Out & About in Italy

By Margherita Frasson, USAG Italy Public Affairs OfficeFebruary 28, 2019

Out & About
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La Festa della Donna

Women's Day

Since 1921, March 8 has been designated as International Women's Day -- in Italy, La Festa della Donna. Since 1946, when women voted for the first time in Italy, it became a tradition that men give bunches of bright yellow mimosa flowers to the women in their lives. The flowers are a sign of respect, an expression of solidarity and support for oppressed women worldwide. March 8 was first proposed in 1909 by the American Socialist Party and later associated with the memory of the deadliest industrial disaster occurred in New York City, when a shirtwaist factory burned and 146 garment workers (123 women and 23 men) died.

VENETO

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 years old. For information and reservations: www.teatrocabalbi.com .

Music & Ballet Events at Vicenza Municipal Theater (Teatro Comunale)

All of the following events will take place in Vicenza, Viale Mazzini 39 (Tel: 0444-32 4442. Buy tickets online at biglietteria@tcvi.it :

• 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

• March 7, 8:45 p.m., St. Petersburg Yacobson Ballet Company performs "La Bella Addormentata," otherwise known as "Sleeping Beauty." Cost: €36 adults; €31 over 60, and €20 under 30

• March 8, 9 p.m., "Donna Nostra," Our Woman, a Mediterranean evocative travel show of music, ballet and lyric singing, directed by Monique Pepi. Music by Albeniz, Bizet, Piazzolla and Gardel directed by Enrico Balboni. Cost: €30 adults; €25 over 60, and €15 under 25

• March 9, 8:45 p.m., piano performance by Yefim Bronfman, an Israeli --American piano player, considered the best of his generation. Music by Schumann, Debussy and Shubert. Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30

• March 15, 8:45 p.m., modern ballet by MK Bermudas Company; music by Kaytlin Smith, Juan Atkins and Moritz Von Oswald. Cost: €15 adults; €10.60 over 65 and under 30

• March 17, 4 p.m., a masterpiece of the French Operetta "Orfeo all'Inferno," Orpheus to Hell, opera with Cantieri D'arte Orchestra by Henri Crémieux music by Jacques Offenbach. Cost: €27 adults; €24 over 65 and €15 under 30

Teatro Civico Astra -- Astra Theater of Schio

Schio (Vicenza), 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). To buy tickets online: www.vivaticket.it . For information: info@teatrocivicoschio.it or www.festivaldanzainrete.it .

FESTIVAL DANZA IN RETE OFF 2a Edizione

Ballet Festival Off Net 2nd Edition

Through April 18, several ballet performances, as listed below, with special cost of €30 for eleven shows between the cities of Vicenza and Schio. For information: www.festivaldanzainrete.it :

• March 2, 7 p.m., IKI by Daria Menichetti, a ballet from Japanese tradition, Spazio AB23, Contra` S. Ambrogio 23, Vicenza

• March 6, 6.30 p.m., From Alf to - Between Lam And Mem ballet show by Mounir Saeed Focus Young Mediterranean, Middle East and Asian Choreographers, at Odeo of Olympic Theater, Piazza Matteotti 11, Vicenza, Tel: 0444-32-4442

• March 8, 9 p.m., C&C Company in Beast Without Beauty at Teatro Civico di Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza) Tel: 0445-52-5577

• March 12, 6.30 p.m., Gennaro Lauro in Sarajevo at Palazzo Chiericati, Piazza Matteotti, Vicenza

• March 22, 9 p.m., Giulia Menti and Francesca Bedin in Sub, at Teatro Comunale, Viale Mazzini 39, Vicenza

• March 24, 9 p.m., Manolo Perazzi in Crossover, at Teatro Spazio Bixio, Via Mameli 1, Vicenza

• March 29, 9 p.m., Stefano Questorio in Album, at Teatro Spazio Bixio, Via Mameli 1, Vicenza

• April 5, 9 p.m., Aristide Rontini in Giovane Notturno & Alexis, (Alexis and the Young Nocturne) modern ballet, at Teatro Civico di Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza) Tel: 0445-52-5577

• April 9, 9 p.m., Francesca Foscarini in Animal, a ballet inspired by the Italian painter A. Ligabue, at Teatro Comunale, Viale Mazzini 39, Vicenza

• April 16, 9 p.m., Silvia Bertoncelli in Alaska/Chopin & Beethoven ballet, at Teatro Comunale, Viale Mazzini 39, Vicenza

• April 18, 9 p.m., Francesca Foscarini with "Dance Well Group" for Parkinson disease cure and research in: Oro. L'arte di Resistere (Gold. The Art of Resiting) that refers to the Bassano del Grappa, a Veneto Gold Medal town, that during the WWII resisted to the enemy. The performance will take place at Teatro Civico di Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza) Tel: 0445-52-5577

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 .

