appeal during the low season. Extraordinary opening of churches and buildings that are normally closed to the public.
(end September/early October)

Nativity scene exhibition
About 30 different creations in the churches, palaces and monuments around town. Traditional and modern versions, thanks to the local craftsmen.
(25/12 - 06/01)