VICENZA, Italy (March 15, 2019)
La Festa del Papà -- Father's Day
March is a time of festivity in Italy. Besides Women's Day and the beginning of spring March 21, Italians celebrate Father's Day on St. Joseph's Day, March 19. St. Joseph represents the archetype of father: protector of orphans and unlucky children. Traditionally, many children wrote letters to their fathers to describe their affection to him and emphasize their good intentions of being good and obedient. Then they hid it under his plate at dinner. Dads would discover the letters and read them aloud. Typical sweets of this time are Bignè or Zeppole di San Giuseppe, cream puffs.
Saint Patrick's Day, called in Italian "il giorno di San Patrizio," March 17, started as an Irish festivity to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, but it is widely celebrated around the world and Italy is no exception. There are many festivals dedicated to the Saint (see below the Irish Fest in Mestre and at GEOX). According to legend, St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans becoming, in addition to the color green, one symbol of the feast.
VENETO
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 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
• March 18, 8.45 p.m., chamber music of Mozart and Beethoven performed by "I fiati di Santa Cecilia." Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30
• March 23, 8.45 p.m., modern ballet with Ballet Company of Hervé Koubi in "Le Nuits Barbares" with music by Mozart and Wagner. Cost: €36 adults; €31 over 65 and €20 under 30
• March 26, 8.45 p.m., Hèsperos Piano Trio. Music by Beethoven. Cost: €22 adults; €16 over 65, and €12 under 30
• March 30, 8.45 p.m., "Pulcinella" modern ballet with Nuovo Balletto di Toscana, with music by Stravinsky and G.B. Pergolesi. Cost: €15 adults; €10.60 over 65 and under 30
• March 31, 6 p.m., circus by "The Black Blues Brothers." Five acrobats will entertain with their ability and skill. Cost: €10 adults; €7 over 65 and under 30
FESTIVAL DANZA IN RETE OFF 2a Edizione
Ballet Festival Off Net 2nd Edition
Through April 18, several ballet performances, as listed below, between the cities of Vicenza and Schio. Ticket cost €5 or €30 for 11 shows. For information, visit www.festivaldanzainrete.it .
• 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 of 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 Antonio 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's 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 World War II, resisted the enemy. The performance will take place at Teatro Civico di Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza) Tel: 0445-52-5577
DANZA URBANA
URBAN DANCE
March 30, 5 p.m., Piazzetta Garibaldi, Schio. The Glitch Project a duo performance by Francesco Capuano and Nicola Picardi, a "bizarre" ballet to shake off stress. Free entrance.
April 13, 6 p.m., Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza. Equal to Men, the Amazon myth, performed by Tonia Laterza with choreography by Roberta Ferrara. Free entrance.
DANCE WELL Ricerca & Movimento per il Parkinson
DANCE WELL Parkinson's disease Movement & Research
Through April 20, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. at the Teatro Civico di Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza). Tel: 0445-52-5577. Free contemporary dance classes open to all, regardless of age, no preregistration required. Each class lasts one hour.
Conservatorio A. Pedrollo
Pedrollo Conservatory (school of music)
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 19, 6 p.m., piano performance by Fabio Sormani and contrabass by Gergely Járdányi. Music by J.S. Bach, Bartok and Battesini
• March 26, 6 p.m., East & West, performance by Luca Santaniello and Davide Vendramin. Music by Stravinsky
• April 2, 6 p.m., violin & cello concert
Palazzo Chiericati Musiche per un Viaggio (Music for Travel)
Vicenza, Piazza Matteotti, Chiericati Palace:
• March 16, 6 p.m., soprano, cello and accordion performance of "A Travel to Spain of painter Roberto Montanari." Performance will be followed by a toast with artists. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
• April 13, 6 p.m., trumpet and piano for a "Travel Among Consonants", music by Brandt, Bozza and Debussy performed by Irene Frigo and Alberto Frugoni. Performance will be followed by a toast with artists. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
"Da Kandinsky a Botero. Tutti in un filo" - Venezia
"From Kandinsky to Botero. All in one thread," Venice
Through Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-19 p.m. at Palazzo Zaguri, Calle Zaguri in Campo San Maurizio (Saint Maurice's square), Venice. An incredible collection of 100 tapestries reproducing the artists' masterpieces. Ticket cost €16; audio guides and headsets included.
