Rome Festival, Florence Tram Works, and What to Know This Week in Italy

Festa de' Noantri in Rome: A Trastevere Tradition (Until July 25)

If you are in Rome this week, head to Trastevere for the Festa de' Noantri, a religious festival that has run every July for nearly 500 years. According to Wanted in Rome, the festivities run from July 17 to 25 and center on a procession carrying a wooden statue of the Madonna from the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere to Sant'Agata. It's free, crowded after sunset, and full of food stalls, lights, and live music.

Do not expect a quiet evening. The streets get packed from around 8 PM. Go early, grab a slice of pizza al taglio from a takeaway spot, and watch the procession if you are there on a weekend. The festival name "Noantri" means "we others" in Roman dialect, a local pride thing you will hear shouted in the alleys.

Florence Tram Work Starts: Expect Delays on the Western Side

Florence is breaking ground on a new tram line. Work for the T4.1 line connecting Stazione Leopolda and Le Piagge began Monday July 19, as reported by The Florentine. The project costs roughly 202 million EUR and will reshape public transport for the western districts.

For travelers: expect road closures and detours around the worksites. If you are staying near Florence's western side or planning to drive, allow an extra 20-30 minutes. The tram itself is not useful for tourists yet (it will take years). But the disruption is real now.

Also on the Agenda: General Travel Disruptions

The Local Italy flagged more rail disturbances in Florence this week, including possible train cancellations or delays. If you are moving between cities, check Trenitalia or Italo apps before heading to the station. Allow buffer time.

Lighter News: Pausini Sings at the World Cup Final

Not travel critical, but if you are Italian or a fan: Laura Pausini performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony in New York/New Jersey on July 19, alongside Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, according to Wanted in Rome. No direct impact on your trip, but you might hear bars playing her songs this week.

Practical Advice for the Week

• Rome: Stroll Trastevere after 6 PM for the festival vibe. Bring cash for street food (expect around 3-5 EUR for a slice or a drink).
• Florence: Walk or use buses instead of cars near the western districts. The tram works are just starting so expect noise.
• General: Summer heat is real. Carry water, book museums ahead (especially Uffizi and Accademia).

For more on where to stay and eat in these cities, check our Rome, Florence, and Tuscany guides.