08 Jan 2014
Major events include: special celebrations, festivals and events, art exhibitions, sport events, historical re-enactments, folklore events, Carnivals, new museums and art spaces and more….
ART EXIBITIONS
RENOIR, COLLECTIONS FROM THE MUSEE D’ORSAY AND OF THE ORANGERIE
Turin, GAM
Until 23 February 2014
This is an extraordinary exhibition that documents all the activities of the great French painter, witnessing from the beginning the most significant moments and turns which have led the artist, approaching the end of his career, to a progressive shift away from impressionism. 60 masterpieces on show: La Toilette, Odalisque dormant, the Bathers among others.
CARLO SARACENI, A CARAVAGGIO FOLLOWER BEWTEEN ROME AND VENICE
Rome, Palazzo Venezia
Until 2 Mar. 2014
Carlo Saraceni, know as Il Veneziano (1579-1620) was born in Venice and operated mainly in Rome where he followed the Caravaggio’s school of painting. His works were commissioned by the Church and aristocratic Roman families and he is particularly well known for his landscapes. This monographic exhibition is a rare opportunity to get to know this important yet unknown painter.
MODIGLIANI, SOUTINE AND OTHERS, THE NETTER COLLECTION
Rome, Palazzo Cipolla
Until 6 April 2014
The exhibition presents over 120 extraordinary works by Modigliani, Soutine, Utrillo, Valadon, Kisling and other artists that lived and worked in Montparnasse at the beginning of the 20th century when Paris was the centre of the avant-garde in many artistic and cultural fields at a time of profound changes in society. Jonas Netter recognized the value of the artists and collected their work, being fundamental in preserving them for future generations.
EDWARD MUNCH
Genoa, Palazzo Ducale
Until 27 Apr. 2014
http://www.visitgenoa.it/en/evento/edvard-munch
Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous painter, with an important exhibition at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa. Over 120 works, representing not only his artistic and existential path, but also the passage from Naturalism to a new way of painting that will influence the art of the 20th century.
ARCHIVES OF LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS - Pietro Bellotti. Another Canaletto
Venice - Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th-century
Until 28 April 2014
Pietro Bellotti, Canaletto’s nephew and the younger brother of Bernardo Bellotti was born in Venice in 1725, he developed a manner that was very different to that of the Canaletto ‘clan’ of which he was a part and despite exploiting the fame of his uncle. Adopting an autonomous, personal style, he developed Canaletto’s inventions, producing numerous views of Europe’s most important cities, together with some architectural capriccios, some of which realised with the collaboration of other landscape painters.
The exhibition will offer a survey of the painter’s long working life, bringing together the few of his works conserved in public collections and about 40 other pictures, including signed works in private European collections.
VASSILY KANDINSKY, the Centre Pompidou – Paris Collection
Milan, Palazzo Reale
Until 4 May 2014
This is a major monographic exhibition of the works of the Russian painter, 100 works from the Centre Pompidou in Paris are on show in Milan, from the formative years in Russia to the Bauhaus experience in Weimar and beyond.
“TOWARDS MONET”, LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN EUROPE AND AMERICA FROM THE 17TH TO THE 2OTH CENTURY
Vicenza – Basilica Palladiana
22 Feb – 4 May 2014
Landscape painting is at the heart of this exhibition at the prestigious location of the Basilica Palladiana. 90 paintings will be on show following a chronological order from the 17th to the 20th century, paintings where the landscape, nature in all its forms take centre stage rather than being only a mere background. Works by: Poussain, Van Ruisdael, Canaletto, Bellotto, Turner, Constable, Sisley, Pissarro, Manet, Cezanne, Gaugin and finally Monet among others.
THE THREE GRACES BY ANTONIO CANOVA, 200 years old
Possagno, near Treviso, Museo Antonio Canova
Until 4 May 2014
It’s 200 years from the time Antonio Canova created the first plaster cast of the Three Graces:Aglaia, Eufrosine and Talia. Two versions of the statues were then created and are kept in St Petersburg and London, they differ slightly. Now the two plaster casts (Russian and British) are on show a the Canova Museum in Possagno near Treviso.
LIBERTY. A STYLE FOR MODERN ITALY
Forli’, Musei San Domenico
1 Feb. – 15 Jun. 2014
Liberty is the Italian name for Art Nouveau, and is the subject of this exhibition. At the beginning of the 20th century the newly unified Italy was trying to find its national identity and artists strived to harmonize the concept of beauty and scientific progress in their works. They were greatly influenced by the major representatives of Art Nouveau abroad. Works by: Segantini, Previati, Boldini, Casorati and more.
