May through July - Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics
Every four years, between May and July, Amalfi hosts the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, a historic boat race held between Amalfi, Pisa, Venice and Genoa; the cities which fought for centuries for supremacy in the Mediterranean Sea. Built according to a 12th century model, the boats are crewed by eight rowers, a helmsman and reserves. The race is preceded by an astounding procession of costumed historical figures.

June 27 - Festa di Sant`Andrea Each June 27th
Amalfi holds a festival in honor of Sant`Andrea, its patron saint and the protector of fishermen and fishmongers. This event commemorates the miraculous storm of 1544, believed to have been conjured up by the saint, which prevented the Saracen pirate Kair-Ad-Din from conquering the city. The festival begins with a procession during which a statue of the saint, who the locals affectionately refer to as "`o` viecchio"(the Old One), is carried to the beach. From here, the fishermen take over and continue to the Duomo with the statue. The event concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks over the sea.

August 31 to September 1
Byzantine New Year The Byzantine New Year is a remarkable historical re-enactment of the nomination of the Grand Duke of Amalfi, which takes place in Amalfi and neighboring Atrani each year. On the last day of August, Amalfi hosts the Byzantine Palio, complete with historic parade and medieval games. On September 1st, which was considered the beginning of the New Year in the Byzantine period, Atrani sets the stage for the reconstruction of the Duke`s Ordination Ceremony.

July 22 - Festa di Santa Maria Maddalena
Atrani`s festival dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena includes fireworks launched from the cliffs and the sea, which illuminate the night sky over the Amalfi Coast in a breathtaking pyrotechnical display. This event pays tribute to Atrani`s patron saint that is said to have miraculously saved the town from attack by Alexandrian pirates at the end of the thirteenth century. The festival is also an amazing opportunity to sample local dishes like `sarchiapone`, green squash stuffed with minced meat, mozzarella and eggs and served with tomato sauce.

August 1 through 4 - Luminaria di San Domenico
Praiano`s Luminaria di San Domenico takes place in the convent of Santa Maria a Castro. The festival memorializes the moment when, just before giving birth, the mother of San Domenico dreamt of a dog carrying a burning torch in its jaws, which set the earth on fire: a sign that her son would spread the word of God throughout the world. During the festival, the town`s inhabitants adorn their houses, gardens and porches with candles and torches. The highlight of the event is the carpet of burning candles in the Piazza of San Gennaro.

First week of August - Le giornate del pesce azzurro
The coastal village of Cetara is famous for its tuna and anchovies, which form the basis of its culinary tradition. `Le Giornate del Pesce Azzurro` (Days of the Blue Fish), held in the first week of August each year, are the continuation of the town`s `A tutto tonno` (Tuna with Everything) event, first held in 1992. A gastronomic fair as well as an important cultural event, the Days of the Blue Fish introduce visitors to Cetrara`s ancient fishing tradition by offering tastings and a series of fascinating and informative seminars, some held aboard the Amalfi Coast`s traditional tuna fishing boats. In the evening, the town`s port transforms into a huge, open air restaurant where visitors can enjoy the fresh fish while listening to traditional music.

August 5 - Festa della Madonna della Neve
In the charmimg coastal village of Conca dei Marini, the festival of the Madonna della Neve takes place in the church with which it shares its name. Mass is celebrated on the beach in front of the church as it is far too small to hold the entire congregation. The service is followed by a procession of the area`s traditional fishing boats, sailing to Amalfi. On the home stretch, the procession stops in Furore before returning to Conca dei Marini.

First week of August - `Sfogliatella Santa Rosa` Festival
Every year during the first week of August, the small village of Conca dei Marini holds a festival in honor of the Santa Rosa Sfogliatella, a delicious cake that was invented by the nuns of the Santa Rosa Convent in the 17th century. During the festival, hundreds of these pastries, shaped like lobster tails and filled with ricotta, sugar and candied fruits are distributed amongst the crowd.

August 14 and 15 - Festa dell`Assunta
The Festival of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of Positano`s most important religious celebrations. It not only honors the town`s protector, but also commemorates the ancient legend of how a ship carrying a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary was beached in the bay of Positano. Only after the sailors gave the icon to the local inhabitants were they able to set sail once again. On August 14th, the celebrations begin with the `Alazata del Quadro` (The Lifting of the Painting) in front of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In the evening, a spectacular procession of illuminated boats heads to the `Mamma e Figlio` rocks near the beach of Fornillo before returning to the Spiaggia Grande beach and the Cathedral. On August 15th, the festivities continue late into the night and conclude with a magnificent firework display over the sea, lighting up much of the Amalfi Coast.

Last Saturday of September - Festa del pesce
On the last Saturday in September, to mark the end of the summer season on the Amalfi Coast, a Fish Festival is held on Fornillo beach in Positano. The starting point is Positano`s Piazza dei Mulini, where a fleet of small fishing boats then transport tourists and locals to the beach. Accompanied by live music, visitors taste a number of delicious dishes made with freshly-caught fish. The evening`s activities include a concert and a demonstration of night fishing around 11pm.