18 Jun 2013
NB: information correct at time of publication
ITALIAN EVENTS NEWSLETTER – SUMMER 2013
ART EXIBITIONS – NEW MUSEUMS
NEW OPENING MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Trento, July 2013 (date tbc)
Countdown is now under way to the opening of MuSe, the new Trentino Science Museum designed by Renzo Piano, scheduled for August 2013. The great architect has integrated into his design the Trentino philosophy of “glocal”: act locally, think globally. The building being constructed incorporates a horizontal dimension, which refers to globalisation, in harmonious coexistence with the vertical dimension, a clear reference to the mountains. The highest part of MuSe will, in fact, be dedicated to the mountains: visitors will be pitched into the icy atmosphere of a three thousand metre peak and will experience the feeling of hurling down snowy slopes like an extreme skier or of leaping from the rock face on a paraglider.
SPRINGTIME OF THE RENAISSANCE, SCULPTURE AND ARTS IN FLORENCE, 1400-1460
Florence - Palazzo Strozzi
Until 18 August 2013
This exhibition sets out to illustrate the origin of what is still known today as the “miracle” of the Renaissance in Florence predominantly through masterpieces of sculpture, the form of figurative art in which it was first embodied. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to admire many Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Ghiberti, Donatello, Dello Delli, Filippo Lippi, Nanni di Bartolo, Agostino di Duccio, Michelozzo, Francesco di Valdambrino and Mino da Fiesole, in their newly-conserved splendour.
FIRE AND ICE, THE RUSSIAN AVANT-GARDE, SIBERIA AND THE EAST
Florence - Palazzo Strozzi
21 September 2012 – 19 January 2014
This is the first international exhibition to examine the fundamental importance of the Oriental and Eurasian connection to Russian Modernism, following the destinies of Russia’s self-proclaimed “Barbarians” in their search for new sources of artistic inspiration. Emphasising the key role which radical Russian artists played in the development of Modern art over a century ago, the exhibition underlines their complex relationship with the Orient (both the Russian East and the Far East). Featuring artists are: Léon Bakst, Alexandre Benois, Pavel Filonov, Natalia Goncharova, Wassily Kandinsky, Mikhail Larionov, Kazimir Malevich among others.
FOOD & WINE EVENTS
FIERA DEL CACIO (CHEESE FAIR)
Pienza, near Siena
First week of September 2013
This old Pienza traditionally festival is dedicated to one of the most traditional products of the Val d’Orcia, pecorino cheese. Food stalls offer tastings of the highly valued produce, and the six contrade, or districts, compete for the Palio in the “cacio al fuso” game.
SAGRA DEL FUNGO PORCINO (PORCINI MUSHROOMS FESTIVAL)
Pievescola (Casole d’Elsa)
September 2013
www.casole.it
This highly esteemed September festival brings one of the season’s most distinctive produce to the table: porcini mushrooms. Local women prepare porcini dishes according to ancient recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
FESTA DELL’UVA (GRAPES FESTIVAL)
Vagliagli (Castelnuovo Berardenga)
September 2013
http://turismo-castelnuovo-berardenga.blogspot.it
In September, the old, characteristic hamlet of Vagliagli, on the edge of the Chianti territory, becomes a mirror reflecting nature, and the beauty and labour of this area, as well as rural traditions, trades and family life. There are painting and photography exhibitions alongside folk and heritage exhibits, a parade of themed floats with men and women in tradition rural costume, inspired by the theme of the grape harvest, dinners with traditional Chianti produce, live music, and open-air dancing.
17TH PARMA HAM FESTIVAL
Parma, Langhirano and all the towns of Parma ham production area.
September 2013
www.festivaldelprosciuttodiparma.com
Festival del Proscuitto di Parma, the festival of that well known ham is held in the city with the same name. Each year this annual celebration brings over 100,000 visitors to the area, who then indulge in consuming more than 1,000 different types of ham. One of the main attractions of the festival is the “Open Doors” tradition of the ham factories, which offers visitors a unique chance to discover that the 10 million Parma Hams produced each year by the 164 companies of the Parma Ham Consortium, are still made today like they were two thousand years ago, using only two ingredients: the prized Italian pig leg and a pinch of sea salt.
46TH GRAPE AND LAMBRUSCO GRASPAROSSA WINE FESTIVAL
Castelvetro (Modena)
20-22 September 2013
http://www.comune.castelvetro-di-modena.mo.it
The aim of the festival is to increase the value and consolidate the agricultural vocation of Castelvetro while celebrating the origins and the characteristics of its most important product: the Lambrusco Grasparossa. Therefore, Lambrusco Grasparossa wine will be the main theme of all the events that will take place in the city centre courtyards and squares. The programme includes: re-enactments of the peasants' life during the harvest, exhibitions, tasting of wine products by their producers, technical meetings.
TASTE OF SALT
Cervia (Ravenna)
6-8 September 2013
Salt, once known as "white gold", is part of Cervia's tradition and current economy. Every year the city becomes the hospitable and pleasant scene of the "Taste of Salt", a rich event where salt is the absolute star of a show compose of exhibition, meetings, shows, wine and food, laboratory and street markets.
