*The garrison public affairs office translates summaries of local news articles for the convenience of non-Italian speaking community members. The information contained in these summaries is originally written by Italian news sources and does not reflect the opinion of U.S. Army Garrison Italy or any of its tenant commands. Direct any questions about the Italian news to the garrison public affairs office.*

Italian News from Camp Darby – May 9, 2025
  • Demonstration to urge work on the bridge connecting Livorno and Pisa
  • The renown 5&5 highlighted at the “Biennale del Mare”
  • Pisa soccer promotion fest will be held Saturday
  • Dengue fever, one case in Pisa province
  • Bimbimbici 2025, a fun bicycle ride for children
  • Ponsacco Street Food this weekend

Demonstration to urge work on the bridge connecting Livorno and Pisa – May 9, Il Tirreno

COLLESALVETTI – “It’s been nearly five months, and this critical bridge remains closed, with no work underway. The inconvenience it causes is enormous: enough is enough,” said the “Citizens in Common for Collesalvetti,” an opposing civic list. Citizens mobilize on May 9 to urge authorities to accelerate the restoration and reopening of that critical link between Livorno and Pisa. The protest includes a march from the Esso gas station in Stagno to the refinery, which will obstruct Via Aurelia for almost an hour. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

The renown 5&5 highlighted at the “Biennale del Mare” – May 9, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – During the Biennale del Mare, which will bring intellectuals and tourists to Livorno from May 14 to 17, the seven main producers of the famous 5&5 will give people the opportunity to sample the famous street food product while walking along one of the city’s most picturesque spots, the Terrazza Mascagni. It is known as cinque e cinque, or five and five, because a hundred years ago it signified desiring the equivalent of five cents of a lira in torta and the same quantity of bread. More than 700 years ago, the term “torta” was coined accidentally. During the Battle of Meloria, when Genoa vanquished the enemy Maritime Republic and vast numbers of prisoners were stowed in the ships, a storm caught the fleet off guard, causing it to barely float due to its heavy load. The foodstuffs consisting of oil and chickpea flour, spilled and mixed with the seawater that had penetrated coming down from the deck, went to form a mush on the floor. As hunger grew and the mush compacted, they decided to feed themselves with it, which turned out to be a true delicacy. After perfecting the mixture and baking everything in the oven, here is the simple and incredibly tasty product that we have today. Water and flour dough are brought to a liquid state and let to rest for at least four hours. Then, in the appropriate amounts, add salt and oil before placing in huge copper pans that enable high heat cooking. If everything is in order, the crust should appear to be linked to the layer beneath it. Furthermore, it should not be overly greasy or too moist. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pisa soccer promotion fest will be held May 10 – May 9, Il Tirreno

PISA – Pisa’s promotion party will be held tomorrow, May 10, in the evening at the Garibaldi Arena. The uncovered bus will then go through the downtown streets throughout the night. The Arena will open to the public at 4 p.m. for the Cup presentation ceremony. Attendance will be open to all season ticket holders for the Pisa Sporting Club’s 2024-2025 competitive season. In addition, free tickets can be purchased online through the Ticketone website. At the end of the award ceremony, the team will leave the Arena to reach the city center, specifically the Lungarno River by the traditional uncovered bus. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Dengue fever, one case in Pisa province – May 9, Il Tirreno

CASCINA (Pisa) – The mayor has issued an ordinance directed at all residents, condominium administrators, commercial operators and managers of productive activities to allow access for pest control personnel to carry out larvicidal and adulticidal treatments and remove larval breeding sites in private outdoor areas. Following a report from the ASL about a case of arboviruses from the Dengue virus transmitted by the tiger mosquito, the Municipality of Cascina, in the province of Pisa, will conduct adulticidal, larvicidal and larval breeding site elimination interventions as soon as weather conditions permit. Affected Areas include Via di Mezzo Nord, from house number 397 to 511 (south side) and from 218 to 274 (north side) and Via Laiano di Sotto from house number 1 to 4. In public areas, street drains, private areas and green areas pertaining to residences within the intervention area, the following actions will be taken including disinfestation of the affected area with insecticides, both adulticidal and larvicidal, on public and private properties; search and elimination of peri-domestic larval breeding sites with “door-to-door” inspections of homes within the indicated area. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Bimbimbici 2025, a fun bicycle ride for children – May 9, Il Tirreno