THE IMAGE OF THE EUROPEAN CITY FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE ENLIGHTMENT
Venice -Museo Correr
8 Feb- 18 May 2014
The fascinating context of the European city from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment is evoked in this exhibition through an extraordinary iconographic repertory comprising over a hundred paintings, prints and drawings from prestigious public and private, Italian and foreign collections.
The exhibition brings together those global images of an especially high quality that for centuries were the only or most persuasive means for showing off the beauty and wealth of Europe’s leading cities. Following a chronological and geographic itinerary, the visitor can then travel virtually through cities transformed by time, which for the most part no longer exist in the same way.
THE GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING and the Dutch Golden Age
Bologna, Palazzo Fava
8 Feb. – 25 May 2014
The Girl with a Pearl Earring is coming back to Europe from its worldwide tour and before returning to Holland it will be on show in Bologna. It will not be alone as other important works by Vemeer and other Dutch artists of the 17th century ,the so-called Golden Age, will also be on show . The Bologna exhibition is e a unique chance to compare Vermeer (represented by a second, large painting, Diana and Her Companions) and Rembrandt, thanks to the inclusion of as many as four of his works. Naturally all the other works in show are also masterpieces, by artists such as Hals, Ter Borch, Claesz, Van Goyen,Van Honthorst, Hobbema, van Ruisdael and Steen.
MATISSE
Ferrara, Palazzo dei Diamanti
22 Feb- 15 June 2014
Matisse’s creative genius changed the course of Twentieth century art; his distinctive ideas left their mark on all artistic genres. Of all subjects, the one that attracted him the most was the figure, especially the female, which he tirelessly represented in all media throughout his entire career. This theme, so central to his work, has inspired the exhibition at the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara dedicated to this modern art giant.
Over one hundred paintings, sculptures and works on paper will describe the creative journey through which Matisse explored ways of representing his emotional response to his models.
THE NORDIC OBSESSION: BOECKLIN, KLIMT, MUNCH AND THE ITALIAN PAINTERS
Rovigo, Palazzo Roverella
22 Feb. – 21 Jun 2014
This exhibition is centred on the influence of Northern Europe painters on the Italian painters at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, encouraged by the exhibitions of the works of the Nordic painters at the Venice Biennale. Works by Klimt, Munch, Boecklin next to works by De Chirico, Fortuny, Wolf Ferrari, Casorati and more are side by side in this fascinating artistic journey.
FRIDA KAHLO
Rome, Scuderie del Quirinale
20 Mar. – 13 Jul. 2014
The Scuderie del Quirinale hosts a magnificient exhibition on the life and works of the Mexican artist Frida Khalo, a symbol of the artistic avant-garde and of the exuberance of Mexican culture in the 20th century. Her art is fused with the history and spirit of her contemporary world, reflecting the social and cultural transformations that led up to the Mexican revolution and ensued in its wake. A selection of masterpieces is accompanied by a selection of photographs of Frida by Nickolas Murray in the 1940s,
PONTORMO AND ROSSO FIORENTINO, diverging paths of Mannerism
Florence, Palazzo Strozzi
8 Mar – 20 Jul 2014
Palazzo Strozzi will be hosting from 8 March to 20 July 2014 a major exhibition entitled Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino. Diverging Paths of Mannerism, devoted to the work of Pontormo and of Rosso Fiorentino, the two painters who were without question the most original and unconventional adepts of the new way of interpreting art in that season of the Italian Cinquecento which Giorgio Vasari called the 'modern manner'.
Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino trained under Andrea del Sarto while maintaining a strongly independent approach and enormous freedom of expression. Pontormo, always a favourite with the Medici, was a painter open to stylistic variety and to a renewal of the traditional approach to composition. Rosso Fiorentino, on the other hand, was more tightly bound to tradition, yet at the same time he was fully capable of flights of originality and innovation, influenced also by Cabalistic literature and esoteric works.
PAOLO VERONESE RETURNS TO VERONA
Verona, Palazzo della Gran Guardia
5 July – 5 October 2014
Paolo Caliari, alias Il Veronese is the protagonist of this exhibition in its home town of Verona, in cooperation with the National Gallery of London. Masterpieces from all over the world and drawings will be on show. On this occasion the imposing Cena in Casa di Levi painting (5m x 10m) will also be on show after extensive restoration work.
