08 Jun 2022
LATEST NEWS FROM ITALY
The Island of Procida has been named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022
The beautiful island of Procida has been named Italy's Capital of Culture for 2022, becoming the first island to do so twice since the award was established in 2014. Procida's vision for its role as the Capital of Culture is themed around 'La cultura non isola' translated as 'culture doesn't isolate', to convey a message of culture that echoes as a message for the whole country in the months to come. Everything follows three guidelines underlying the "Culture does not isolate" programme: "Lighthouse Projects" to promote urban transformation, regeneration and revitalization dynamics, "Anchor Projects" to investigate the cultural heritage and "Community Projects" to build community solidarity, social assets and personal relationships. Procida is a small island with no more than 10,000 inhabitants and a long history that dates back to around the 15th century, and its iconic vibrant, colourful houses are recognisable all over the world.
100 years of Pier Paolo Pasolini
Born in 1922, Pier Paolo Pasolini is a famed Italian film director and intellectual whose controversial personality was the subject of many debates and contention in the Italian art sphere. Born in Bologna, he spent his childhood in the town of Casarsa in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia where visitors can now explore his childhood haunts thanks to a tour launched by the Tourism Board to take visitors through the well-known locations that the young poet frequented. Pier Paolo spent his university years studying in Bologna and even wrote his first poems in the city. In 1955, after having moved to Rome he founded and managed together with his friends Francesco Leonetti and Roberto Roversi the magazine 'Officina'. The 'Fondazione Cineteca' in Bologna is the seat for the Study Centre-Archive Pier Paolo Pasolini which showcases many of the writers' magazines, essays and monographs from his career. The Study Centre-Archive also showcase over 1,000 audio-visual materials that cover his films, photographs and tapes of his speeches. The Museo Nazionale Romano has also created an exhibition that is inspired by the tragic death of the poet and his life work which will take place from the 13th of April to the 16th of June.
Digital Nomads in the Aosta Valley
https://bookingvalledaosta.it/smartworking/?lang=en
Sports enthusiasts, nature and silence lovers or fans of art, culture, and social life: the Aosta Valley welcomes digital nomads and smart workers! If you need slow rhythms, time and space for yourself and an outdoor world to explore, the Aosta Valley region is the destination for you. Alone or with your family, for one or more weeks or even just to extend a weekend, think about moving your desk to the mountains. Bordered by France and Switzerland, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Europe, Aosta Valley is the heart of the Italian western Alps. The web connection is one of the focal points for a digital nomad, but if you choose your new “Alpine office” well, you'll be on the safe side. Among nature, far from inhabited centres, where you can really switch off and chill out without distractions, the mountains can sometimes reserve you moments of "no signal" but it won't happen while you are working online. Your days can begin outdoors, hiking to some peaks or in the whiteness of the snow, in the green of the woods or in the warm colours of autumn, depending on the season you will choose for your stay.
Milano, City of Neighbourhoods
Milano is a city composed of diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods, which surround the historic city centre in a succession of social identities and functions. From Ticinese with its Roman columns and Navigili with its Medieval canals offering much appreciated hangouts to Milanese and out-of-town youth, to Isola in the city's north offering alternative crafts and culture. Then there's Porta Venezia, the home of LGBTQ+ bars and cuisine from the Horn of Africa, and Chinatown or artsy NoLo, or even Porta Romana, beloved by students and foodies alike. Whether you visit Milano for business or leisure, the city truly has something to offer everyone.