• March 12, 6 p.m., cello performance by Giovanni Maria Checchin, 12 capriccios by C.A. Piatti

• March 19, 6 p.m., piano performance by Fabio Sormani and contrabass by Gergely Járdányi. Music by J.S. Bach, Bartok and Battesini

Palazzo Chiericati Musiche per un Viaggio (Music for Travel)

Vicenza, Piazza Matteotti, Chiericati Palace.

March 16, 6 p.m., soprano, violoncello and accordion performance of "A Travel to Spain of painter Roberto Montanari" by A. Piazzolla, G. Cassadó. Performance will be followed by a toast with artists. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.

Passione Veneta

Veneto Food Passion

Foro Boario, Viale L. Da Vinci 52, Vicenza Est

March 2-3, 8.30 a.m.--7 p.m., display, taste and trade of milk products, cheese specialties, craft beers and 50 different type of wines. March 2, from 8 p.m. "It's 90Time" DJ music of the 1990s' best hits. Free entrance. For more information: www.passioneveneta.it .

Fiera del Modellismo - Verona, 15a Edizione

Model Expo -- 15th Edition

March 2-3, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Verona, Viale del Lavoro 8. This is the No. 1 expo in Italy of miniature trains, planes, trucks and cars. Historical models, kites and shows; hands-on workshops. Entrance fee: €15 adults, €13 for over 65 and children between 12 and 16; €5 children aged 6-11; free for under 6. For information: marinelli@veronafiere.it .

Ortogiardino- Pordenone Fair

Exhibit of Floriculture and Outdoor Furniture - Pordenone

March 2-10, Pordenone, Viale Treviso 1, about 90 miles northeast of Vicenza. Mondays-Fridays 2-7 p.m.; Saturdays- Sundays 9:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m. Admission fee: €8 adults; €6 for over 65 and 13-18 years old. Free for those under 13. Go by train (with Trenitalia) and receive €2 discount. For information: www.fierapordenone.it/eventi/orto-giardino-2019/ .

Alla Scoperta dei Sentieri del S. Gottardo di Zovencedo (Vicenza)

Saint Gottardo of Zovencedo (Vicenza) Paths Discovery

March 3, 7:45 a.m., Flavio Dalla Libera and Toni Dal Lago organize a nature walk to discover the Saint Gottardo paths with the local Alpini Group. Departure is at the soccer field of San Gottardo (GPS: 45�27'7.070'' N - 11�29'33.070'' E), 12 km west of downtown Vicenza,in the Berici Hills. The walk will take less than four hours including a 1/2 hour break for refreshments. Participation is free and open to everyone. For information, call 346-815-9897. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to March 10.

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.

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."

Sport Expo -- La fiera dello sport giovanile

Youth Sports Fair at Verona

March 8-10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Verona, Viale del Lavoro 8, about 38 miles west of Vicenza. The fair is to promote sport activities among children and youth with many opportunities to grow both physically and socially. Information and demonstration of volleyball, football, basketball, rugby, tennis, archery, canoeing/kayak, modern ballet and more. Great fun for children and their parents and numerous special sport guests. Free entrance. For information: www.facebook.com/verona.net .

Sagra del Mandorlo- Terza Edizione

Almond Festival-Third Edition

March 10, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Arquà Petrarca (Padova). Almonds and local product sale. Guided 3 km nature walking tour starts at 2 p.m.; music and dance shows at 4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to March 17.

Olio Capitale 13a Edizione - Trieste

Top quality extra-virgin oil Expo 13th Edition

March 15-18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Expo takes place in the Trieste Stazione Marittima, in the city centre along the seashore, about 120 miles east of Vicenza. During the "Olio Capitale Expo," attendees can experience some of the highest quality extra-virgin olive oil production. Stop by the oil bar to taste extra virgin olive oil with regional experts. Tasting sessions cater to English speakers; cooking tips. Entrance fee is €7. Get a reduced ticket (€5) by preregistering at: http://www.oliocapitale.it/en/visit/reduced-entry-ticket/ .

