Italian News - Camp Darby

*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 D’Italia

Italian News from Camp Darby – June 13, 2025

• Coppa Barontini rowing competition to take place in Livorno
• Pisa Luminara
• San Ranieri Regatta
• Il Gioco del Ponte or Battle of the Bridge on the last Saturday of June
• Mercatale, local food market in San Miniato
• Pontedera Music Festival

Coppa Barontini rowing competition to take place in Livorno – June 13, LivornoToday

LIVORNO – This year’s 56th edition of the Barontini Cup includes two awards: the first-ever women’s 10-boat race and the men’s senior race winner. The organizers of the time trial competition, which will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the picturesque surroundings of Livorno’s canals, are happy to announce this new feature. The start and finish lines at the Cantine docks and the Fortezza Nuova provide a natural setting for the rowers’ efforts. The 3,200-meter race winds through Livorno’s historic neighborhoods. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pisa Luminara – June 13, DiscoverTuscany

PISA – The event that opens the San Ranieri festivities is the Luminara, and it takes place on the evening of June 16, the eve of the patron saint’ feast day. Days before the event, you will notice the entire city working on white wooden frames, which have been fitted onto the facades running along the Arno River and within the city walls. These frames are designed to highlight the outline of the buildings when illuminated with small candles spaced along the frames. In the evening, Pisa shuts off its outdoor lights, and the city comes alive in the flickering candles, reflecting in the Arno River, glowing in the windows and giving life to a game of shadows for guests of all ages. Piazza dei Miracoli is illuminated with gas lamps set in the arches of the church, baptistery and tower. The tradition of the Luminara dates back to 1688 and has been celebrated every year since then. Fireworks show happens between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

San Ranieri Regatta – June 13, DiscoverTuscany

PISA – On June 18, four quartieri, neighborhoods, of the city battle against each other in honor of the nautical tradition upon which Pisa was founded. It once stood as one of the four Italian Maritime Republics alongside Amalfi, Genoa and Venice. Each boat has a crew of eight oarsmen, a helmsman and a montatore, or a “climber.” The race takes place over a 1,500-meter-long stretch of the Arno River, and they are rowing against the current. The climber, at the end of the rowing competition is supposed to ensure the victory for his quartiere racing against the other teams to “capture” the proper flag. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Il Gioco del Ponte or Battle of the Bridge on the last Saturday of June – June 13, DiscoverTuscany

PISA – The final event celebrating “Giugno Pisano” is called the “Battle of the Bridge,” when two opposing teams gather on the last Saturday of June to literally battle for possession of the bridge. This tug-of-war competition takes place on the Ponte di Mezzo. The city is divided into two teams depending on where they live: the Tramontana team consists of those North of the Arno and Mezzogiorno for those of the South. The teams must push a large iron cart set up on the central part of the bridge on rails, trying to conquer the enemy’s side of the bridge. Before the game begins, a marvelous parade in historical costume takes place along the Lungarni with more than 700 people dressed up in 16th-century costumes. The event starts at 6 p.m. but the actual battle will begin at 9 p.m. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Mercatale, local food market in San Miniato – June 13, TerrediPisa

SAN MINIATO – The third Sunday of the month, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Mercatale takes place under the Loggiati di San Domenico; the event is a “zero km” market of agricultural products. For 10 years, farmers and producers in the countryside around San Miniato have been setting up a market where they can sell the fruits of their labor directly to consumers. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pontedera Music Festival – June 13, TerrediPisa

PONTEDERA – Pontedera Music Festival celebrates its first six years with a renewed edition. The concerts will take place in the Auditorium of the Piaggio Museum, the “Marco Papiani” Auditorium of the Pontedera Music Academy, in its new premises in the ex-Cinema Roma, the ERA Theatre and Villa Crastan. Free admission with voluntary donation. The festival is scheduled from June 13 to 21 from 9 to 11 p.m. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Recent Italian News highlights

