It's Carnevale time! Carnevale (carnival), a Catholic tradition, is the last celebration before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, when Catholics must deprive themselves of something they enjoy. One of the most famous Carnevale celebrations in the world takes place in Venice, where since 1162 attendants don unique Venetian masks and costumes for the festivities. In Tuscany, Viareggio is the location of their biggest Carnevale celebration.
VENETO
Palazzo Cordellina Special Music Performance
Vicenza, Contra` Riale 12.
Feb. 16, 5 p.m. Vocal music concert with the students of Vicenza Arrigo Pedrollo High School Music. Feng Yiwen, Jiang Beibei, Guo Jinyi, Fan Qianyun, Kim Hanna, Duan Linxu, Diego Castello, Dijana Grgich, Cheng Shaomei, and Roberta Guidi will perform music by Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Poulenc, Tosti, Arditi, Korngold, Berio. Piano played by Denis Zanotto and Chiara Comparin. Free entrance.
Palazzo Chiericati Musiche per un Viaggio (Music for Travel)
Vicenza, Piazza Matteotti, Chiericati Palace.
Feb. 16, 6 p.m., piano, violoncello and soprano performance of "A Travel to the Land of Memories" by V. Lyamina, P. Guiotto and A. Petrella. Performance will be followed by a toast with artists. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
Music & Ballet Events at Vicenza Municipal Theater (Teatro Comunale)
All of the following events will take place at Viale Mazzini 39, Vicenza. Buy tickets online at www.tcvi.it (click on "biglietteria"):
• Feb. 16, 8:45 p.m., and Feb. 17, 6 p.m. from U.S.A. the MOMIX Dance Company with their first-ever world performance of "Alice" by Moses Pendleton. Cost: €43 adults; €41 over 65, and €31 under 30
• Feb. 18, 8:45 p.m., The Olympic Theater Orchestra, directed by maestro Alexander Lonquich, performs a double concert of Brahms. Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30
• Feb. 19, 8.15 p.m., The Royal Ballet live streamed from the Royal Opera House "Don Chisciotte" with Akane Takada and Steven McRae. Cost: €12 adults; €10 over 65 and under 30
• Feb. 23, 8:45 p.m., ballet "Avalanche" by Marco D'Agostin with music by Pablo E. Lilienfeld. Cost: €15 adults; €10.60 over 65 and under 30
• Feb. 24, 8:45 p.m., Beethoven performed by Isabelle Faust, violin, and Alexander Melnikov, piano. Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30
• Feb. 28; 8.45 p.m., the American Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform the "Airs, Black Tuesday, Esplanade" modern dance. Cost: €36 adults; €31 over 65, and €20 under 30
• March 4, 8:45 p.m., The Olympic Theater Orchestra, directed by maestro Alexander Janiczek, performs allegro and symphonies by Elgar, Haydn and Mendelssohn. Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30
Conservatorio A. Pedrollo
Pedrollo Conservatory (high school)
Vicenza, Contrà San Domenico 33
The following classical music performances take place Tuesdays at the Conservatorio Concert Hall. Entrance free and free parking in the yard. For more information, call 0444-50-7551 or go online at www@consvi.it .
• Feb. 19, 6 p.m., "Ensemble Ars Modi," a piano and cello romantic sonata performed by Edoardo Bruni and Giuseppe Barutti
• Feb. 26, 6 p.m., soprano performance by Pilar Moral and guitar played by Nicola Jappelli. Music by S. Castro de Gistau, F. Sor, F. Carulli, G. Rossini
Teatro Astra -- Astra Theater
Vicenza Contra` Barche 55 (Tel: 0444-32-3725).
Feb. 17, 5 p.m., Circus in Music, a concert for piano, ukulele, ping pong paddles and jocularity performed by Paolo Casolo and Paolo Piludu. All dialog is in Italian. Cost: €25 adults; €20 over 65; €12 under 25, and €5 under 8. For information and tickets visit: info@pantarheivicenza.com or www.incontrosullatastiera.it .