For information: http://www.oliocapitale.it/en/ .

Irlanda in Festa -- Mestre (Venice)

Irish Fest

March 14-17, 7 p.m.-midnight. For the first time at Forte Marghera (Venice) the biggest Irish event in Italy. Typical Irish cuisine and beer; live Celtic music, Irish dancing and concerts. Free entrance to all concerts and events.

Irlanda in Festa al GEOX di Padova

Irish Fest - Padova

March 16-17, Padova, Geox Theatre, Via Tassinari 1, (Tel: 049-864-4888) about 24 miles southeast of Vicenza. Typical Irish cuisine and beer; live Celtic music, Irish dance, kick boxing and carnival rides. Free parking and free entrance to all concerts and events. For a detailed program, visit http://www.zedlive.com/irlandainfesta/ .

Fiera Militare Triveneto (Treviso)

Militaria Fair

March 16-17, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Santa Lucia di Piave (Treviso), Via Mareno 2. Exhibit and sale of vintage uniforms, medals and decorations; technical tools modeling and cutlery, military documents and books. Entrance fee: €7 Adults; €5 for children ages 10-14 and if you buy your ticket online: https://www.venetoingrigioverde.com/info/biglietto-ridotto.html . Free for children under 10.

No Driving Sunday --Vicenza

March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., has been declared a "no driving day" in Vicenza in all ZTL (no traffic zone) areas. The ordinance applies to all vehicles including SETAF-registered vehicles. Vicenza city residents cannot drive their vehicles from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the historic city center and adjacent neighborhoods. Exceptions are made to local police cars, ambulances and emergency health situations. Those who need to drive out of the city limits must move cars before 9 a.m. Free parking at the stadium and Via Cricoli parking lots, and free buses from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

StraVicenza - Marathon

March 17, 10 a.m., in conjunction with "No Driving Sunday," the annual "StraVicenza" 2 km, 5 km and 10 km runs will take place. Start and finish will be on Viale Roma, across from the city train station. Registration fee is €4 adults and €2 for under 14; from 7:30-9:45 a.m. before start. Registration fee includes bib number, snack and medical coverage. Bag storage service is available for €1.

Verona WWII Museum

Forte Lugagnano, Via Lugagnano 87, Verona

The museum is open on the following dates:

March 19, April 14, May 12, June 16, Sep. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. "VIVERE LA STORIA" is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the military history of Northern Italy during the World War II. The newly opened museum details the American, British, Italian and German experiences in WWII and displays original military equipment and historical memorabilia that will transport visitors back to that time. Entrance is free. For information: www.viverelastoria.it .

Abilmente, Mostra-atelier della manualità

Creative Bricolage and Manual Creativity Fair

March 21-24, Vicenza, Via dell'Oreficeria 16 (Tel: 0444-96-9000); 9:30 a.m.--7 p.m. Embroidery and patchwork exhibits and workshops; sewing and T-shirt decoration classes; creative techniques workshops for children. Admission fee: €12 adults; €10 online ticket, over 65, and youth aged 13-18; €9 for Famila & Emisfero card members. Free for under 13. €15 for two days entrance.

114� Festa di San Giuseppe e Festa della Quaglia allo Spiedo

114th St. Joseph Festival and Spit-Roasted Quail Fair

March 22 -- April 7, weekends at Villaganzerla of Castegnero, about 9 miles south of Vicenza. Carnival rides, fair trade market, craft show, painting and photo exhibits; food booths featuring the traditional spit-roasted quail and other local specialties open at 7 p.m. Charity raffle, live music and dancing starts at 9 p.m. For program details, visit www.festadisangiuseppe.it .

Bollicine in Villa, Terza Edizione

Bubbles in Villa - Wine Fair, Third Edition

March 23-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Santa Maria di Sala (Venezia), Villa Farsetti. Third edition of wine fair with the best production from Italy, France and Europe. The €30 entrance fee includes a professional tasting glass, a wine glass lanyard, pen and catalog of wine producers. The wine tasting is reserved for adults; admission for children accompanied by parents is €1. For information: https://www.bollicineinvilla.it/.