PURE, SIMPLE AND NATURAL, ART IN FLORENCE BETWEEN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES
Florence, Uffizi Gallery
17 Jun - 11 Nov 2014
This exhibition is dedicated to the artists that Giorgio Vasari credited with the “renaissance” of the modern art at the time, among others, Andrea del Sarto and Fra’ Bartolomeo. Paintings, drawings and sculptures of the most relevant artists that marked the artistic passage from the 16th to the 17th century: Andrea del Sarto, Santi di Tito, Bronzino, Giovanni Bandini, Vannini and more.
NEW MUSEUMS/RE-OPENINGS/ SPECIAL EVENTS
e’STORIA FESTIVAL , WORKSHOP DEDICATED TO WW1 CENTENARY
Gorizia in Friuli Venezia Giulia
23-25 May 2014
Friuli Venezia Giulia Region was heavily involved with the First World War. This year within the annual History Festival “e’Storia”, there will be a workshop dedicated to the Great War. It will be an occasion to promote Friuli V.G. for WWI itineraries and to celebrate the contribution that Italy and the region gave to the struggle for independence and peace.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE GREAT WAR
Rovereto, Museo della Guerra
Housed in Rovereto Castle, the Museo della Guerra has opened a new installation dedicated to World War One and to the Italian-Austrian War 1915-1918. It is a trail that takes the visitors through the most relevant places and events of the Great War in the region of Trentino which was were most of the battles were fought in Italy. Exceptional historic material will be on show such as the document issued by King Vittorio Emanuele IIII to declare war in Italy, military uniforms, remembrance monuments and other important war relics. Until 7 May 2014 you can also visit the exhibition:
PASUBIO, 1915-1918
Between 1915 and 1918 Pasubio became a tragic battlefield: just fewer than 100,000 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers inhabited the mountain slopes, the summit and the valleys that surround it, frantically building roads and trails, raising cableways and aqueducts, building villages of huts and digging hundreds of tunnels.The first section is dedicated to the work of reclaiming the historical heritage of the First World War undertaken in recent years; the second part of the exhibition is devoted to the historical events that affected the mountain during the war. Through photographs, relics and videos the exhibition gives an account of the living conditions of the soldiers and the organisation that permitted them to live in such a harsh environment.
NEW GALLERIE DELL’ACCADEMIA IN VENICE
Thirty new rooms have been inaugurated on 18 December 2013 at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice. The beautiful building with its central court designed by Palladio has been subject of extensive restoration and enlargement. In addition to the new 30 rooms there will be new services for the public including a new cafeteria.
RE- OPENING OF THE PERFUME MUSEUM IN VENICE
The Perfume Museum in Venice has re-opened after a period of radical restyling at Palazzo Mocenigo. The sections dedicated to perfume, its history and essences is housed in the aristocratic Palazzo among furniture and accessories from the 18th century Venice. www.mocenigo.visitmuve.it
RE-OPENING OF THE SCUOLA GRANDE DI SAN MARCO IN VENICE
The Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice, a Renaissance building by Mario Codussi (who also designed the Clock Tower), has been re-opened after an extensive restoration. One can again marvel at the beauty of the portico also known as the Salone delle Colonne, the Sala Capitolare (hosting the Museum of Medicine History) and the Sala Dell’Albergo.
RE-OPENING OF THE CAMERA PICTA (The Bridal Chamber) in Palazzo Ducale
Mantua, 21 March 2014
Absolute masterpiece of the Renaissance the Camera Picta (Painted Room) is placed in the north-eastern part of the Castle. Painted by Andrea Mantegna within nine years from 1465 to 1474 (both starting and finishing dates are written on the walls) combines reality and fiction giving the room an ‘en plain air’ atmosphere and making it look like a loggia. It will re-open after restoration on 21 March 2014.
THE RIACE BRONZE STATUES ARE BACK AT THE MUSEO “MAGNA GRECIA” IN REGGIO CALABRIA.
After extensive restoration work of the Museo “Magna Grecia” in Reggio Calabria the two magnificent statues called “The Riace Bronzes” are back in their original place after nearly 4 years and can be admired standing up again in all their spendour.