Teatro Ca' Balbi
Ca' Balbi Theater
Via Montegallo 4, Bertesinella (Vicenza).
March 2, 9 p.m., Melodrama by Puccini. Pier Zordan and his cast of singers perform four of the most famous masterpieces of Maestro Puccini: Manon, Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Cost €10, and €4 for under 14. For information and reservation: www.teatrocabalbi.com .
Teatro Civico Astra -- Astra Theater of Schio
Schio (VI), Via Maraschin 19 (Tel: 0445-52-5577).
March 9, 9 p.m., Romeo & Juliet ballet performed by Ballet of Rome. Tickets vary from €25 (first row seats) to €15 (balcony). For information: info@teatrocivicoschio.it or www.festivaldanzainrete.it .
Palladio Olimpico Project (POP)
Vicenza Olympic Theater
Through April 19, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Sunday, Vicenza, Piazza Matteotti. This project is a new initiative to make a visit to the Olympic Theatre memorable and innovative. Guests will enjoy a narrative method that will take them on a virtual journey to discover stories, voices, videos and images of the theater. During the 45-minute interactive visit, visitors will be given a tablet for simultaneous translation. Tickets cost €7 and may be purchased 15 minutes before the visit at the IAT Information Office, near theater entrance. Free tickets for U.S. Soldiers and under 18; must show ID card. For more details, visit http://www.teatrolimpicovicenza.it/ and click on "POP visits."
Il Trionfo del Colore
The Triumph of Color - From Tiepolo to Canaletto and Guardi
Through March 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Vicenza, Palazzo Chiericati. Open from Tuesday to Sunday; last admission one hour before closing time. Exhibition of famous painters' masterpieces from the Moscow Pushkin Museum. Entrance fee: €14; €12 for groups, students under 26, and seniors over 65; €5 per person for school groups.
503ᵃ Fiera di San Valentino di Pozzoleone (VI)
503rd Saint Valentine Fair of Pozzoleone (VI)
Through Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Pozzoleone, about 13 miles northeast of Vicenza. Food booths and carnival rides, DJ live music. For more information, visit www.fieradisanvalentino.it or www.facebook.com/fieradisanvalentino .
Verona Half Marathon
Feb. 17, The Romeo & Juliet Half Marathon (21 km) with more than 6,000 runners will take place through the city starting from Verona Palasport, 10 a.m., to end in the splendid Piazza Bra. Sign up deadline is Feb. 13. To register, go to info@veronamarathon.it or Google "GET YOUR BIB."
Asiago Fiocchi di Luce 2019
Flakes of Light in Asiago (VI)
Feb. 17, 6 p.m., at Asiago Airport "Romeo Sartori" Via Cinque, 1 km north of Asiago. Last day event of leisure and music with a spectacular fireworks competition. The airport is the only Italian civilian airport located 1,000 meters above sea level. For more information: http://bit.ly/1QgM3ap .
Passion Art Tattoo Convention
Feb. 23 & 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Verona, Piazza Bra, Palazzo della Gran Guardia. Visitors may choose among 100 tattoo artists (two are American) to have tattoos done at the event. During the two-day event, there will be DJ music, dance show, tattoo contests and more performances; a bar and restaurant will also be available. For more information or reservations for bus transport to the event (for a nominal fee with minimum participants), call Luca Lorenzi at Navy People Transport, at cell +39 0471 56 50 56. Reserve by Feb. 17 to get special price for round-trip bus transportation and entrance fee into the convention. Bus will cost approximately €20 and entrance into the convention will be €10 with this package. For Convention details visit www.passionarttattoo.it/index.html and for transport visit www.navyonline.it .
Pescare Show
Fishing Fair
Feb. 23-25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Vicenza, Via dell'Oreficeria 16. Find the latest news on fishing and a renewed and expanded boating area. Admission fee: €17, €13 (children between 6 and 12 and senior citizens older than 60 or if you have a fishing license), €8 for groups of 20 persons. For information, visit www.pescareshow.it .