HOTEL UPDATES AND OPENINGS
Hotels Opening in 2022:
Fabilia Family Hotel Wellness & Spa, Terme Augustus – Montegrotto Terme
This leading new family hotel is the nation's first of its kind ensconced within the ancient thermal baths in the heart of Montegrotto Terme. Championing a cohesive and harmonious ethos of bringing families together in a deeply relaxing, all-inclusive holiday centred around well-being, Fabilia offers an impressive array of services. From free food and drink available around the clock, to fun activities for children and spas with rejuvenating treatments, this hidden gem truly delivers on an unforgettable family experience. This hotel offers therapeutic exposure to naturally heated, ozone-enriched thermal waters from the basin of the Euganean hills, a centuries-old traditional source of healing and rejuvenation for both body and mind. Complete with stunning views of the surrounding hills and city, everything is perfectly designed to ensure a unique and inimitable family getaway.
https://www.fabiliamontegrottoterme.com/
SPA at The Helvetica & Bristol Hotel – Florence
This iconic hotel has long been synonymous with quintessentially Florentine beauty and opulence as the first luxury hotel in the heart of Florence, having opened their doors in 1885. Following a recent restoration of its historical wing and an expansion, it has unveiled the new Spa which has broken ground in the very space where ancient roman baths once stood. This highly exclusive wellness retreat is a members-only secluded haven offering a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in history using a wide array of bespoke treatments targeting mind, body and spirit. Signature treatments, spa suite rituals, body, face, beauty as well as wellness and fitness are just a few of the unique experiences available alongside access to the beneficial rituals of thermal baths.
https://collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/la-spa/
The Paradiso Relais, Vietri Sul Mare – Amalfi Coast
Nestled within the captivating landscape of unspoilt nature and with unparalleled views of the green mountain villages alongside the Amalfi Coast, this intimately luxurious 22-room hotel offers 5-star service in a secluded and sophisticatedly designed holiday home. It is in close proximity to sites of interest like Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and Pompeii. This peaceful retreat offers concierge services, a spa, a panoramic pool, a solarium and an a la carte restaurant with a private chef who curates a bespoke menu to suit guests' requirements based on seasonal and local produce.
https://www.ragostahotels.com/en/relais-paradiso/luxury-relais-vietri-sul-mare
NEW FLIGHT ROUTES
Jet2
Leeds Bradford to Sicily from May 4th 2022
London Stansted to Catania (Sicily) from May 1st 2022
London Stansted to Sardinia from May 15th 2022
London Stansted to Verona from June 2022
Manchester to Olbia (Sardinia) from May 1st 2022
Manchester to Sicily from May 7th 2022
British Airways
Southampton to Florence from May 2022
Ryanair
Cork, Ireland Summer Schedule operating from 27th March 2022 – end of October 2022
Cork to Milan-Bergamo
Cork to Venezia-Marco Polo
Cork to Pisa
Cork to Alghero
DATES FOR THE DIARY
FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
THE NEW MUSEUM OF ITALIAN EMIGRATION
Genoa; year round
https://www.museidigenova.it/en/mei-museum-italian-emigration#eventi
Genoa is a city with a strong link to emigration: it was from here that millions of Italians left for the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. And it was here that, from all over Italy, men and women arrived who had left everything - work, home, loved ones - to risk a journey with no return. MEI was created to remember this, to help understand the reasons for them leaving, who they were, their stories and the difficulties they faced both in departure and arrival. A fascinating immersive and interactive museum, which uses multimedia to enrich the "experience", the last frontier of innovation in museums.
THE NEW RODARI MUSEUM
Omegna; 1st March onwards
In the historic centre of Omegna, a new museum dedicated to Gianni Rodari: writer, journalist, pedagogue and intellectual, he is considered the greatest fairy-teller of the twentieth century. Situated in his hometown, this museum tells the story of his tales, and the region that inspired him.
VILLA TARANTO
Lake Maggiore (Piedmont); 12th March - 1st November 2022
https://www.villataranto.it/en/
The wonderful Botanical Gardens reopen to the public on the 12th of March 2022 to coincide with the arrival of spring. Known in its native Italian as the Giardini Botanici (Botanical Gardens) of Villa Taranto this amazing garden will be opening its gates to the public with an explosion of flowers, colours and fragrances through a vast number of plant varieties and rare botanical species from all over the world. Entering this immense picturesque park that is spread across 16 hectares and encompasses 20,000 plants is like journeying through distant countries and gives a tremendous insight into the botanical powers of plants.
