If you're hungry and, more importantly, if you're hungry for Italian food (forget the pizza and spaghetti), attend the  Festival of the First Courses in Feligno of Perugia. The whole city paricipates in this smorgasbord of first course tastings every September. Wherever you turn, there will be an opportunity to widen your belt loop on authentic Italian cuisine.

One of the most famous luminaries to hail from the region of Umbria is St. Francis of Assisi, said to have been gentle enough to attract birds and animals of all kinds to himself. October 3 and 4 mark the celebration of his feast day at the Santa Maria and St. Francis Basilicas, and a variety of activities take place, including recitals of folklore associated with his gentility and love of nature.

Taste some Umbrian wine and snap your fingers to jazz by world-famous artists at Umbria Jazz Winter in Orvieto from December 27 through January 1. While you're there, check out the world's largest Christmas tree. Perhaps Santa will have left something for you.

Maybe you prefer melodious chants to finger-snapping jive. Then attend the Festival of Sacred Music in Perugia in mid-September. This festival has been active for over 60 years and if it doesn't put you to sleep, it may transport you to a higher realm.

The White Truffle Fair in Gubbio starts on October 29. Celebrating the edible fungus, the fair also exhibits an array of agricultural enticements.