Truffle festivals and fairs throughout the country are abundant in November. Craft stands, entertainment and music accompany the delicacy.

Oct. 6 – Nov. 25, Alba White Truffle Festival. One of the biggest truffle festivals in Italy brings locals and tourists alike to Alba. The highly prized Tartufo Bianco truffle is too delicate to be served any way other than fresh and this festival is the place to find it.

Nov. 1 – All Saints Day. This national holiday is a day when people visit family and friends and exchange gifts and good will with one another. It is also a special day for those named after a saint. On this day, all Catholic saints are celebrated. While government offices are closed, many tourist attractions remain open. 

Nov. 2 – All Souls Day. This day is used as a celebration of deceased relatives. Italians bring flowers to cemeteries to honor their beloved.

Nov. 9-13 – Merano Wine Festival, near Venice and Trento. Second only to Vinitaly, Italy’s huge annual wine fair held in Verona, this festival is a benchmark in the food and wine industry. Since 1992, visitors can taste delicious local cuisine and wine.

Nov. 21 – The Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, Venice. One of Venice’s most important celebrations, the festival is held at Madonna Della Salute Church to commemorate Venice’s deliverance from the plague in 1621. A temporary bridge is erected across the Grand Canal and thousands of pilgrims cross over to the church in a beautiful procession.

Nov. 24-25 – Oberdrauburg Christmas Market, Signa, near Florence. The twin cities of Maromme, France and Oberdrauburg, Austria participate to offer traditional products and allow visitors to buy early Christmas presents.

Nov. 25 – Florence Marathon. In its 35th year, the race expects more than 10,000 participants. Runners pass by all the famous landmarks the city has to offer. This race is among the 20 most important marathons in the world.