ISOLE BORROMEE
Borromea (Piedmont); 18th March – 1st November 2022
https://www.isoleborromee.it/en/
The stunning Borromean Islands reopen on the 18th of March 2022. The amazing archipelago located in the Borromean Gulf, in front of the charming Stresa, on Lake Maggiore is a magical destination to visit. The archipelago can be visited via a trip by mini-cruise around the Borromean Gulf and never fails to leave visitors speechless! Travellers should take their time and visit the most notable to these islands which include Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.
BIENNALE ARTE 2022
Venezia (Veneto); 23rd April – 27th November 2022
https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2022
The 59th International Art Exhibition will take place from 23 April to 27 November 2022 and is curated by Cecilia Alemani. Alemani is the first Italian woman to hold this position and aims to give voices to the artists and create unique projects that reflects her vision and our society.
MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO FESTIVAL (SUMMER SEASON)
Teatro Communale of Florence; 12th April- 13th July
https://www.maggiofiorentino.com/
Hosted in a beautiful and airy theater, this is the oldest festival in Europe after Salzburg and Beyreuth and offers top-notch performances, as exemplified by its long and prestigious history. The event includes: operas, concerts, ballets and prose performances. Celebrating the spring season of rebirth, the central tenet of the festival champions a “joie de vivre” attitude with dancing, music and theatrical performances. This year's programme includes: Zubin Mehta, Le Nozze di Figaro, Roméo et Juliette and Daniele Gatti.
LAKESCAPES
Lake District region; End of May 2022 onwards
The eighth edition of Lakescapes - Teatro Diffuso del Lago, curated by the Accademia dei Folli and supported by five municipalities (Lesa, Meina, Dormelletto, Oleggio Castello and Massino Visconti) will kick off at the end of May with musical and theatrical events as a means of enhancing the territory and reading culture. The evocative White Nights are back, with travelling shows in stages through the most beautiful villages on the lake; there are also portraits of the great Italian and foreign musical artists of the 20th century, two events for children and the unmissable Titanic, a show on a boat.
MUSICA IN QUOTA
Piedmont; June – September 2022
From June to September, the peaks, mountain pastures and mountain lodges of high Piedmont are transformed into inimitable open-air stages for concerts and exciting performances: this is the winning recipe of Musica in Quota, the much-loved festival that, for its sixteenth edition, will offer a dozen appointments - all free of charge - from mid-June to early September.
RAVENNA FESTIVAL
Ravenna; 1st June – 21st July 2022
https://www.ravennafestival.org/en/
The 33rd Ravenna Festival this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of Pier Paulo Pasolini's birth, travelling “Between Flesh and Heaven”. Starting from Azio Corghi's composition by the same for the opening concert with Daniel Harding and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, from 1 June to 21 July, the words Pasolini used to describe his momentous encounter with Bach's Violin Sonatas draws a not only musical thread that involves such artists as Giuseppe Gibboni, Accademia Bizantina, Elio Germano. The opposition of human and divine expressed by the title also offers a chance to explore the many facets of the sacred, so this momentous event cannot be missed.
CARACALLA – ROME'S OPERA SUMMER FESTIVAL
Caracalla's Thermal Baths in Rome; 3rd June – 9th August
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma annually moves into its summer home inside the colossal and stunning open-air ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, one of the best preserved sites from the Roman Empire. In a truly spell-binding experience, this year's line-up of the famous fan favourite includes Bizet's Carmen and Mass with music by Leonard Bernstein among others.
SUED-TIROL JAZZ FESTIVAL ALTO ADIGE
South-Tyrol; 24th June – 3rd July 2022
http://www.suedtiroljazzfestival.com/
This annual event is one of the most heavily anticipated jazz festivals across the continent. Based in Alto Adige this year for its 40th birthday, the programme will revolve around highlights from the last decade's country focuses, including innovative jazz from: the Netherlands, France, Britain, Scandinavia, the Iberian Peninsula, Austria, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg. Showcasing a unique approach to stylistically boundless music, this event is not to be missed for jazz lovers.
