Off to Italy – not just carnival or motorsport races

In Italy there are numerous historical and folkloric traditions of various kinds, which are also internationally known and famous. Worth mentioning here are the Palio di Siena horse race, the Calcio storico in Florence and the Regata storica in Venice. The carnival festivals in Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Mamoiada, Acireale, Sciacca, Florence and Rome.
UNESCO has counted the processions with shoulder tower shrines (Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo, Varia di Palmi in Palmi, Gigli di Nola in Nola and Faradda di li Candareri in Sassari) since 2013 and the Sicilian Marionette Theater since 2001 as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Italian cuisine (Cucina italiana) is considered one of the most influential national cuisines in the world. Internationally known products include Italian olive oil, pesto, ice cream, panettone, tiramisu, various types of cheese such as Parmesan, mozzarella or Gorgonzola, sausage and meat products such as mortadella, salami, San Daniele ham or Parma ham and of course pasta and pizza. There is also a wide range of local wines such as Chianti and Barolo. Italian cuisine was recognized as an intangible world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
Italian fashion has a long tradition. Milan is Italy's most important fashion metropolis, Rome, Turin, Naples, Genoa, Bologna, Venice and Vicenza are also important centers. The major Italian fashion brands include: Armani, Benetton, Brioni, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Max Mara, Missoni, Moschino, Prada, Valentino and Versace.