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 the theater entrance. Free tickets for U.S. military and under 18; must show ID card. For more details, visit www.teatrolimpicovicenza.it/ and click on "POP visits."
"Bentornata Primavera" -- Riaprono le risorgive del Bacchiglione
"Welcome Back Spring" -- Bacchiglione River springs reopen
Through Sep. 29, the Dueville Natural Park (25 hectares) reopens to children, families and birdwatching, Sundays and Italian holidays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Entrance is from Via Bissolati, Dueville (Vicenza) or from Via Bosco, Villaverla (Vicenza). Cost €2 adults; €5 families; free for older than 65 and younger than 10. Guided tours may be organized to visit the park and some areas that are usually closed to public. The Bacchiglione River springs are part of one of the largest aquifers in Europe.
Irlanda in Festa -- Mestre (Venice)
Irish Fest
Through March 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, 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 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; €5 for children ages 10-14 and if you buy your ticket online at www.venetoingrigioverde.com/info/biglietto-ridotto.html. Free for children under 10.
Olio Capitale 13a Edizione - Trieste
Top Quality Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Expo 13th Edition
Through March 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Expo takes place at 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: www.oliocapitale.it/en/visit/reduced-entry-ticket/ . For information: www.oliocapitale.it/en/ .
GIORNATA VERDE -- Vicenza
GREEN DAY - No Driving Sunday -- Vicenza
March 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is a "no driving day" downtown Vicenza, and is extended until 7 p.m. in the area of Borgo Scroffa to allow the event "Spring in Borgo Scroffa" to take place. The ordinance applies to all vehicles including SETAF-registered vehicles. Vicenza city residents cannot drive their vehicles from 10 a.m. to 5 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 10 a.m.
Free parking at the stadium and Via Cricoli parking lots, and free buses from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
19a StrAVicenza -- Vicenza Marathon 19th Edition
March 17, 10 a.m., the annual noncompetitive 2 km, 5 km or 10 km run "StraVicenza" starts at Viale Roma, across from the Vicenza train station. The two shortest runs will finish at Giardini Salvi. Registration is at the departure point from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. Fee is €4 adults and €2 for under 14. Registration fee includes bib number, snack and medical coverage. Bag storage service is available for €1. The event will take place regardless of weather conditions. For pre-registration, click on www.enternow.it; for information, visit www.stravicenza.it
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. From 9:30 a.m. to 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 ages 13-18; €9 for Famila & Emisfero card members. Free for under 13. €15 for two-day entrance.
114a 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
533a Fiera di Lonigo
533rd Trade Fair
March 22-25, Lonigo, about 18 miles southwest of Vicenza. March 22, 4 p.m.-midnight; March 23-25, 8.30 a.m.-midnight; exhibit and sale of Vicentine products and wine; flower and plant exhibit and market; local craft displays, agricultural equipment, garden and leisure exhibit and sale; Bavarian products and beer; carnival rides.