UMBRIA JAZZ
Perugia; 8th-17th July
Since its inception in 1973, this festival has been continuously regarded as one of Europe's finest high quality offerings. In addition to the closed performance halls, it is possible to enjoy the music publicly from the city's many open squares thus steeping Perugia wholly in marvellously unique music for the duration of the festival. Free of charge, this event has historically filled the surrounding streets to capacity with over 20,000 people flocking here.
STRESA FESTIVAL
Stresa (Lake Maggiore, Lombardy); 15th July – 24th July 2022
www.stresafestival.eu
Stresa Festival is one the best-known classical and jazz music festivals in Europe; every year it offers performances by internationally famous artists. The Stresa Festival continues its long-standing festival for 2022 as it opens its doors to the public carrying on its tradition of excellent music, art and culture, held in a number of venues around Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Val d'Ossola.
PUCCINI FESTIVAL
Torre del Lago, Viareggio (Tuscany); 15th July – 27th August 2012
www.puccinifestival.it
The Puccini Festival was created by Giacomo Puccini himself in 1930 and, since then, it has been continually held from mid-July to mid-August. The festival takes place in the open-air theatre of Torre Del Lago (Tuscany), located a few steps from “Villa Mausoleum”, the house where Puccini lived and worked; an amazing venue to enjoy the masterpieces of one of the most outstanding and esteemed Italian artists worldwide. Operas on show this year are: Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca and La Rondine.
SFERISTERIO OPERA FESTIVAL
Macerata; 19th July – 21st August
The sferisterio is an open-air stadium which broke ground in 1823. Hosting thousands of attendees, this year's programme offers Tosca ,Il barbiere di Siviglia and Pagliacci alongside symphonic concerts with a pointed interest in Beethoven's work. The walls of the stadium will be used to project cinematic accompaniments featuring Charlie Chaplin and the Italian diva Lyda Borelli.
LA NOTTE ROSA – PINK NIGHT
Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna and Marche, 26th July -1st August 2022
www.lanotterosa.it
For one night the entire Riviera (Romagna and Marche) 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 Senigallia, but the heart of the event is the Riviera of Rimini. It's an event that attracts thousands of Italians to head to the Adriatic coast and is quickly becoming an international attraction.
ANDREA BOCELLI
Lajatico, Tuscany; 28th July
This internationally awaited event is held at the Theatre of Silence, a location that was borne out of an idea to seamlessly incorporate a stage in the middle of the untouched landscape that is Bocelli's hometown. Conducive to the most diverse and deeply moving musical occasions, Bocelli's annual performance here is truly a spellbinding experience.
ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL
Pesaro; 9th-21st August
Dedicated to the eponymous Gioachino Rossini, a celebrated local artist who left the municipality of Pesaro as its heir, helping to erect he Music Conservatory and the Rossini foundation. Now highly regarded as one of the most important opera festivals in the world, this year's programme includes Othello and Le Comte Ory.
PALIO DEL DAINO
Mondaino (Rimini); 18th-21st August 2022
https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/events/2705/palio-del-daino-historical-festival
This medieval festival takes place every summer in the town of Mondaino; for four days, this little town travels back in time hundreds of years, providing its many visitors with a medieval experience that recreates the historical period of the 15th century. Trades, crafts and techniques dating back to the mid-fifteenth century are carried out by a variety of artisans and artists. There are also numerous places serving menus typical of the period.
SOUNDS OF THE DOLOMITE
Terentino Region; 22nd August – 23rd September 2022
The Sounds of the Dolomite is a one-of-a-kind activity that combines music and nature. With the Dolomites as their venue, performers and guests alike climb the trek to the alpine meadows and clearings where, at the summit, musicians will begin performing their concerts after carrying their instruments all the way.