FESTIVALS AND OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS
VERONA IN LOVE
Verona – 13-16 February 2014
Verona in Love is the event dedicated to Love and to Lovers; the event takes place in the main squares of the city and it is a tribute to San Valentine and to the Shakespearian tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. From the 13th to the 16th of February 2014 the city will host live concerts, tasting and handicrafts events, typical local markets and tourist can visit Juliet’s house for a special price. Lovers can also ask us for the Seal of Love and experience the special firework of flying hearts. On Sunday morning it is also possible to take part to the „Romeo and Juliet half marathon“.
63ª EDITION OF THE “FESTIVAL DELLA CANZONE ITALIANA”
Sanremo, Liguria
From 18 - 22 February2014
The Festival of the Italian song, also known as Festival di Sanremo, was born in 1951. Nowadays it is held in the Ariston Theatre of Sanremo. During the years, its formula has experienced various changes; however, it is essentially a contest in which different singers propose original songs (they must remain unreleased until the festival, otherwise they are disqualified), composed by Italian authors, which are voted by a jury or by the public, according to the editions. The first editions of the Festival, from 1951 to 1954, were exclusively broadcasted by radio from the Sanremo Casino; subsequently the contest became mainly a television event. Currently the event is broadcasted live and in Eurovision by Raiuno.
MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO FESTIVAL
Teatro Comunale – Florence – 30 April - 29 June 2014
This is one of the oldest traditional cultural events in Florence. The Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina was born in 1928 and in 1933 it organized the first edition of the Festival, which, over the years grew to international fame. The Festival has its own Ballet Company called Maggio Dance.
ARENA DI VERONA
Verona – 20 June - 7 September 2014
Now in its 101 year, the International Opera Festival presents a rich calendar of events. The operas to be performed are: Aida, Romeo et Juliet, Un Ballo in Maschera, Carmen, Turandot, Carmina Burana, Madame Butterfly and Placido Domingo’s Verdi Gala. Arena di Verona welcomes once again artists and public in its magnificent setting.
RAVELLO CONCERTS, in Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Villa Rufolo, Ravello – 4 April - 30 October 2014
In Spring and Autumn, far from the Summer’s crowds, Ravello becomes the favourite destination for those who love the silence of its Villas and its medieval churches. In that time, an audience of music lovers meet every year to listen to the concerts held in the gardens and the rooms of Villa Rufolo, famous for having inspired Wagner for the setting of his Parsifal.
CLASSICAL GREEK THEATRE FESTIVAL IN SIRACUSA
Siracusa, Sicily
9 May – 22 June 2014
Classical Greek theatrical representation in the magical atmosphere of the Greek Theatre in Siracusa, this year’s programme includes: Agamemnon., the Libation bearers – Eumenides by Aeschylus and The Wasps by Aristophanes.
LA NOTTE ROSA – PINK NIGHT
Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna
5-6 July 2014
For one night the entire Riviera turns pink. There will be shows, events, theatre sets, and scenery. Each resort will interpret the theme in a creative and original way. The whole Riviera will become an enormous stage where everyone has a part to play. La Notte Rosa will take place all along the coast, from the Lidos of Comacchio to Cattolica, but the heart of the event is the Riviera of Rimini. It is an event that attracts thousands of Italians to head to the Adriatic coast and is fast becoming an international attraction.
60th PUCCINI FESTIVAL
Torre del Lago – 25 July – 30 August 2014
Torre del Lago hosts the Festival Puccini, created by Puccini himself, since 1930. The outdoor theatre, close to Villa Mausoleo where the Master’s remains lie, is an amazing setting to enjoy the music of one of the most outstanding and esteemed Italian artists worldwide. Operas on show in 2014 are: Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, Turandot and Il Trittico (Il Tabarro-Suor Angelica-Gianni Schicchi)
ESTATE MUSICALE CHIGIANA
Siena, Montalcino, Asciano
July-August 2014
The churches, abbeys and theatres of the province and city of Siena are the enchanting settings for the Chigiana Summer, featuring maestros of international music. The yearly rich concert programme is bolstered by students from the “Alto Perfezionamento” courses that are held in the historic seat of the Accademia during the months of July and August, frequented each year by around 600 talented young musicians from more than 50 countries.
SFERISTERIO OPERA FESTIVAL
Macerata, 18 July – 9 August 2014
This will be the 50th edition of the Festival and it will be dedicated to women with the staging of three great operas : Aida, Tosca and La Traviata. The Opera Festival is hosted almost entirely in the magnificent theatre-shaped Sferisterio, unique in its architectural genre. Designed in 1823 by architect Ireneo Aleandri, it derives its name and its half-circumference shaped plan from the name of the game played inside: the “armband ball” or Pallone col bracciale.
ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL
Pesaro, 10 - 22 August 2014
This festival is entirely dedicated to the music and operas of Goacchino Rossini, who was born in the Le Marche city of Pesaro. This year will be the 35th edition of the festival and the programme includes: new productions of : Armida, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Aureliano in Palmira, Petite Messe Solennelle, Viaggio a Reims.
53rd STRESA FESTIVAL
Stresa – end August - beginning September 2014 (dates tbc)
Stresa Festival opens its doors to the public one more time with three themed events, held in a number of venues ( Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Val d’Ossola) on various dates.
MUSICA RIVA FESTIVAL
Riva del Garda (TN) –19 July – 3 August 2014 (programme tbc)
This is a music festival of the highest level entertaining the audience with performances and events and which represent a fundamental meeting point for young musicians from around the world. The event puts in the spotlight artists of diverse origins from classical music to dance and includes a competition dedicated to the musician Riccardo Zandonai.
15° EDITION OF SUMMER JAMBOREE
Senigallia, Marche
2-10 August 2014
This music Festival is dedicated to the music and culture in America in the ’40s and ’50s with live concerts of dj set swing, rock’n’roll, jive, doo-wop, rhythm’n’blues, hill-billy e western swing .Stands will sell: juke box, hats, gadgets, guitars, vynils, CDs and other objects of that era. There will also be a ‘40s and ‘50s classic cars show.
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Venice, 27 August – 6 Sept 2014 (programme tbc)
Venice will host the 71st Edition of this film festival, one of the oldest and most famous. Thousands of visitors, dozens of stars and hundreds of projections are crammed into ten days of fabulous festivities and parties. The Festival is hosted at the Lido Island in the Venice Lagoon.
MITO SETTEMBRE MUSICA
Turin and Milan
September 2014 – various locations (programme tbc)
This is a major festival developed from the thirty years experience of Settembre Musica which connects Turin and Milan, in a programme of refined and stirring concerts: the world’s best orchestras, baroque opera, medieval music, the great maestros of contemporary music and the music from the most distant places; jazz, open-air shows, night-time concerts...
FESTIVALETTERATURA
Mantova –3-7 September 2014
This will be the 18th edition of the Festival of Literature and offers cultural events, readings, shows, concerts, all full of fun and originality.
SPORT
RBS SIX NATIONS RUGBY TOURNAMENT
Rome – Stadio Olimpico
The most important European Rugby Tournament returns to Italy (Stadio Olimpico in Rome) this year with the following matches:
Italy - Scotland on 22 February 2014
Italy - England on 15 March 2014
ROME MARATHON
Rome – 23 March 2014
Since the early years of the twentieth century the roads and squares of the Eternal City have seen some of the really mythical moments of the whole history of racing on foot. It is an event that unites spirit and passion with alternative routes for non-professionals.
BIKE FESTIVAL GARDA TRENTINO
Riva del Garda, Trentino
1 – 4 May 2014
This now classic appointment with the Bike Festival Garda Trentino is back in spring: a season opening for bikers, who will find themselves next to stars of the mountain bike international scene. The program includes exhibitions, shows, competitions, performances and stunts, testing of the industry novelties and lots of fun.
GIRO D’ITALIA
Starts on 9 May 2014 in Belfast (Northern Ireland), ends in Trieste on 1 June 2014
http://www.gazzetta.it/Giroditalia/2014/it/
The most important bicycle race in Italy, the Giro d'Italia, dates back to May 1909. This year the Giro will start in Northern Ireland (Belfast), will pass through Ireland (Dublin), move to Italy and will terminate in Trieste on 1 June.
MILLE MIGLIA
15-18 May 2014
The most beautiful vintage cars in the world chosen to participate in the race each year are selected under rigorous guidelines. The 2014 edition plans a departure from Brescia, journeying through Lake Garda, Padua, Ferrara, Republic of San Marino, Pesaro, L’Aquila to Rome and then back to Brescia via Siena, Pisa, Bologna, and Mantua.
89thEDITION OF THE PALIO DEL GOLFO
3 August 2014, La Spezia
The thirteen hamlets of the Gulf compete to win the Palio aboard handmade boats built by local craftsmen, with special characteristics that make them agile and fast. The sport competition is preceded by parades, events, shows and meetings, which liven up the entire town for days; it finishes late in the evening on the first Sunday of August, with fireworks displays.