Fiera Antiquaria di Padova

Antique Fair of Padova

March 23-31, weekdays, 3-8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;

Padova, Via Tommaseo 59. Antique furniture and rugs; glass art products; jewelry, museum collections, paintings and sculptures. Admission fee: €8 adults; €4 for over 65 and children age 13-17; free for under 13.

JAZZ@CAFÈ PEDROCCHI -- PADOVA

The prestigious and historic café bar, founded in 1772 downtown near Palazzo Bo near the university, Via VIII Febbraio 15, Padova, offers two jazz events in cooperation with Miles Cultural Association. Both events are free with the possibility of reserving a table just for the show and also if you desire to dine. Reservations are recommended; call Café Pedrocchi at 049-878-1231 or email: prenotazioni@caffepedrocchi.it (English spoken). Coming from Vicenza, suggested parking is in Piazza Insurrezione, near Corso Milano, cost €3 for the evening (after 8 p.m.):

• March 27, 9:30 p.m., "The Sound in Us" performed by Rosario Bonaccorso Trio, contrabass, Olivia Trummer (piano and voice), and Fulvio Sigurtà, trumpet and flugelhorn

• April 24, 9:30 p.m., jazz show with the trio of Linda May Han Oh, contrabass; Fabian Almazan, piano; and Rudy Royston on drums

Teatro Astra -- Astra Theater of Vicenza

Vicenza, Contra` Barche 55 (Tel: 0444-32-3725).

March 30, 9 p.m., Blood Brothers - Springsteen Show @ Vicenza. Cost: €22. For information and to buy tickets at Astra Theater, call 0444-32-3725 (Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5:45 p.m.); or online: www.vivaticket.it .

All Roads Lead to Rome -- Marthon

April 7, 8.30 a.m., 25th Edition of the Rome Marathon. Departure and arrival at the Colosseum with Gold classification and international IAAF Silver Label Road Race. For information and registration: info@maratonainternazionalediroma.it

http://iscrizioni.maratonainternazionalediroma.it/?page=login .

CARNEVALE:

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA

Through March 5, float parade starts at 3 p.m.; live music and entertainment. For more information: http://www.carnevaledelveneto.it/ .

CASALE DI SCODOSIA (Padova)

Through 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)

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

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 .

VICENZA

March 2, 3 p.m., parade with band, majorettes and masks departing from Church Carmini square through Corso Fogazzaro, to reach Piazza dei Signori, downtown Vicenza, where DJ Andryx will entertain the audience with music until the duo "Los Locos" (Roby Borillo & Paolo Franchetto) will take the lead on the stage and start singing and dancing American-Latin music. Free entrance.

VENICE

Through 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): March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Caduti 1 (about 80 vendors)

Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza): March 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Terraglio

Cittadella (Padova): March 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., downtown squares and streets (about 100 vendors)

Este (Padova): March 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Maggiore and Via Matteotti (about 60 vendors)

Godega di Sant'Urbano (Treviso): March 17, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Via Roma (about 250 vendors)

Lonigo(Vicenza): March 10, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Via Garibaldi, Piazza XX Settembre, Via Ognibene (about 100 vendors)

Malo (Vicenza): March 17, 9 .m.-7 p.m., Piazzale Zanini and surrounding roads

Marostica (Vicenza): March 3, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. April-September, Piazza Castello (135 vendors)

Montagnana (Padova): March 17, 8 a.m. to sunset, Piazza Maggiore 150 (about 60 vendors)

Montegrotto (Padova): March 10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza 1� Maggio (about 70 vendors)

Noventa Vicentina (Vicenza): March 3, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., in Piazza IV Novembre (120 vendors)

Padova: March 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Prato della Valle and Via Umberto I (about 180 vendors)

Portobuffolè (Treviso): March 10, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Beccaro (about 250 vendors)

Soave (Verona): March 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Antonio Marogna and Corso Vittorio Emanuele (about 110 vendors)

Thiene (Vicenza): March 3, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., downtown streets and squares (70 vendors)

Verona: March 17, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Piazza S. Zeno (about 100 vendors)

Vicenza: March 10, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza dei Signori, Piazza Duomo, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Palladio, Piazza Biade and Piazza Castello (220 vendors)

Villafranca (Verona): March 10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Castello (90 vendors)

Vittorio Veneto (Treviso): March 3, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., in Serravalle, Piazza Minucci and surrounding streets (75 vendors)

Tuscany

ART EXHIBIT -- PISA

Through May 26, 9:30 a.m.-7.30 p.m., at Arsenali Repubblicani (Republican Arsenals) of Pisa, video art show that runs from Fiamming art to the magic atmospheres of Bosch, Brueghel and Arcimbold. Fifty-four projectors lead visitors to a parallel world for a full immersion experience with masterpieces which are, in most cases, not availalble to the public. Tickets: €13.