BeeRiver in Lucca this weekend – June 10, Il Tirreno

LUCCA – The inaugural BeeRiver will take place in “La Cavallerizza” from June 13 to 15. From Pisa, where it has been hosted for a number of years, the event honoring the thousand faces of craft beer makes its way to Lucca. The gatherings will emphasize joyous sociability, cultural understanding and plain, unadulterated palate satisfaction. A premium assortment of Italian brass output will be showcased by eight main breweries. There will be the top breweries from several regions including Lazio; Piedmont; Lombardy; Friuli Venezia Giulia: Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

From Pisa to Switzerland by train – June 10, Il Tirreno

PISA – Switzerland is a new Trenitalia connection. Starting this week until Sept. 29, every day Eurocity trains will run from Zurich to Pisa and from Pisa to Zurich starting on June 9. Every day, it leaves Pisa at 1:20 p.m., with a travel duration of around 10 hours, and Zurich at 6:33 a.m., with a travel time of roughly 9 1/2 hours. Trenitalia’s website and app, as well as station ticket offices and approved travel agents, sell tickets, which start at 57.50 euros. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Medieval Harvest Festival in San Gimignano – June 10, DiscoverTuscany

SAN GIMIGNANO – The Medieval Harvest Festival returns every year to San Gimignano and represents a celebration from medieval times that is organized throughout the entire historical center of this beautiful medieval village in Tuscany. During this event, San Gimignano commemorates the traditional “Ferie Messum”, a fertility festival, which dates back to 1255. At that time, the whole population took part in the event in which the four Contrade (neighborhoods) of the city - San Giovanni, San Matteo, Castello and Piazza - compete against each other in traditional games in honor of fertility. Today, the event takes place on the third weekend of June starting on Friday night and continuing through Saturday evening and all-day Sunday. During these days, the town takes a step back in time offering a typical medieval and fun atmosphere, recalling the ancient scents and traditions of the time. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Yoga walks in Calci – June 10, PisaToday

CALCI (Pisa) – On June 15 from 4:30 to 7.30 p.m., a yoga-walk event will be held in “Podere del Pari” in Calci (price is €25). The program consists of a two-hour walk (5Km.) plus yoga practice. Walking warms you up and makes you ready and open to receive; yoga repositions you in the present, brings your attention back to the breath and loosens anxieties and knots. If these two practices are performed together, at sunset, in a natural setting, then their beneficial effects are multiplied exponentially, and the experience will be one of total release and well-being. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Paid parking will resume along Pisa coastline – May 30, Il Tirreno

PISA – Starting June 1, paid parking will resume along the Pisa coastline, lasting until Sept. 15. The blue parking zones and meters will be active, with tariffs unchanged from last year. Zone 1 charges €1 per hour, €4.50 for six hours, and €6 for a full day, with specific streets and piazzas included. Zones 2, 3, and 4 offer free parking for the first 30 minutes, followed by €1 per hour, with varying timeframes and locations in Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia. Seasonal parking subscriptions are available. Residents of Pisa can obtain reduced-rate seasonal passes for €70, while non-residents can purchase monthly passes for €80 or seasonal passes for €150. Free seasonal passes are available for residents of Marina, Tirrenia and Calambrone who lack private parking, with restrictions on the number of passes per household. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pisa Palazzo Blu hosts “La Razza Umana” exhibit – May 27, PisaToday

PISA – The exhibition “Razza Umana” (the human race) by Oliviero Toscani Studio arrives at Palazzo Blu in Pisa until June 29. This first Italian showcase of one of Toscani’s most iconic projects, following his recent passing, features more than 500 portraits collected worldwide, including local faces captured in Pisa during the early days of Palazzo Blu in 2007-2008. The project, a socio-political, cultural and anthropological study, showcases the unique characteristics of human morphology. The exhibition located in Lungarno Galilei 9 is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and weekends/holidays from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. For more information, visit Palazzo Blu’s website at palazzoblu.it. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pisa is preparing for the “Luminara” – May 27, Il Tirreno