BARCOLANA – SAIL RACE
Trieste – 12 October 2014
Every year more than two thousand sails meet in the Gulf of Trieste. The 16 mile nautical route, Europe’s biggest sailing event and the only regatta in the world to set a single start line for so many yachts.
HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENTS/FOLKLORE
CARNIVAL OF VIAREGGIO
Viareggio –16,23 February, 2,4,9 March 2014
The most flamboyant of all the Italian Carnivals, famous for its political satire will hosts the traditional shows of gigantic paper-mache figures on colourful floats. See above dates.
Other events include: big parties, sports events, slang theatre show, food stalls etc.
HISTORIC CARNIVAL OF IVREA
Ivrea - Piedmont 16 Feb – 5 Mar 2014
www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/English/
Traditional sounds of pipe and drum bands open the festival that sees the most spectacular event of the famous Battle of the Oranges(Sunday 2 March) Undoubtedly, this is the most spectacular event of the festivities representing the fight for liberty, the symbol of the Ivrea Carnival. The orange battle is an incredible cultural and goliardic heritage putting the festival on a national and international level.
CARNIVAL OF VENICE
Venice – 15 Feb – 4 Mar 2014
During the world’s most famous masked “open city “ party, every corner of Venice flourishes with chances to have fun and becomes a multicoloured series of shows, parades, masks and much more. St Mark’s Square, the true centre of the party, is transformed into a continuous workshop of colours, masks, music and shows hosting Carnival’s traditional events such as “Flight of the Angel” , “Festa delle Marie” and “La Colombina”. Palaces throughout the city host grand masked balls for those who want to immerse themselves in the Serenissima’s festive history. This year’s edition is dedicated to the magic of Nature.
THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART
Florence - Easter Sunday – 20 April 2014
Tradition says that during the first Crusade of 1096 the Florentine knight Pazzo de 'Pazzi was the first man who planted the banner of the Cross on battlements of Jerusalem and as a gift he received some fragments of the Holy Sepulchre. Upon his return to Florence the stones were used to start the Sacred Fire of Holy Saturday, and were paraded through the city as homage to it in a richly decorated chariot. Nowadays, on Easter Sunday a large wagon is pulled by white oxen in a procession in the streets of the centre of Florence to the front of the cathedral.
FESTA DEI CERI (RACE OF THE CANDLES)
Gubbio – 15th May 2014
The Festa Dei Ceri is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Italian folklore display. The festival has always played a fundamental role in the heart of the local community. Its origins are obscure, it is enough to know that there are two basic hypotheses: one religious and one pagan. However, a well-documented version sees the festival as a solemn act of devotion on the part of the Eugubini towards their Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini which started in 1160, the year of his death. Since then, every 15 May, the eve of the day of mourning, the devotional offering to the patron Saint is a fixed appointment for the people of Gubbio who take part in a great mystical procession, carrying candles all around the town and up Mount Ingino (where since 11 September 1194 the body of Saint Ubaldo lies, in the church which bears his name).
THE PALIO OF FERRARA
Ferrara – 3 – 25 May 2014
The Palio of Ferrara is the most ancient event of its kind is the world dating back to 1279. It is peculiar for its kind of ride that is joyful and so different from other warlike palii. This is a very important moment for the city: all the Contrade participate wearing dress of different colours to gain the “palio”, but also and overall it is a festivity to remember the Renaissance, a period during which Ferrara was really a capital. The Palio is run on Sunday 25 May.
FESTA DELLA SENSA
Venice – 31 May/1 June 2014
In previous centuries La Sensa (Ascension Day) held an important role in the social and political life of Venice. If, historically speaking, the Sensa is the result of the overlapping of civil and religious rites and events through the ages, today it is read as an event to celebrate the intricate relationship that the city has always had with the sea, both in commercial and architectural terms.
GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO
Arezzo, 21 June and 7 Sep. 2014
www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it
This world famous Medieval jousting tournament takes place in Piazza Grande in Arezzo, Tuscany, twice in Summer, 21 June and 7 September. The tournament his preceded by a procession of knights and dames in traditional medieval costumes.