LA NOTTE DELLA TARANTA
Salento, Puglia; Month of August and 27th August 2022
https://www.lanottedellataranta.it/it/
This festival is the largest in Italy and one of the most important across Europe. It takes place every summer and attracts over 200,000 spectators. It is structured as a collection of itinerant concerts playing in each of 11 municipalities of Grecìa Salentina. As a finale performance the Concertone is held in Melpignano, the village in which this festival was conceived in 18 years ago.
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Venice (Veneto), 31st August – 10th September 2022
www.labiennale.org
This year the Venice's 79th annual Film Festival will turn the city into a buzzing hub of culture. Thousands of visitors, hundreds of projections and dozens of celebrities are expected during the ten days of the festival, which promises to bring an incredible atmosphere and glittering parties to the Lido of Venice, the famous Island located in the Venice Lagoon.
HISTORICAL REGATTA
Venice; 4th September
https://www.regatastoricavenezia.it/en/
This regatta is the crown jewel of the yearly Voga alla Veneta rowing calendar. Based around a traditional sport that has had its home in the Venetian Lagoon for thousands of years, this showstopping event is preceded by the famous water pageant. This sees the Grand Canal ceremoniously populated by 16th century-styled boats and gondoliers adorned with period dress. It is a striking emulation of one of the grandest Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean, a remarkable sight not to be missed.
MITO SETTEMBRE MUSICA
Turin (Piedmont) and Milan (Lombardy); 5th-24th September 2022
www.mitosettembremusica.it
Since 2007, MITO Settembre Musica has united the cities of Milano and Torino with a rich array of musical events. Developed from the thirty years experience of Settembre Musica, this Festival connects the two biggest cities in the north of Italy in a programme of refined and stirring concerts, presenting best orchestras, baroque opera, medieval and jazz music, open-air shows and night-time concerts.
FESTIVAL LETTERATURA
Mantua (Lombardy); 7th – 11th September 2022
www.festivaletteratura.it
Every year world-famous writers and poets, essayists, musicians, artists and scientists from all over the world take part in Festivaletteratura, an incredible Festival of Literature held in the World Heritage City of Mantua. By attending readings, performances, gatherings and concerts, artists and visitors can get first-hand experience of the truly unforgettable literary atmosphere.
FIERACAVALLI
Verona; 3rd to 6th November 2022
https://fieracavalli.it/it/
Fieracavalli is an international show dedicated to horses and horse riding. This year it will celebrate its 124th anniversary and since 2001 the Festival hosts the only Italian stage Rolex FEI World Cup, International Grand Prix jump obstacles. In 2021, over 100,000 visitors took part in the event and this year aims to be bigger and better than the last.
TORINO FILM FESTIVAL
Turin (Piedmont); 25th November – 3rd December
www.torinofilmfest.org/it/
This year the International Film Festival in Turin will celebrate their 40th anniversary. Founded in 1982 by film critic Gianno Rondolino as the Festival of Young Cinema, it has been known since its inception as one of the most established cinematographic event in the world. Thanks to its commitment to the support of independent filmmaking and personal vision, the film festival is renowned for showcasing emerging and established filmmakers from all over the world.
FOOD AND WINE EVENTS
PRIMAVERA DEL PROSECCO
Treviso; April - June
https://www.primaveradelprosecco.it/
This sensational annual event is in the heart of the Prosecco wine region and guides visitors through a beautiful journey characterised by the discovery of their prized production. Tastings at vineyards, learning about the production stages and sampling of local cuisine are just a few of the attractions on offer. While basking in the Mediterranean sun and terrain along the way, special events like visits to historic villas, exhibitions and shows are also offered. Special packages are also designed to include lodging as well as winery and restaurant visits.