A SIENA I MAESTRI NORDICI

NORDIC PAINTERS in SIENA

Through May 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Santa Maria Della Scala, Siena. Nordic painters such as Dürer, Atdorfer and Vredeman de Vries and their masterpieces are exposed for approaching the Fiamming and Nordic pictures of great value. Entrance: €9.

Mostra Personale su Kiki Smith - Firenze

Kiki Smith's Personal Exhibition - Florence

Through June 2, 8:15 a.m.-6.50 p.m., Palazzo Pitti, Florence. A personal exhibition titled "What I Saw on the Road" by Kiki Smith, a contemporary artist whose works are displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York. Ticket: €16. Closed Mondays.

Terre di Toscana- Eccellenza nel bicchiere

Tuscany Lands -- Wine Fair

March 3-4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Lido Camaiore (Lucca), UNA Hotel, Viale Sergio Bernardini. Local and international wine producers present their wines to the general public. The €30 entrance fee includes unlimited wine tasting; free shuttle bus from Viareggio train station to the hotel and back, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. €20 for Slow Food and Touring membership card holders.

Sagra delle Frittelle -- San Donato in Collina

Fried Dough Festival

Through March 17, Saturdays 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. at San Donato in Collina of Rignano Sull'Arno, 15 km southeast of Florence. Food booths feature "frittelle" (even gluten free), traditional deep-fried Carnevale pastries; the famous Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine unique of Tuscany region; and other local specialties.

Sagra delle Frittelle di Montefioralle - 50a Edizione!

Montefioralle Frittelle Fair - 50th Edition!

March 16-17, Montefioralle of Greve in Chianti, Florence. Food booths open at 2 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. Sunday. Local specialty rice frittelle are cooked in a huge frying pan and served with local Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine unique of Tuscany region. Free entrance and free shuttle service from Piazza Trento to the Montefioralle Castle; show and live music.

Sagra del Tartufo Marzuolo

Marzuolo Truffle Fair

March 15-31, 8 p.m., weekends, by the Centro Polivalente Comunale, Viale Matteotti, Certaldo (Florence). Food booths featuring many traditional specialties prepared with local truffles, wine and desserts. On Sundays, food stands open at noon. For information and reservation, call 0571-65-2440 or 338-741-5160.

Sagra del Cinghiale e del Tortello - Scarperia

Wild Boar and Tortello Fair

March 2-3 & 9-10, Scarperia (Florence). Food booths featuring a wide variety of local specialties open at 7 p.m. Saturdays, and noon and 7 p.m. Sundays.

Mostra Mercato del Tartufo

Truffle Exhibit and Sale

March 9-10 & 16-17, Cigoli (San Miniato, Pisa), Via Lodovico Cardi. Open Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at noon and again at 7 p.m. Exhibit and sale of truffles, other local products and wine. Free tasting of local truffle specialties; demonstration of truffle excavation, and largest truffle competition; magic show and live music.

Sagra del Neccio 51� Edizione (Pistoia)

Neccio Fair 51th Edition

March 10, 2-7.30 p.m., Piazza Garibaldi, San Quirico di Valleriana (Pistoia), Piazza Garibaldi. Necci are thin Tuscan chestnut pancakes made with chestnut flour and water and filled with ricotta cheese or Nutella. In the morning, guided visits to the local medieval town of San Quirico. Free entrance. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to the following Sunday.

Palio dei Somari -Torrita di Siena

Donkey Race -Torrita di Siena

March 16, from 3 p.m. medieval market, food booths and street artists; 6:30 p.m. in Piazza Matteotti historical reenactment; 9 p.m., medieval live music and shows.

March 17, 10 a.m. Somarando free donkey rides for children; 10:30 a.m., medieval market; 4 p.m. entertainment with drummers and flag throwers; 7 p.m. food booths; followed by medieval live music and shows.

March 23, 10 p.m. flag throwers contest, and March 24, 4 p.m. Palio, donkey race. Free entrance. For information and program details: www.paliodeisomari.it .