Schella Marzo
March Festival
Feb. 26-28, Asiago (Vicenza). During the last three nights in February, adults and children flock to the streets, dragging long rows of tin containers that they pound on with sticks to make enough loud noise to wake up the spring. On Feb. 28, 9 p.m. in Piazza II Risorgimento, "Rogo della vecia," is the burning of a huge puppet (which symbolizes winter) made of wood and papier-mâché in the form of an old woman. Vin brulè and hot chocolate for everyone.
CARNEVALE:
BASSANO DEL GRAPPA
Feb. 28 and March. 5, float parade from 3 p.m.; live music and entertainment. For more information: http://www.carnevaledelveneto.it/ .
CASALE DI SCODOSIA (Padova)
Feb. 17--March 5, Piazza Matteotti. Carnevale float parade; live music with entertainment with musicians and flag-throwers; food booths featuring local specialties and products; entertainment with street artists and carnival rides and live music. For more information, visit http://www.carnevaledelveneto.it/ .
CENTO (Ferrara)
Through March 10. This carnival has historical origins, as evidenced by a fresco painted by a native of Cento, Gian Francesco Barbieri (also known as Guercino), in 1615. In 1993, the event was twinned with the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Parades begin in early afternoon and go through the historic city center several times, accompanied by music and dancing. The event also includes launching of inflatable and plush objects during the parade; locals know it as the "gettito." During the last parade, the local mask "Tasi" is burned at the stake while a fireworks show lights up the sky. Before Tasi is burned, his will is read in local dialect, and his possessions are given to Cento's most famous citizens.
CITTADELLA (Padova)
Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Piazza Pierobon Carnevale for children, and March 5, 3 p.m., float parade; carnival rides; fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.procittadella.it .
MALO (Vicenza) 95th Edition
Feb. 24, March 3 & 5, 2:30 p.m., float parades; food booths with typical Carnevale sweets, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Free entrance.
SCHIO (Vicenza)
March 2 & 3. At 2 p.m., float parade departs from Piazzale Summano; music and dancing; 5:30 p.m. prizes for the best masks. Food booths feature typical Carnevale sweets, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Free entrance.
STRA (Venezia)
March 10, 10 a.m., Villa Pisani, Via Dogi Pisani 7, Stra (VE). River float parade and mask parade and entertainment in the magnificent park of Villa Pisani. Free entrance. For more information, visit http://www.solosagre.it/evento/carnevale/19 .
VENICE
Feb. 24-March 5, starting at noon, Piazza San Marco, with angel's flight ceremony, Venice Carnevale will continue with numerous events, street artists, parade of masks and displays filling the piazzas and main waterways. For details, visit http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en .
VERONA
March 5, 7.30 p.m., the Grand Masquerade Ball at Verona Grand Guardia Palace.
For more information, visit www.carnevaleverona.it .
Veneto Antique Markets
Abano Terme (Padova): Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Caduti (about 80 vendors)
Bassano del Grappa: Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Piazza Terraglio
Cittadella (Padova): Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., downtown squares and streets, about 21 miles north east of Vicenza (about 70 vendors)
Este (Padova): Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Maggiore and Via Matteotti, about 28 miles south of Vicenza (60 vendors)
Godega di Sant'Urbano (Treviso): Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Via Roma, about 78 miles northeast of Vicenza (234 vendors)
Montagnana (Padova): Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Piazza Maggiore 150, about 27 miles south of Vicenza (60 vendors)
Padova: Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Prato della Valle and Via Umberto I, about 24 miles southeast of Vicenza (180 vendors)
Soave (Verona): Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Antonio Marogna and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, about 23 miles west of Vicenza (110 vendors)
TUSCANY
Sagra delle Frittelle
Fried Dough Festival
Through March 17, Saturdays 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., San Donato in Collina, Rignano Sull'Arno (Florence). Food booths feature a great variety of frittelle (even gluten free), traditional deep-fried Carnevale pastries; the famous Vin Santo (sweet wine); and other local specialties.