PISA – The 23rd edition of the Bimbimbici event, a bicycle ride through the city center for children aged five to 11, will take place on Sunday, May 11. This program is part of the Giro d’Italia’s “Pisa fa il Giro” activities and will be exclusively pink: all enrolled youngsters will get a commemorative Giro d’Italia jersey to wear throughout the event. The gathering begins at 9:30 a.m. in Piazza XX Settembre, and will begin at 10:30 a.m. There are two routes: 2.5 km and 7 km, and at the end of the event, all participants will enjoy a communal snack. Required before the start, costing €2 (€1 for siblings). Registration is for children who will be cycling. Parents’ presence is highly recommended. Adults can rent bikes with a 10 percent discount at Smile and Ride (Via Mascagni 13). Pre-registration online is advised. To ensure the event’s safety, traffic and parking adjustments have been made to the impacted streets. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., several streets including Lungarno Galilei; Lungarno Gambacorti; Lungarno Pacinotti; Lungarno Mediceo; Ponte di Mezzo and Ponte della Fortezza will be closed to vehicular traffic. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Ponsacco Street Food this weekend – May 9, PisaToday

PONSACCO (Pisa) – A weekend full of live music, taste and fun is coming to Ponsacco with the Ponsacco Street Food event, which will take place this weekend, May 9-11, in the newly renovated Piazza della Repubblica. Over three days, the best international street food, music and entertainment will be the main attractions. The event will feature some of the best food trucks with Italian and international culinary specialties, ready to satisfy all tastes with a wide range of food and beverages, including gluten-free options, craft beer from microbreweries in Italy and around the world and traditional sweets. There will also be a special play area for children. Access is free. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Recent Italian News highlights

Robotic festival in Pisa – May 6, PisaToday

PISA – The Festival of Robotics, will be held in Pisa May 9-11 at the Stazione Leopolda, the Republican Arsenals, the Arsenal Cinema, the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica, the Officine Garibaldi, the Palazzo Blu and the Teatro Sant’Andrea. The festival was created to share the latest developments in the field of robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and the latest applications in relation to numerous topics such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, cinema, art, culture, the education of new generations, commerce, industry, sports, music, literature, the gender gap and humanitarian cooperation. The fifth edition of the Pisa Robotics Festival will be ‘human centered’. For this occasion, the excellence of robotics community will join in Pisa from all over the world. The Festival of Robotics 2025 will offer insights into the relationship between robots and the many worlds of which the everyday life of each of us is composed, whether in the professional field or in leisure or social and cultural engagement. Entrance is free, check this link for the full program https://roboticafestival.it/il-programma-di-pisa/. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Free visits to Livorno water reservoir – May 6, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – Beginning Wednesday, May 14, through Saturday, May 17, it will be possible to visit the Grand Cisternone Water Preserve, the monumental neoclassical-style reservoir still in operation built at the request of Grand Duke of Tuscany Leopold II. The tours, lasting 20 minutes and for a maximum of 25 people at a time, will be possible on the following dates and times: on May 14, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. and on May 15, 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. To take advantage of the free guided tour, reservations must be made on the following website www.biennalelivorno.it starting May 5. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Montenero funicular free on Sundays – May 5, LivornoToday

LIVORNO – Until Oct. 26, the Montenero funicular will be free on Sundays. Celebrating the 2025 Jubilee, the City of Livorno, in partnership with Autolinee Toscane, has adopted this initiative. “The administration’s plan to improve and revive public transportation includes this effort. Among other things, the funicular will develop into a major tourist destination, contributing to the revitalization of the Montenero district,” said Giovanna Cepparello, Livorno councilor for Mobility. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pisa-Rome line: delays and cancellations starting from May 5 – April 17, PisaToday

PISA– Starting May 5, passengers traveling on the Pisa-Grosseto-Rome train line should expect delays and cancellations for approximately three months due to major infrastructure upgrades. The work, totaling nearly 100 million euros, includes installing a new European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and renewing 15 kilometers of track. Regional trains: delays averaging 10 minutes, some schedule adjustments and occasional cancellations on specific routes. Intercity trains: delays of 10-20 minutes, schedule adjustments and route diversions for overnight trains impacting stops in Rome, Civitavecchia, Grosseto and Livorno. Frecciabianca (high-speed) trains: schedule changes on the Rome-Genoa route via Civitavecchia-Grosseto-Livorno. Passengers are advised to check train schedules closer to their travel dates using Trenitalia’s information channels. This investment aims to improve the line's technology, safety and efficiency in the long run. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Five hidden gems for a day trip in Tuscany – April 17, Il Tirreno

TUSCANY – Here are five hidden gems in Tuscany for a peaceful getaway suggested by blogger Riccardo Franchini:

Val di Merse, immerse yourself in silent woods and discover hidden churches. Ideal for off-the-grid walks, fresh air and reconnecting with nature.