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 (Venice), Villa Farsetti. Third edition of this 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. Wine tasting is reserved for adults; admission for children accompanied by parents is €1. For information: www.bollicineinvilla.it/
Mondo Motori Show Vicenza
Motor Show
March 30-31, 9 a.m.--8 p.m. Vicenza Fiere, Via dell'Oreficeria 16. More than 200 exhibitors of 1,000 different brands of cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Car racing and stuntmen will perform demonstrations. Entrance fee: €14, reduced €10; free for under 10. For information visit www.mondomotorishow.it
GIARDINITY
Flower Festival
March 23-April 25, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Vescovana (Padova), Villa Pisani Bolognesi Scalabrin, Via Roma 25. More than 70,000 Dutch tulips; flower and craft exhibit and sale; live music; workshops; cooking courses with flowers and herbs; flower arrangement courses. Entrance fee: €8; €6 for children age 6-10 and senior citizens over 65; free for children younger than 6. For information: www.giardinity.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 at Café 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 for the show only, 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 for parking is €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 Civico -- Schio (Vicenza)
Schio Theater
March, 29, 9 p.m., the soprano Margriet Buchberger's performance in "La Dominante Baroque Consort Viva Vivaldi" at Teatro Civico of Schio, Via Maraschin 19, Schio (Vicenza) Tel: 0445-52-5577, info@teatrocivicoschio.it www.vivaticket.it
Teatro Astra -- Astra Theater of Vicenza
Vicenza, Contrà 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
Processo alla Vecia Fila -- 42a Edizione
Procession of the Old Lady -- 42nd Edition
April 6, 6 p.m., Monte di Malo, Schio. Traditional parade downtown of the "Vecia Fila," the "old lady" representing the political misdemeanors of the past year. Shows and live music; fire-eaters and flag-throwers; food booths and lottery, will entertain until the procession of the Vecia Fila and her burning will conclude the event.
Primavera in Castello - Roncade (Treviso)
Spring at the Castle
April 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at Roncade Castle, Via Roma 141, Treviso. More than 80 vendors from all over Italy are divided into five thematic areas: Learning, Taste, Arts & Crafts, Gardening, and Game & Leisure with workshops for children and adults. Food booths with wine tasting are also available. Entrance fee: April 6, €5; April 7, €7.50, which includes a bottle of wine; €0.50 for under 18 and free for under 6.
All Roads Lead to Rome -- Marathon
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
41a Su e Zo Per i Ponti di Venezia
41st Up and Down over the Bridges
April 7, Venice, 12 km non-competitive walk which crosses 45 bridges, with departure at 10:30 a.m. in Piazza San Marco. This spring event involves thousands of people in a walk of solidarity around Venice alleys. At 9 a.m., a Holy Mass in San Marco Basilica will precede the march. At 12:30 p.m., folk group parade in Piazza San Marco with awards ceremony for largest and best folk groups; 1 p.m., parade and awards. There are four official refreshment points. The event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Registration fee: €6.50, register by April 1 at http://www.suezo.it/en/ or €8 (sold at ticket booths on the day of the event in Saint Mark's Square, the railway station and Tronchetto parking lot).
Noale in Fiore 40a Edizione
Noale with Flowers 40th Edition
April 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Noale (Venice), Piazza Castello, Piazza XX Settembre. Hundreds of businesses from all over Italy display their flowers, plants, trees, patio furniture and garden tools. Street artists, food booths and live music. Guided tours to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Oasis Park. For information: www.proloconoale.it or
www.facebook.com/Pro-Loco-Noale-121289454602635
La Corte Fiorita- 8a Edizione
Flower and Plant Festival -- 8th Edition
April 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., downtown Badia Polesine (Rovigo). Flower and plant exhibit and sale; garden and patio furniture; local crafts and products; street artists; entertainment for children and face-painting.