PISA – Pisa is preparing for the Luminara di San Ranieri, its most anticipated annual event, set for June 16. Starting mid-May, the city began installing traditional wooden structures, known as “biancherie,” on buildings along the Lungarni to hold approximately 100,000 lumini, or small lights. The event, a symbol of Pisa’s identity and history, has been revitalized by the municipal administration since 2018, addressing issues with aging structures and fostering collaboration with property owners. The 2024 edition marked significant progress, but further improvements are planned. Residents and businesses are encouraged to minimize electric lighting during the Luminara to enhance its magical atmosphere. The Luminara is part of broader efforts to strengthen Pisa’s historical events and cultural identity. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

New speedometers in Livorno province – May 20, Il Tirreno

COLLESALVETTI (Livorno) – Four fixed speed control stations have been installed at locations identified by the decree of the Prefect of Livorno. The locations are in the town of Torretta Vecchia at kilometer 28+370 of Sr 206; in the town of Guasticce at kilometer 5+300 of SP 555 (Via Don Sturzo); in the town of Stagno at kilometer 0+300 of Sp 555 (Via Barontini); and in the area of Ponte Biscottino at kilometer 15+030 of Ss 67-bis Arnaccio. All stations are bidirectional, covering both directions of travel. Currently, only the Ponte Biscottino station is active, as the other three require the installation of pre-signage as mandated by current regulations. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Pisa is enhancing security with surveillance cameras – May 20, Il Tirreno

PISA – Pisa is enhancing its security and surveillance system with the installation of 63 new license plate reading cameras. These cameras will be strategically placed to cover all city access points, adding to the existing eight cameras. The project, funded with €1,040,000 by the municipal administration, aims to improve access control, road safety and support for law enforcement investigations. Once activated, the cameras will be connected to the operational centers of the police forces. The total number of surveillance devices in the city will increase to 263, including 164 surveillance cameras and 99 license plate reading cameras. The installation will be completed in three phases, with the first phase covering Coltano, the second Pisa North, and the third Pisa South. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Workers leveling beaches in Marina di Pisa – May 15, PisaToday

MARINA DI PISA – Workers are currently leveling the gravel beaches in Marina di Pisa. Reconstruction of the cliffs between Bagno Arcobaleno and Bagno Marta will also begin in the next few days. The project was financed by the Municipality of Pisa with a contribution from the Tuscany Region, totaling approximately 64,000 euros. Maintenance work will also soon begin on the reefs in the same area, with a project cost of 215,000 euros. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)

Record brood in Porcari with four chicks in the nest – May 13, Il Tirreno

PORCARI (Lucca) – In Porcari, a record brood of four stork chicks has been observed in the nest on Via Diaccio. The relationship between Porcari and these storks began in 2010 when a pair of storks built a nest on an electricity pylon. The white stork, once common in Roman times, had been absent from the area for centuries until the early 2000s. The first wild nest in Tuscany was recorded in 2005 in the Fucecchio marshes. Since 2010, storks have returned to the province of Lucca, leading to protective measures and the construction of a custom nest by Enel to ensure their safety. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)

Livorno is the cheapest town for pizza – May 12, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – Consumers in Livorno spend less money on pizza and drinks than anywhere else in Italy, at €8.75 per dinner. As a result, it is the most affordable meal in the country. The cost of what essentially defines the Made in Italy around the world has risen by 18.3 percent in the last six years, reaching an average of €12.14 per person. Reggio Emilia is the city with the highest pizza prices, with an average dinner at a pizzeria costing around €17.58. Siena, on the other hand, ranks second, with an average price of €17.24 for a pizza and a drink. This is followed by Macerata (€16.25). Of the 59 provinces analyzed, seven have an average spending of more than €14 with drink. After Livorno, the least expensive destinations are Reggio Calabria (€9.15), Pescara (€9.37) and Catanzaro (€9.96). The survey states that these are the only cities where you can pay less than €10. (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)

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)

Road closures for the summer – April 8, Il Tirreno

LIVORNO – 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)

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)

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)

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)