Montegiovi, this tiny village perched in the Val d'Orcia offers tranquility and breathtaking views. Perfect for escaping noise, finding inspiration, and enjoying the company of welcoming locals.

Isola Santa, this village nestled in the Apuan Alps overlooks an emerald lake, creating a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. Disconnect from technology and find solace in the beauty of your surroundings.

Poggio di Montieri, located in the heart of Grosseto’s hinterland, this ancient ridge is ideal for getting lost in nature with a loved one or finding solitude. Wake up to stunning views and the simple pleasures of life.

Badia Prataglia, this enchanting village lies within the Casentino Forests National Park. Explore ancient beech and fir forests, discover hidden paths and embrace the tranquility of this magical place. Each destination offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and nature. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Maintenance work in Pisa – April 15, PisaToday

PISA – The city of Pisa has launched an extensive road resurfacing project involving more than 20 streets. This two-month project, which is planned to be completed by June 7, marks the final stage of a significant infrastructure revamp. This work comprises total road rehabilitation in areas where water and sewage networks were previously renovated. Several streets are set to be repaved including Via Squartini; Via Pontecorvo; Via Capiteta; Via Arginone; Via Emilia and Via Malasoma. The resurfacing efforts follow the completion of an update to the city’s sewage and purification systems. The cost of this project is €16 million and includes more than 25 kilometers of new pipelines, connecting numerous new customers to the sewage network and eliminating the final untreated direct discharges. It is considerably improving the quality and sustainability of the urban water supply. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Road closures for the summer – April 8, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – From April 15 until Oct. 15, the Romito seaside route in Livorno, will be restricted to heavy traffic. This six-month closure, which was prolonged from the previous July-August period, affects the section from Maroccone to Chioma, as well as the SS206 between Vicarello and Malandrone. Traffic will be routed via the A12 motorway between Collesalvetti and Rosignano Marittimo. The CNA (National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) is concerned about the longer closure and lack of notification, citing increased expenses for local transportation companies owing to tolls, mileage and driving time. They seek reimbursement from local governments as well as a system for calculating transit through the affected toll booths. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Livorno Port opens doors – April 15, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – Livorno is preparing to welcome locals and visitors alike to a month-long celebration of all things nautical with its “Italian Port Days” festival, which will take place throughout April and May 2025. This event attempts to bridge the gap between the port and the surrounding community by engaging, educating and entertaining. This festival offers activities to all, reminding everyone of the port’s critical role in the environmental, economic and cultural fabric of the Livorno area. Several interactive exhibits will explain the fragile balance of marine ecosystems. Students of all ages can try hands-on educational programs, which will include the opportunity to board navy ships and learn about the port’s rich history. “Italian Port Days” promises to be an outstanding event. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Wolf sighted near the sea at Vecchiano – April 8, Il Tirreno

PISA – A wolf, nicknamed as the “sea wolf,” has been observed prowling the beach at Bufalina, on the border of Vecchiano and Torre del Lago. A video shows the wolf walking down the beach during the day. This sighting comes after reports of a pack of wolves seen at night on Torre del Lago beach, prompting recommendations to keep pets on leashes. While these wolves are common in the area, they are not members of the established pack in the Pisa sector of the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Park. The park confirms that a distinct wolf family lives in San Rossore, contributing to the ecosystem by regulating the deer population. Researchers are monitoring wolf numbers in the park using a variety of tracking techniques. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Livorno church seeks revival – April 7, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – The Chiesa dell'Apparizione (Church of the Apparition) in Livorno, Italy, closed for 19 years, is seeking to reopen. The Vallombrosan monks who own the church have launched a fundraising campaign to restore the building, which holds significant historical and religious importance as the site where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd boy in 1345. The initial fundraising goal is €300,000 to repair the damaged roof, with a total of 600,000 euros needed for a complete restoration of the church and adjacent rectory. Don Luca Giustarini, prior of the Montenero Abbey, is appealing to the Tuscan community and beyond for donations. Plans for the restored church include resuming mass celebrations, creating a parking area for pilgrims, establishing a retreat space in the rectory and housing seminarians who will care for the church. Donations can be made by contacting santamariadimontenero@gmail.com. A committee of monks and laypeople will oversee the transparent management of the funds. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Historical reenactment of the Ardenza circuit – April 7, LivornoToday