Torciata di San Giuseppe

Saint Joseph Torchlight Festival

March 19, 6 p.m., Pitigliano (Grosseto), Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Garibaldi. This annual event celebrates the arrival of spring. Daily guided visits to Etruscan caves; food booths feature local specialties, vin brulè and typical Saint Joseph Day pastries. At 9 p.m., the torciatori (torchbearers) place a puppet made of straw representing the "Harsh Winter" (called "invernacciu") on top of a huge bonfire and burn it at 10 p.m. Its ashes are collected and kept in the houses as a sign of good omen; flag throwers and fire shows. For information: www.pitigliano.org/eventi/torciata-di-san-giuseppe/

CARNEVALE

AREZZO

March 3, float parades start at 3 p.m.; live music; folk dances; circus workshops.

BIENTINA (Pisa)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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 .

Tuscany Antique Markets:

Arezzo: March 2-3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Grande and Corso Italia

Bolgheri (Livorno): March 9-10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., downtown squares and streets

Carmignano (Prato): March 3, 9:30 a.m.-7p.m., Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Matteotti

Cascina (Pisa): March 3, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Corso Matteotti

Certaldo (Florence): March 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Boccaccio and Via Cavour

Firenze (Tuscany): March 10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Santo Spirito and Borgo Tegolaio (about 100 vendors)

Forte dei Marmi (Lucca): March 9-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Dante

Livorno: March 3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Cavour

Lucca: March 16-17, 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): March 16-17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Via XXIV Maggio and Via Cadorna

Montepulciano (Siena): March 9-10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Grande

Orbetello (Grosseto): March 2-3, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Corso Italia, Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi, Piazza del Plebiscito

Pietrasanta (Lucca): March 3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Duomo

Piombino (Livorno): March 9-10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Cappelletti, Corso Italia, via Fucini, Piazza Gramsci

Pisa: March 9-10, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Piazza dei Cavalieri

Pistoia: March 9-10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Via Cavour and Via Bozzi.

San Miniato (Pisa): March 3, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Piazza del Popolo

Scarperia (Firenze): March 3, 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., downtown

Siena: March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza del Mercato

Pontedera (Pisa): March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., main squares and streets downtown

Ponte a Egola (Pisa): March 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Garibaldi and Via XXV Aprile

Quarrata (Pistoia): March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Risorgimento

Vicopisano (Pisa): March 10, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Domenico Cavalca

Find more events for Tuscany at:

www.teamworld.it

www.visittuscany.com

www.firenzeturismo.it

www.turismo.pisa.it

www.tuscany-excellence.com

CONCERTS:

BIG ONE - THE EUROPEAN Pink Floyd Show, March 2, Conegliano (treviso) Teatro Accademia

EROS RAMAZZOTTI -- March 5 & 6; 8 & 9; Assago (Milano) Mediolanum Forum; March 12 & 13; 15 & 16; Rome, Pala Lottomatica

ALBOROSIE - March 13, Firenze Auditorium Flog, Via Mercati 23

BLOOD BROTHERS BAND - The Bruce Springsteen Tribute, March 15, Torino, Teatro Nuovo

RAMA -- March 16, Live 2019, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX and March 20, Brescia, Grand Theater Morato

OMAGGIO A BATTISTI & MOGOL -- CANTO LIBERO, March 16, Livorno, Teatro Goldoni

PAUL KALKBRENNER - March 16, Milano Fabrique, Via G. Fantoli 9, MIlano

MANESKIN -- March 22, The Life Tour Dance, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX

FEDEZ -- March 15, Firenze, N. Mandela Forum; 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

PATTY BRAVO -- March 30, Bassano Del G. (Vicenza), Palabassano

MANUEL AGNELLI -- April 2, Firenze, Tuscany Hall (former ObiHall)

EX-OTAGO -- April 4, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX

ANTONELLO VENDITTI , April 6, Firenze, Tuscany Hall (former ObiHall)

THOR -- The Legend, April 6, Brescia, Grand Teatro Morato

ELISA -- APRIL 12 & 13, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX; April 16, Brescia, Grand Teatro Morato

ALESSANDRA AMOROSO -- April 14, Firenze, N. Mandela Forum

ANDREA BOCELLI -- May 20, Naples, Teatro San Carlo

Tickets online at www.ticketone.it or www.geticket.it

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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