DOUJA D’OR : food and wine festival in Asti (Piedmont), first 15 days in Sept. www.doujador.it
CHEESE FESTIVAL in Bra (Cuneo), 20-23 Sept 2013 organized by Slow Food Movement
FESTIVALS, MUSIC AND OTHER EVENTS
ARENA DI VERONA
Verona – June 14 / September 2013
This year the Arena celebrates 100 years and the International Opera Festival presents a rich calendar of events. The operas to be performed are: Aida, Romeo et Juliet, Nabucco, Traviata, Trovatore, Rigoletto, plus Requiem Mass , a Verdi Gala and Placido Domingo’s Gala. Arena di Verona welcomes once again artists and public in its magnificent setting.
BOLZANO DANZA
Bolzano – 15-27 July 2013
The charming setting of Castel Firmiano hosts the Festival Bolzano Danza. The calendar includes opening shows and side events alike.
59th PUCCINI FESTIVAL
Torre del Lago – July 12 / August 24 2013
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 2012 are: Cavalleria Rusticana, Il Tabarro, Tosca, Turandot and Rigoletto.
CHIANTI FESTIVAL
Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti
July 2013
www.chaiantifestival.com
A journey through theatre and song in the towns of the Chianti Senese, with events in the beautiful piazzas of Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti, and free classical and jazz concerts.The most charming piazzas of the Sienese Chianti area come to life once again with this music and show review, conceived to bring artists with different origins and cultural backgrounds into the limelight. A voyagethrough sensations and sounds shaped by words.
14° EDITION OF SUMMER JAMBOREE
Senigallia, Marche
3-11 August 2013
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.
ESTATE MUSICALE CHIGIANA
Siena, Montalcino, Asciano
July-August 2013
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.
ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL
Pesaro, 10th August / 23rd August 2013
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 34th edition of the festival and the programme includes: new productions of “William Tell” and “ L’Italiana in Algeri”, “L’occasione fa il ladro”, “Viaggio a Reims” and “ La Donna del Lago”.
SFERISTERIO OPERA FESTIVAL
Macerata,19 July - 11 August 2013
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. This year the following operas will be on show: Il Trovatore and Nabucco by Verdi and two operas by Benjamin Britten.
52th STRESA FESTIVAL
Stresa – 24 August - 7 September 2013
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.
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Venice, 28 August – 7 Sept 2013 (programme tbc)
Venice will host the 70th 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.
FESTIVAL OF THE MIND
Sarzana. 30 August – 1 September 2013
The first European festival that explores the theme of creativity and dynamic processes created by it in the tireless research for understanding and growth, and takes place in the beautiful Medieval village of Sarzana in Liguria. During the event there are meetings with artists, scientists and intellectuals to explain how the processes of creative research can influence and change paths of life and thought.
MITO SETTEMBRE MUSICA
Turin and Milan
3 – 22 September 2013 – 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 –4-8 September 2013
This will be the 17th edition of the Festival of Literature and offers cultural events, readings, shows, concerts, all full of fun and originality.
30th INTERNATIONAL FIAT 500 GATHERING
Garlenda (Savona)
5-7 July 2013
The 30th International Fiat 500 Meeting of Garlenda takes place once again in Garlenda in Liguria for Fiat 500 lovers from all over Italy and the world. The structure of the meeting will be the same as the previous years’: the participants will have at their disposal the headquarters Villafranca Park (for the registration and the visit to the Multimedia Museum of Fiat 500) and the Serre Park (for the large Spare Parts Market). On Sunday morning there will be the usual spectacular gathering at the Villanova d’Albenga Race Course where also the prize awards and the cars “catwalk” will take place.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORICAL EVENTS
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL IN MONTERIGGIONI
Monteriggioni, Siena
5,6,7, 12. 13, 14 July 2013
www.monteriggionimedievale.com
The theme of the festival, is “On the path of the pilgrims: men of honour, arms and faith”. The two weekends of the festival feature a variety of events. As usual, the festival is distinguished by events which bring the past to life: re-enactments of ancient military techniques, medieval everyday life, crafts and trades, along with jesters, acrobats, itinerant theatre performances and jugglers. The festival takes place in the wonderful Monteriggioni castle, completing the medieval atmosphere. Open every day from the afternoon to late evening.
FESTIVAL OF THE REDENTORE
Venice – 20-21 July 2013
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.
HISTORICAL REGATTA
Venice – 1 September 2013
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 2013
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 – 27 July and 4 August 2013
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 2013
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 2013
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
22-25 August 2013
“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 2013
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 , 25 August 2013
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 2013
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, 15 September 2013
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.
SPORT
88th EDITION OF THE PALIO DEL GOLFO
1-4 August 2013 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.
ROCK MASTER FESTIVAL
Arco, Trentino
31 August – 08 September
Twenty-five years of Rock Master, ten years of Rock Junior, one World Championship…Arco has become the world’s undisputed rock climbing capital. This is why it has launched from last year a new challenge, the Rock Master Festival: 10 days packed with great sports competitions and outdoor events dedicated to the climbing champions and all those who love outdoor actitivies.
During the 27th Rock Master the Arco Climbing Stadium will become, once again, the sports arena for the greatest climbing challenges in the world. The competition are the legendary events which have gone down in the history of competition climbing. Lead, Boulder, Speed and Duel are the disciplines which make up this great sport celebration, unique world-wide, which year out provides unmissable excitement for the great, impassioned Rock Master spectators. After intense sunny days climbing at the limestone crags, walking up the paths in the Garda Trentino region or hanging out at the Climbing Stadium, everyone will meet up – champions and mountain lovers alike – to exchange ideas, have a bite to eat, have fun and celebrate at Climbing Village.
Stefania Gatta
Press and communications
Italian State Tourist Board
Email: stefania.gatta@enit.it