FESTA DEL BARBAROSSA
San Quirico d’Orcia, Siena
June 2014 (dates tba)
The four districts of Borgo, Canneti, Castello and Prato take on a medieval atmosphere in memory of the meeting between Emperor Frederick I, known as Il Barbarossa, and Pope Adrian IV’s papal legates, in 1155. San Quirico has celebrated this historic event for fifty years with shows, period costume parades, and archery and flag throwing contests.
PALIO DEL NIBALLO
Faenza, Emilia Romagna
22 June 2014
Seeing the Palio del Niballo is like living and enjoying a day in 14th-century Faenza. Flag-wavers, knights, and drummers dressed in the colours of the town's five contending “rioni” (i.e. quarters) - White, Yellow, Black, Red and Green - flood the most charming parts of the old town centre, accompanied by the pounding of drums. The palio consists in hitting a revolving dummy with a spear. The dummy is fashioned as a Saracen warrior (called the “Niballo”) and the idea is to get your horse to run past faster than the Niballo turns. In June, before the palio, the rioni warm up with flag-waving and music competitions and the Bigorda d'Oro (a palio for younger racers).
LUMINARA AND RACE OF SAN RANIERI
Lungarno – Pisa - June 16th/17th 2014
http://www.comune.pisa.it/manifestazioni-storiche/
On the occasion of the Feast of San Ranieri, Patron Saint of Pisa, celebrated annually on 16-17 June, the enchantment of the illuminations of Saint Ranieri is renewed on the streets running along the river Arno (the so-called Lungarni). In fact, following the ancient tradition the Pisans celebrate their Patron Saint on the following day with the historical Regatta of San Ranieri (Palio). There are more than a hundred thousand wax candles which at every edition are meticulously set in smooth and white glasses and fixed then onto wooden white-painted frames, modelled in such a way as to highlight the outline of the palaces, of the bridges, of the churches and of the towers reflecting the river.
FESTIVAL OF THE REDENTORE
Venice – 19-20 July 2014
One of the most popular events in Venice is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July. The festival itself dates back to the year 1576, and is named after the church Redentore that was designed by Palladio and resides on the island of Guidecca. Venice was suffering from a terrible plague, and the Republic's senate voted to build a temple on the Guidecca Island in honour of Christ the Redeemer, and the Venetians promised to go there every year on the third Sunday of July, if the plague stopped. Traditionally, the Venetians celebrate this day by having dinner on the Saturday night while watching an incredible display of fireworks that light up the skies over Venice for an hour or more.
ARCO ASBURGICA (HABSBURG ARCO)
Arco in Trentino
7 13-14 September 2014
Arco is a delightful town in Trentino and every year it revives the enchanting atmosphere of past times, when the Empress Sissi of Habsburg used to holiday here with her court. Girls dressed as dames and men as gentlemen in typical Habsburg costumes fill the streets of the town, music, dances and finally a Habsburg afternoon tea will entertain the visitors.
HISTORICAL REGATTA
Venice – 7 September 2014
The Grand Canal every year during the first Sunday of September becomes a theatre for one of the greatest of Venetian events, the Historical Regatta, dating back to 1315 under the rule of doge Giovanni Soranzo. The Historical Regatta starts out with the colourful procession on water, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the Venetian rowing clubs, but also the women’s race on Mascarete and that of the youngsters Pupperini.
QUINTANA OF FOLIGNO
Foligno – June and September 2014
Foligno, in the heart of Umbria and Italy, is famous worldwide for the Quintana, the jousting tournament which in June and September renews the challenge among the knights of its ten “sestieri”. An exciting challenge where each knight, riding his own galloping horse, has to catch a series of rings (which gradually become smaller and smaller) hanging from a wooden statue called "Quintana". It is a great feast of people, colours and passions, but also an accurate historical, scenic, iconographic and gastronomic reconstruction of the Italian Baroque.
QUINTANA OF ASCOLI PICENO
Ascoli Piceno – 5 August 2014
Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, hosts each year the historical Quintana, a re-enactment of Medieval customs and practices. The participants are dressed in Medieval costumes and walk in procession along the streets of the city in each “sestiere” (city quarter), followed by flag bearers and archers. In the restaurants of the city one can taste typical food and wine and the festivities culminate with the blessing of the knights participanting to the Palio by the city’s Bishop and the Palio itself.