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
Cerea (Verona): March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Via Farfusola 6 (about 150 vendors)
Cittadella (Padova): March 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., downtown squares and streets (about 100 vendors)
Dolo (Venice): March 24, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Cantiere (about 80 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)
Malo (Vicenza): March 17, 9 .m.-7 p.m., Piazzale Zanini and surrounding roads
Marostica (Vicenza): April 7, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Piazza Castello (135 vendors)
Montagnana (Padova): March 17, 8 a.m. to sunset, Piazza Maggiore 150 (about 60 vendors)
Noventa Vicentina (Vicenza): April 7, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza IV Novembre (120 vendors)
Padova: March 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Prato della Valle and Via Umberto I (about 180 vendors)
Piazzola sul Brenta (Padova): March 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Via Camerini (about 700 vendors)
Soave (Verona): March 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Antonio Marogna and Corso Vittorio Emanuele (about 110 vendors)
Spresiano (Treviso): March 24, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Luciano Rigo (about 100 vendors)
Treviso: March 24, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Borgo Cavour (about 80 vendors)
Valeggio sul Mincio (Verona): March 24, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Piazza Carlo Alberto and downtown streets (about 120 vendors)
Verona: March 17, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Piazza S. Zeno (about 100 vendors)
Vittorio Veneto (Treviso): April 7, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Serravalle, Piazza Minucci and surrounding streets (75 vendors)
TUSCANY
GLI ANNI '50 - Immagini di un decennio a Pisa
1950's in Pisa
Through March 31, Palazzo Blu, Lungarno Gambacorti 9, Pisa. An amazing journey into the past of Pisa to see the "way we were." A gallery of images of Pisa during the 1950's from the photographic archive of Luciano Frassi. Entrance €3, reduced €2. For information: www.palazzoblu.it
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 available 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' masterpieces, such as those of Dürer, Atdorfer and Vredeman de Vries, are on display for those who are interested in approaching Flemish artistic forms of expression. Entrance: €9.
PASSAGGI ARTE CONTEMPORANEA -- Pisa
Contemporary Art - Pisa
Through May 9, 6 p.m. Pisa, Via Garofani 14. Exhibit of photos and sculptures by Nicoló Cecchella, Darren Harvey-Regan and Marco Maria Zanin. Entrance free.
Mostra Personale su Kiki Smith - Firenze
Kiki Smith's Personal Exhibition - Florence
Through June 2, 8:15 a.m.-6:50 p.m., Pitti Palace, 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.
Sagra delle Frittelle -- San Donato in Collina
Fried Dough Festival
Through March 17, Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 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 reservations, call 0571-65-2440 or 338-741-5160.
Mostra Mercato del Tartufo
Truffle Exhibit and Sale
Through March 17, Cigoli (San Miniato, Pisa), Via Lodovico Cardi. Open Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday 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.
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., 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-thrower 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/ .
Festa del Cioccolato - Choco Moments
Chocolate Festival - Lucca
March 22-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Lucca, Piazza San Frediano. A variety of chocolates from the best Italian chocolatiers; chocolate shows; workshops for children; cooking shows and demonstrations. Free entrance.
Capodanno Pisano
Pisa's New Year's Day
March 24-25; Pisa celebrates the New Year twice, on Jan. 1 and also March 25. The Pisans have not forgotten their traditions and, each year, they mark the beginning of the New Year, which coincides with the Annunciation, nine months before Christmas. The beginning of the "Pisan Year" is marked by a sort of solar clock, a physical phenomenon, as simple as, it is spectacular and intriguing: at midday sharp a ray of sunlight penetrates the cathedral through a round nave window, landing on a marble egg on a shelf surmounting a column next to the pulpit of Giovanni Pisano, on the opposite side. The grand opening ceremony takes place March 24, 4 p.m. At 9 p.m., live music and medieval dancing, and at 11 p.m. fireworks. March 25, 9 a.m., historical procession; at noon in Piazza dei Cavalieri, New Year's ceremony; 4 p.m. historical parades; 6:30 p.m. regatta; 8 p.m. concert in Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Volterragusto
Flavors in Volterra
March 30 & 31, 3-8 p.m. & 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Volterra, Piazza dei Priori. Exhibit and sale of local gastronomical products including the famous local white truffles, wine, cheese and chocolate. Food booths; Tuscan cigar sampling accompanied by wine, beer and chocolate; wine tasting. Free event.
La Festa del Cioccolato - Montepulciano (Siena)
Chocolate Festival
April 6-7, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Montepulciano (Siena), Piazza Grande. A great variety of chocolates from the best Italian chocolatiers; chocolate shows; folkloristic entertainment. Free entrance.