Firenze Winter Park - Ice Skating Along the River
Through Feb. 25, Florence, Obihall Center, Lungarno Aldo Moro 7. The ice-skating rink is open from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays starting at 10:30 a.m.; closed Mondays and Wednesdays. Entrance fee €6; children €5. Equipment may be rented on site for €2. For more details, visit http://firenzewinterpark.it/ .
Firenze Food Art Italy
Through February 17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Centro Commerciale San Donato, Via di Novoli 10, Florence. Taste a variety of local specialties; workshops; street food. Free entry. For more information: www.foodartitaly.it .
CARNEVALE
AREZZO
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3, float parades start at 3 p.m.; live music; folk dances; circus workshops.
ASCIANO (Siena)
Feb. 17, beginning at 3 p.m., music and entertainment, magic shows and games. Free entrance.
BIENTINA (Pisa)
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3 & 5; beginning at 3 p.m., float parades accompanied by local band and folk group. Free entrance.
CALENZANO (Florence)
March 3; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; local products and craft exhibit and sale; games, costume party; street artists and entertainment for children. Free entrance.
FOIANO DELLA CHIANA (Arezzo)
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3 & 10, noon-7 p.m. Performed since 1539, this is one of the oldest carnivals in Italy. The four districts of the town compete for the best papier-mâché float cup. Float parades take place for five Sundays. There is also an area, "Carnevalandia" (carnival land), dedicated to children with bouncy house, carnival rides, puppets and parades. Entrance fee: €8; free for children under 12. For more details, visit http://www.carnevaledifoiano.it/.
FOLLONICA (Grosseto)
Feb. 17 & 24; March 3, from 2:30 p.m., float parades accompanied by the city musical band. For more information, visit www.carnevaledifollonica.it.
ORBETELLO (Grosseto) 50th Edition
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3, from 2:30 p.m. food booths and float parades. The last float parade will be March 9, 19:30. Free entrance.
ORENTANO -- CASTELFRANCO DI SOTTO (Pisa)
Feb. 17 & 24, March 3 & 5, 2:30 p.m. Each Sunday there will be float parades. The theme for this edition is "Adventure" and the parade starts with Captain Hook, Peter Pan and his vessel. There are carnival rides (Luna Park) in Piazza Roma, and entertainment for children; live music, dance shows and face painting. On March 3, best float award; and March 5, 7.30 p.m., a costume party and the "Testone" (Big Head) bonfire at 10 p.m. will conclude the Carnevale. Entrance fee is €3 for adults, €2 for soldiers and teenagers (12 to 17 years old), free for under 12. For more information: https://www.pisatoday.it/eventi/carnevale-pisa-2019.html/pag/2 .
PIETRASANTA (Lucca)
Feb. 17 & 24, 3 p.m. float parades accompanied by live music and entertainment; March 5, 3 p.m., children's carnival.
PIOMBINO (Livorno)
March 3 & 5, 3 p.m. float parade accompanied by live music, shows and entertainment for children.
PITIGLIANO (Grosseto)
Feb. 24, from 3:30 p.m., Carnevale costume party for children in Piazza della Fortezza; March 3, float parade starts at 2:30 p.m.; party in Piazza della Repubblica; March 5, costume party in Piazza della Repubblica at 9:30 p.m.; float parade starts at 2:30 p.m., followed by a costume party in Piazza della Repubblica. For detailed program, visit www.facebook.com/Carnevale-di-Pitigliano-1608581735957513.
PONTEDERA (Pisa)
Feb. 17 & 24; March 3 & 5; from 2:30 to 5 p.m., float parades, live music and food booths.
PRATO
Carnevale Di Paperino
Donald Duck's Carnevale
Feb. 17 & 24; March 3 & 5, from 3 p.m. More than 250 masked entertainers, live music and a cascade of confetti will create a magic Carnevale atmosphere and fun for everyone. For more information: www.carnevaledipaperino.it/carnevale-di-paperino-prato.htm .
