Bolsena White Night

The Bolsena White Night

The White Night is one of the most anticipated summer events in Bolsena, a town in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia region and Lazio. Every August 13th, on the eve of the peak lake summer season, the historic center overlooking Lake Bolsena transforms into a large open-air stage, buzzing with activity from 6 PM to 2 AM.

The format follows the classic Italian 'notte bianca' style, but here it takes on a unique character: culture, folk traditions, food and wine, and entertainment intertwine among medieval alleys, squares, and historic palaces, in an evening designed as a widespread journey to be enjoyed on foot.

Monuments and Palaces Open to the Public

One of the hallmarks of the event is the extraordinary opening of monuments, which welcome visitors at unusual hours for one night only. Featured sites include:

• Palazzo del Drago, with guided tours;
• Palazzo Monaldeschi della Cervara, hosting exhibitions dedicated to the local area and the archaeological discoveries of the Gran Carro;
• the Bolsena Lake Territorial Museum and its adjoining Aquarium;
• the evocative Catacombs of Santa Cristina, among the most important in central Italy.

Guided tours accompany the public in discovering the village's millennial history, from its Etruscan and Roman origins to the cult of Saint Christina and the famous Eucharistic Miracle of 1263.

Music, Shows, and Street Art

Concerts, performances, and roving shows follow one another along the streets and squares of the center. The musical heart of the evening is Piazza Matteotti, which hosts the visual show La Luna Bianca accompanied by the voice of the Orvieto-based artist Moà (Martina Maggi). There is no shortage of street bands, DJ sets, live sax, and comedic and theatrical moments that turn every corner into a small stage. The Compagnia delle Lavandaie performs the characteristic Lavata cantata (sung laundry) at the old washhouse on Via Cassa, evoking the gestures and songs of the past.

Historical Pageant and Spirituality

The evening opens with an evocative procession featuring the historical pageant of Bolsena, the Pugnaloni of Acquapendente, the mini facchini of Santa Rosa, and the flag-wavers of Bolsena: a tribute to the traditions that unite the villages of upper Tuscia. On the churchyard of Santa Cristina, the mini machine of Santa Rosa is lit, while in San Rocco, the winning Pugnalone—the large floral mosaic symbol of Acquapendente—is displayed.

Street Food, Open Shops, and Families

Throughout the night, street food lanes, local venues, and shops open late accompany the public with local specialties, while exhibitions, impromptu art sessions, and installations complete the offering. Ample space is also dedicated to families and children, with entertainment and activities designed for them.

Bolsena and its Lake

Overlooking the largest volcanic lake in Europe, Bolsena is an ideal destination for a summer stay in Lazio: the medieval village, dominated by the Rocca Monaldeschi, the lakeside promenade, and the flavors of Tuscia make the White Night a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most authentic territories in the region.