In 2026 summer in Turin started in April, that's when some people started wearing their sandals and summer dresses. Then came May and we all went back to wearing socks, pants and jackets wondering when the heat would hit us all and how our summer would be.
Well, by now amici, you all know we've been having the hottest temperatures since 2003 and Turin is one of the Italian cities on red alert due to the highest temperatures and, with many black outs.
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| Via Po(704m/0.43ml) where the Turin University (1404) is located, Gran Madre church in the back |
Climate change deniers in Italy have a very small choir to preach to, and even though many apartments and houses are still without a/c, more and more people just give in and get themselves il pinguino (yes, the penguin) - a portable multifunctional unit that cools and heats, dehumidifies and promotes air circulation. It is cheaper than a/c and given the political climate, the inflation, and the high energy costs, it comes handy in the winter months too.
Unfortunately, our Italian electric grids are old and can't support all these 'penguins' and A/C systems, and depending on the hood, and the hours, black outs are getting more and more frequent.
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| 38C / 104F, they all were wearing multi-layered layered costumes |
Heat waves apart, June has always been the perfect month to visit Turin as traditionally, we have nice long days with a very pleasant weather and our many piazzas turn into a whole public patio where everyone can sit down at a café or restaurant, to catch up with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and drinks while surrounded by our local beauty.
All Turin's museums are open and always have great collections, new exhibits and often presentations and special events. And then, naturally, in the blink of an eye, every year we quickly get to our 4th of July or la Festa di San Giovanni.
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| the costumes are very detailed and accessorized |
St John the Baptist is Turin's patron saint and since the dawn of the times, Turin has celebrated him on June 23 and 24.
Since after covid19, the program of the celebrations has slightly changed: one year we had a drone show, the two parades in historical costumes are now only one, but the fireworks, the music, the traditional bonfire and the classic cars are always in.
This is a 2 day event that celebrates the whole city and engages its people; if the city council invested in the international promotion of Turin, foreign visitors wouldn't miss it for the world. In fact, all our Turin Epicurean Capital guests loved it a lot!!
However, besides the dates, in perfect Italian style, the program is never communicated with much advance, and more than ever this year, it was hard to find some specific information - Turin and the Turinese are by nature shy and hate to boast...
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| Turin loves doxies |
Our celebrations span over two days, not just one so you will need to be in town both days, even better when a week-end can be attached!
June 23 is especially important for the double parade in historical costumes that crosses the downtown streets and the bonfire.
The first parade ends at the city hall where the second one leaves after collecting the mayor of Turin who leads it to Piazza Castello - where the royal palaces are located.
Yes, we have 2 royal palaces: one for the kings and one for the queens.
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| the bonfire in Piazza Castello |
The bonfire is prepared in Piazza Castello and it has a papier maché bull on top because as per tradition, when the flames reach it, it falls and the direction where the bull falls toward has a good or bad luck meaning.
On June 23 2026, the bull fell in the direction of Porta Nuova and it's a very good omen for the city as it means that we'll have good luck.
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| Gianduia and Giacometta |
The parade in historical costumes is always fun to witness: different folklore associations wear different costumes to show Italian fashion along the centuries from the Middle Ages to WWI.
Different levels of society and professionals are represented: kings and queens, crusaders, peasants, aristocracy, doctors, nurses, university students and of course Gianduia with hus girlfriend Giacometta aka the historical characters celebrated during the Mardi Gras season - originated in the Middle Ages ' Commedia dell' Arte where they represented Turin, its people and stereotype.
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| perfect 1700s atmosphere |
You can also see our 1700s soldiers who always commemorate our Pietro Micca parading around downtown on the 2nd Saturday of every September. By the way, the Pietro Micca Museum is the perfect museum for kids and heat waves because it is along the Turin's underground tunnels that helped Pietro saving Turin and Italy from the French siege in 1706!!
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| Turin's mayor: Dr Stefano Lo Russo, Phd in geo-engineering with Gianduia |
The day of St John's the Baptist is June 24 and this year we have many events organized along the river: Po River the Italian Mississippi River. Visits, a regatta and the dragon boat race take place till 6:30pm when the party starts.
Usually the party includes a concert in Piazza Vittorio - largest open square in Europe, by the river, but in 2026 something new was organized: a 3h dj set with 6 djs making music from 6 balconies spread out around the piazza.
Finally at 11:30pm there is a unique firework show.
These fireworks are always spectacular and the whole show is free!
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| the star of the Turin parade |
Naturally, the heatwave isn't making things easy: the folklore groups have to withstand super high temperatures in thick and warm costumes without sprinklers or outdoor A/C. As for the lucky locals who can afford leaving the city taking advantage of the holiday, they find relief up in the mountains or at the sea - but this year it is hot everywhere!
To be fair though, we must share that before 11am, even during these dog days of summer, if you keep the shade while walking around there is a sweet cool breeze and by 9pm the steam and heat go a bit down.
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| a break while waiting for the mayor |
Despite all though, climate experts are seriously worried this year because we aren' experiencing a 'temporary wave' as usual, but a prolonged heated event that is drying up our soil, water resources and agriculture. Things are supposed to get better by the beginning of July but... this 'cruel summer' has yet in store more heatwaves...
Nevertheless amici, as we are all in the same boat, you may as well hop over to Turin, join our celebrations and enjoy our very own summer delicacy: ramassin plums - grown and sold only in Piedmont!! Nowhere else!! and only for about 5 weeks between June and July.
Turin is waiting for you and you'll see for yourselves how Turin never disappoints, not even when it is unreasonably hot because it is in the hottest hours of the day that you can find shelter in our beautiful museums, and you can keep fresh with our delicious gelatos, cocktails, mocktails and delicious local produce!
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| our very own Turin style is a natural Shonda Rhimes' natural set |
Email Lucia: turinepi@gmail.com
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