SAN GIMIGNANO (Siena)
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3; 2:30 -- 7 p.m. Four Sundays of festivals with float parades, live music, dancing, confetti, entertainment and a lot of fun for children and adults. For more information: www.facebook.com/Arcinobilcontradadipiazzetta1 .
SANTA CROCE SULL'ARNO (Pisa)
Il Carnevale d'Autore
Author's Carnevale
Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3; from 3 p.m., the traditional Carnevale celebrations take place, since 1928, in Piazza Matteotti with float parades, live music and entertainment.
SESTO FIORENTINO (Florence)
Pinocchio e il Paese dei Balocchi
Pinocchio and the Village of Toys
Feb. 24 and March 3 & 5. At 2 p.m., float parades, entertainment, shows, mask contest, street artists in Piazza IV Novembre. This year's Carnevale theme is "Pinocchio," the famous children's tale of Carlo Lorenzini, since Sesto Fiorentino is one of the locations described by the author in his book. For more information: www.prolocosestofiorentino.it .
VIAREGGIO (Lucca)
Feb. 17 & 23; March 3 & 5, 5 p.m. This is considered among the most renowned carnival celebrations in Europe. It is famous for its seafront parade of floats and masks, usually made of papier-mâché, depicting caricatures of popular people, such as politicians, showmen and sportsmen. The first parade was held in 1873, when some wealthy middle-class men decided to organize a parade of floats adorned with flowers. A number of local citizens, as a sign of protest, decided to put on masks to show their refusal of high taxes they were forced to pay. Best float award and fireworks show conclude the March 5 parade. For more information: https://www.zingarate.com/italia/carnevale-date-sfilate-italia-europa.html .
VENERI - PESCIA (Pistoia)
I Nostri Mestieri
Our Trades
Through February 17; from 2:30 p.m.; float parades representing various activities and even one dedicated to the "Formula 1" race. Children may jump on "masked wagons" and be protagonists, jugglers, elves and street artists; live music, face-painting and clowns; food booths feature traditional Carnevale pastries. Children will be able to ride the Magic Train (like Thomas the Tank Engine) with multicolor lights. Free entrance. For more information, visit www.carnevaleveneri.altervista.org .
Tuscany Antique Markets:
Certaldo (Florence): Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Boccaccio and Via 2 Giugno
Lucca: Feb. 16-17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza S. Giovanni, Piazza San Giusto, Via San Giovanni, Corte Bertolini (about 230 vendors)
Marina di Grosseto (Grosseto): Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Via XXIV Maggio
Pontedera (Pisa): Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., main squares and streets downtown
Ponte a Egola (Pisa): Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Garibaldi and Via XXV Aprile
Quarrata (Pistoia): Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Risorgimento
CONCERTS
NEGRAMARO -- Feb. 20, Padova Kioene Arena and Feb. 21, Conegliano (Treviso) Zoppas Arena
TEARS FOR FEARS -- Feb. 24, Padova, Kioene Arena
EMMA -- Feb. 27 Montichiari (Brescia) Palageorge
RAMA -- March 16, Live 2019, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX and Mar.20, Brescia, Grand Theater Morato
MANESKIN -- March 22, The Life Tour Dance, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX
FEDEZ -- March 23, Montichiari (Brescia) Palageorge; April 13, Padova, Kioene Arena, April 14, Conegliano (Treviso) Zoppas Arena
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND -- March 30, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX
Tickets online at www.ticketone.it or www.geticket.it
Find more events for Tuscany at:
www.teamworld.it
www.visittuscany.com
www.firenzeturismo.it
www.turismo.pisa.it
www.tuscany-excellence.com
Editor's Note:
The information on local host nation events is provided through the auspices of the USAG Italy Public Affairs Office. All details provided are for informational purposes only and are a representation of typical events conducted in the local community. The PAO grants no element of exclusivity to any outside agency or business and any reference to commercial or retail activities implies no endorsement or recommendation by the U. S. Army or its agencies. Participation in any event or activity described herein is strictly voluntary and should be done so only after careful advisement and consideration of the safety and security environment at each specific location.
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