Terni is a dynamic city full of initiatives. All year round there are a variety of events to spend a pleasant evening or get to know the town better. Terni celebrates festivals of many sorts. As regards music, in spring Terni hosts part of one of the most famous festivals in Umbria – Umbria Jazz Spring, where world renowned jazz musicians from around the world perform. If you prefer art, don’t miss the Terni Festival, with works and artists of contemporary art around the city; the festival core is at CAOS –Centro per le Arti Opificiio Siri, a contemporary art museum set up in the converted ex-SIRI chemical factory. In February there are events dedicated to the town’s patron saint – the St. Valentine Fair, with stands and market stalls and fun activities around the basilica dedicated to the saint. There are the Valentinian events, which besides being of a religious nature in memory of the martyr are also entertaining like the one dedicated to chocolate called Cioccolentino.
If you go to Terni or any of the nearby country villages between the end of April and the beginning of May, you might come across young people singing, dancing or singing folk songs to collect alms, hoping for the long-awaited arrival of spring. The traditional Cantamaggio (May singing) is an ancient farmers ritual to express their hopes and gratitude for a bountiful harvest, once very common in certain parts of the region. The Maysingers (maggiaioli) would go from house to house singing folk songs and love songs; in exchange the people would give them eggs, wine and other foodstuffs. The tradition is quite different today: it’s a folk fest with decorated floats and there are related activities and fun for all.