Mostra Dell'Artigianato della Valtiberina
Handcraft Market at Valtiberina
April 21-May 1, 10 a.m. 7 p.m., downtown Anghiari (Arezzo). The 44th exhibit edition of peculiar, artistic handmade objects displayed through the narrow streets of a suggestive medieval village. Free entrance.
Lo scoppio del carro
Explosion of the Cart
April 21, Easter Day, 10 a.m., Florence, Piazza del Duomo. Since 1622, Florence has celebrated Easter Sunday with the traditional "Explosion of the Cart" ceremony. It is a wagon built in 1622 that stands three stories high, pulled through the downtown streets by a pair of oxen decorated in garland. According to local legend, a young Florentine named Pazzino took part in the first Crusade in the Holy Land in 1099. When he returned to Florence, he brought back three flints from the Holy Sepulcher, still preserved in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Nowadays, the ceremony starts around 10 a.m., when a priest rubs Pazzino's three flints together until they spark and light the Easter candle; this, in turn, is used to light some coals which are placed in a container on the cart. During the procession, the cart is accompanied by drummers, flag throwers and figures dressed in historical costumes. Then, around 11 a.m., the archbishop uses the fire to light a dove-shaped rocket (called colombina) and this flies down a wire to the outside of the church and collides with the cart in the square, setting off a spectacular firework display. Free event. For more information: www.visittuscany.com/en/topevents/scoppio-del-carro-in-florence/
Sagra del Cedro e Palio delle Botti
Cedar Festival and Barrel Competition
April 22, Easter Monday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Bibbona (Livorno). Local product and craft exhibit and sale; in the afternoon, Bingo and other traditional games are played in the main square. Live music and sampling of local products and wines; in the afternoon, historical parade and the town's districts compete in the traditional barrel race.
TUSCANY ANTIQUE MARKETS
Arezzo: March 30-31, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Grande (about 1,000 vendors)
Bientina (Pisa): March 23-24, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (about 140 vendors)
Carmignano (Prato): April 7, 9:30 a.m.-7p.m., Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Matteotti
Cascina (Pisa): April 7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Corso Matteotti
Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo): March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Piazza Del Municipio
Cecina (Livorno): March 24, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Piazza Guerrazzi and Via Cavour
Certaldo (Florence): March 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Boccaccio and Via Cavour
Florence: March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza dei Ciompi
Grosseto: March 23-24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Stefano de Maria
Montemurlo (Prato): March 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza della Costituzione
Montevarchi (Arezzo): March 24, 9 a.m.-7 pm. Via dei Musei and nearby streets (about 100 vendors)
Livorno: April 7, 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
Orbetello (Grosseto): March 30-31, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Corso Italia, Piazza Eroe dei Due Pietrasanta (Lucca): April 7, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Duomo
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
Prato: March 23-24, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza San Francesco
Quarrata (Pistoia): March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza Risorgimento
San Gimignano (Siena): March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza delle Erbe
San Giuliano Terme (Pisa): April 7, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Piazza Shelley and Piazza Italia
San Miniato(Pisa): April 7, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Piazza del Popolo
Scarperia (Firenze): April 7, 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; downtown squares and streets
Siena: March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Piazza del Mercato
Viareggio (Lucca): March 23-24, 9 a.m. -- 6 p.m., Piazza D'Azeglio
Mondi, Piazza del Plebiscito
Find more events for Tuscany at:
www.teamworld.it
www.visittuscany.com
www.firenzeturismo.it
www.turismo.pisa.it
www.tuscany-excellence.com
CONCERTS:
RAMA --March 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
PATTY PRAVO -- March 30, Bassano Del G. (Vicenza), Palabassano
MANUEL AGNELLI -- April 2, Firenze, Tuscany Hall (former ObiHall)
EX-OTAGO -- April 4, Padova, Grand Teatro GEOX
THOR -- The Legend, April 6, Brescia, Grand Teatro Morato
ANTONELLO VENDITTI , April 6, Firenze, Tuscany Hall (former ObiHall)
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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