ARTUSI'S CELEBRATION – FESTA ARTUSIANA
Forlimpopoli; 25th June – 3rd July
This year's 26th edition of this highly awaited event is hosted, as always, in the hometown of Pellegrino Artusi, dubbed the father of Italian cuisine. The centre of this historic place is transformed into the capital of amazing food for 9 consecutive evenings, intertwining gastronomy, entertainment and culture. Not only is domestic cuisine elevated and celebrated with a rich offering from restaurants and eateries, but a myriad of performances, concerts, exhibitions and seminars are also hosted.
CALICI DI STELLE
Across Italy; 29th July – 15th August
http://www.movimentoturismovino.it/it/eventi/3/calici-di-stelle/
The crown jewel event by Movimento Turismo del Vino, Calici di Stelle is a mecca for wine lovers. Enjoying a glass of wine under a boundless starry sky is coupled with the opportunity to visit cellars in organised tours around the nation. Evocatively promoting this beloved Italian product, a whole host of shows, intimate vineyard dinners, special tastings and concerts are also offered. This event coincides with the Perseids meteor shower, typically occurring on the Night of San Lorenzo on the 10th of August with expert star-gazing activities available for visitors to delight in the phenomenon.
FESTA DELL'UVA (The Grape Harvest Festival of Masera)
Masera, Ossola Valley; September 2022
https://www.visitossola.it/en/events/festa-delluva/
Masera's “Festa dell'Uva” is one of the oldest and most appreciated food festivals in Ossola Valley; dating back to 1925, it marked the end of the harvest period before the well-deserved winter break.
Those exploring the festival can sample a wide range of traditional local delicacies and wines, whilst watching the spectacular firework display, the grand float parade or the amazing donkey contest over the weekend.
INTERNATIONAL ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE FAIR
Alba (Piedmont); October – December 2022
www.fieradeltartufo.org/
The unmissable fair by excellence, the International Alba White Truffle Fair is in its 92nd edition and will be once more bringing its unique scent of Tuber magnatum Pico to the region. As always, the heart of the fair will remain the World Market of the Alba White Truffle, inside the Cortile della Maddalena and the Alba Truffle Show.
FRANTOI APERTI
Various locations throughout Umbria; 29th October – 27th November
http://www.frantoiaperti.net
Spread across five weekends, the Frantoi Aperti aims to celebrate the manifold uses and benefits of olive oil. Taking place during the height of the harvest, olive mills across the region open their doors to the public with demonstrations of the harvesting process combined with concerts, activities for children and walks through olive groves. A visit to an olive mill cannot be done without an olive tasting which will be on offer across the locations throughout.
SPORT EVENTS
WALKING TRAILS IN EMILIA ROMAGNA
Emilia Romagna; year round
https://camminiemiliaromagna.it/en
With 20 different trails to choose from, the region of Emilia Romagna is a must-see for trail lovers and those looking for a slower pace of travel. Winding around the hills of Northern Italy and across unmissable pilgrimage routes, this truly is the place to unwind this year. Through the summer, Cammini Emilia Romagna are offering spectacular sunset and night-time walks, allowing you to experience the Italian starry sky from a whole new perspective.
MILLE MIGLIA
Various locations across Italy; 15th -18th June 2022
www.1000miglia.eu
The Mille Miglia is a unique event that attracts thousands of car lovers from all over the world every year. Over the past few decades, this incredible race has brought vintage cars, traditions and emotions along a non-stop itinerary from Brescia to Rome and back. In 2019 the cars will leave Brescia on 15 May and they will arrive in Rome on Thursday 16 May. They will be then back in Brescia on Saturday 18 May, where the award ceremony will follow after the arrival.
MONZA MOTOR GRAND PRIX
Monza; 9th – 11th September 2022
www.monzanet.it
The Italian Grand Prix is one of the most important running events on the Formula One calendar. This year Monza circuit is celebrating its centenary, a huge cause for celebration to a circuit that embodies the spirit of F1. An unmissable event for lovers of fast cars.