LIVORNO – Everything is ready for the seventh edition of the Circuito dell’Ardenza, a car reenactment of the historic race of Sept. 12, 1937, which, for the first time in the history of the Italian Grand Prix, left the Monza circuit to be held in Livorno. The crews are going to be in Piazza della Repubblica on April 12 and 13. The participants will travel through beautiful villages, tree-lined streets, the Tyrrhenian seashore, the high Maremma and the Tuscan hills of the provinces between Pisa and Livorno. The tour will include one-of-a-kind beauties, such as the cypress-lined avenue of Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci and the towns of Cecina; Rosignano, Bibbona; Casale Marittimo; Guardistallo; Montescudaio; Riparbella; Castellina Marittima and Santa Luce to close the circle back in Livorno with the gala evening at the prestigious Yacht Club. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Marina di Pisa seafront goes car-free on holidays

MARINA DI PISA – Until June 8, the Marina di Pisa promenade will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays and public holidays, including those falling in the middle of the week, from 2 to 8 p.m. During these closure times, bicycles and comparable vehicles are permitted on the bike route within the closed-off area, but only at a walking pace. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Beaches to have mandatory lifeguards starting May 1 – March 28, LivornoToday

LIVORNO – New Tuscany regulations now require lifeguard services at beach facilities from May 1 to Sept. 30, corresponding with the extended tourist season. Unlike earlier traditions, where lifeguards were mostly present on weekends, the new laws demand their attendance throughout the establishment’s operating hours, including weekdays. However, it has raised concerns among beach operators, who anticipate a substantial shortfall of experienced lifeguards to handle the increased demand. To address these concerns and clarify the new laws, beach operators and the Port Captaincy have met, including a productive discussion with important stakeholders and officials on March 26. The goal is to ensure consistent safety standards throughout all Tuscan beaches, in line with norms in other Italian regions. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Summer vibes return with the reopening of seaside kiosks – March 28, Il Tirreno

PISA – Summer has returned to the shore between Livorno and Quercianella, with the reopening of popular seaside kiosks including the Baretto dell'Accademia, which commemorated its 10th anniversary on March 29; the “twin” kiosk at Tre Ponti opened on April 1. Il Pinguino, a street food and burger restaurant, will also reopen in April. Further south, La Spiaggetta in Quercianella will continue its long tradition of “peace and love” theme. These kiosks provide a casual setting for chatting, enjoying the beach, and commemorating the beginning of the summer season. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Tuscany Medieval Festival, from May 9 to 11 – March 11, LivornoToday

LIVORNO – Pre-sales are open on the Liveticket website for the medieval festival that will take attendees to another era filled with traveling performers, music and dancing and daring knights ready to clash in thrilling displays of skill and courage. The festival opens with a parade through the streets of the city center, followed by a grand show with fireworks. There will also be opportunities to visit stands, enjoy performances and knightly duels and listen to lively music. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

The 2025 Giro d’Italia will travel through Pisa on May 20 – January 14, Il Tirreno/PisaToday

PISA – After 45 years, Pisa is set to experience again the thrill of the Giro d’Italia, the most important cycling race. The stage on May 20, will be historic: the riders will pass through the scenic lungarni before finishing in the majestic Piazza dei Miracoli, providing a one-of-a-kind spectacle in the heart of the city. The Giro stage provides a unique opportunity to highlight Pisa’s strengths. The lungarni, already well-known for their beauty, will be a stunning spectacle for the entire world, while Piazza dei Miracoli, with its ageless appeal, will host an unforgettable finale. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Jennifer Lopez in concert at Lucca Summer Festival – April 8, Il Tirreno

LUCCA – Jennifer Lopez announces her “It's My Party” tour with a stop in Lucca, on July 21, 2025, as part of the Lucca Summer Festival. Tickets will be available starting April 11 at 11 a.m. Ticket prices range from €86 for standing room to €250 for numbered seating (Sector 1). Fans can expect a performance featuring her greatest hits. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Tap&tap service available on regional trains

LIVORNO – The new rapid ticket purchasing channel for regional trains in Tuscany has arrived. The "Tap&Tap" system is operational as of Dec. 19, and it will enable passengers to save time when purchasing the voucher by allowing contactless payment cards to be passed straight from the station’s specific validators. The system is currently in operation at the 16 stops on the Florence-Pisa-Livorno route. To purchase a ticket, simply bring your contactless payment card, smartphone or enabled smartwatches close to the readers located in the validators at the departure station and then perform the same operation at the arrival station. With the same card, it is possible to purchase a ticket for only one adult passenger (ordinary adult fare in second class), while at the checkpoint on board the train it will be sufficient to communicate the last four numbers of the payment card used. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)