THE PALIO OF SIENA
Siena – July 2nd/ August 16th 2014
Everyday life grinds to a halt as Siena celebrates its most ancient and sacred ritual: horses and riders representing ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade, or districts, race around the ring of tufo rock that covers the Piazza del Campo. On 2 July and 16 August the long afternoon begins in the heart of each contrada with the blessing of the horses, followed by the historical parade to the piazza. Finally, there is the race itself: the victorious contrada bears the banner triumphantly to the Provenzano Basilica for the “te deum” thanksgiving to the Madonna ( 2 June) or to the Madonna Assunta (16 August).
CAVALCATA DELL’ASSUNTA in FERMO (Marche)
Fermo – Le Marche - August 15th 2014
The ten “Contrade” (quarters) of the medieval town of Fermo participate with 650 men and women in historical costumes to a horse race every year on 15 August (Ferragosto) in the centre of town. Flag bearers, side shows and food and wine will entertain the visitors.
MEDIEVALIS, MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Pontremoli, Tuscany
21-24 August 2014
“Medievalis” is the a Medieval festival that occurs every year in Pontremoli in northern Tuscany. It re-enacts the concession of the status of free Municipality to Pontremoli in 1226 by Emperor Frederick II. For 4 days Pontremoli re-lives this event with groups of actors dressed and Medieval knights and dames, horse-drawn carriages, merchants all dressed in traditional costumes. There will be duels, falcon games, dinners with typical dishes of the 13th century and jousting tournaments and more.
PALIO DEI NORMANNI DI PIAZZA ARMERINA
Piazza Armerina, Sicily – 12,13, 14 August 2014
Plutia (the old Piazza Armerina) is home to the most ancient medieval event in Southern Italy which takes place every year from August 12-14 in honour of Madonna Maria SS. Delle Vittorie. The event is a re-enactment of Sicily being conquered in 1060 by the Normans, led by Ruggero of Altavilla. At the end of the event, the whole procession parades through the main streets, triumphantly displaying the city flag along with its winners.
BRAVIO DELLE BOTTI
Montepulciano, Siena
Last Sunday of August , 24 August 2014
The eight contrade, or districts, of Montepulciano compete to win a painted banner by rolling 80 kg barrels uphill along a 1,800 metre route. The route is chosen in advance, and there are eight starting points, set out in two rows. Each contrada’s barrel is placed in the position assigned to it by the lot that is drawn on the morning of the race. As the bell tolls in the Town Hall bell tower the umpire gives the signal for the race to start. Two men, the “pushers”, roll the barrels along the competition route, winding up through the evocative streets of the old town centre of Montepulciano to the Cathedral churchyard in the Piazza Grande. In the days leading up to the race Montepulciano celebrates the traditional Candle Procession, with a parade though the beautiful city streets in period costume, illuminated only by torchlight.
THE MACCHINA DI SANTA ROSA PROCESSION
Viterbo - September 3rd 2014
Each year the Medieval town of Viterbo in Lazio renews the festivities in honour of its Holy Patron. The Trasporto della Macchina di Santa Rosa, a procession which takes place in the evening of September 3rd to commemorate the relocation of the body of Saint Rosa from the Church of Santa Maria del Poggio to the church of San Damiano (the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa). The Macchina di Santa Rosa is a gigantic structure, nearly 30 metres high, which is carried through the streets by a large team of strong local men. Contests are held to select designs for the Macchina, which is replaced every five years.
PALIO DI ASTI in Asti, Piedmont
Asti, 21 September 2014
One of the oldest Palio’s in Italy this colourful event sees 21 contestants relive the ancient tradition of the Palio in the historic centre of this charming Piedmont town, famous for its sparkling wine, the Asti spumante. In the days preceding the race, visitors can enjoy many collateral and preparatory events: the Palio of the Flag-wavers, the colourful flea market, the trials of the jockeys on the field. The Palio itself is a difficult challenge requiring all the participants’ strength and skill, passion and courage as only one of them will win possession of the crimson banner with the coat of arms of the city and the image of its Patron Saint.
THE FESTIVAL OF “MADONNA DELLA SALUTE”
Venice – November 21st 2014
www.comune.venezia.it Events and Festivals Section
The Festival of Health is perhaps the less spectacular of Venice festivities. In a religious context it is an event dedicated to the Madonna in thanksgiving for her intercession which put an end to the plague which struck Venice between the years 1630-1631.
Stefania Gatta
Press and communications office
Italian State Tourist Board – London
Email: stefania.gatta@enit.it
NB: Information correct at time of publication, Jan 2014
