Italian News Highlights

By USAG Italy Public AffairsJuly 17, 2025

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

Italian News from Vicenza – July 15, 2025

Veneto grape harvest to begin end of August – July 15, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Veneto wine producers are preparing for a grape harvest expected to begin between August 25 and 30. Despite spring frosts and hailstorms similar to last year, experts anticipate a positive growing season. The weather, with higher average temperatures and rainfall, has led to greater plant fertility and a significant fruit set, although budding and flowering occurred about a week later than in 2024. The health of the vineyards is reported to be good, and regional experts emphasized the importance of continued disease control and the careful use of plant protection products to safeguard both vines and biodiversity. These findings were presented during the first meeting of the 51st Trittico Vitivinicolo Veneto, organized by Veneto Agricoltura in collaboration with the Veneto Region, Arpav, and Crea. While the season is progressing well, optimism is tempered by concerns over shifting consumption trends, geopolitical tensions, and the serious threat posed by a potential 30 percent U.S. customs tariff, which now looms large over the sector. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Camisano, WWI UXO cause smoke and minor explosions – July 15, Il Giornale di Vicenza

A dig during excavation for a water pipe in the area behind the “Tema Automazioni” company on Via dell’ Innovazione in the industrial area of Camisano uncovered a piece of history dating back to the First World War: phosphorus mortar bombs. The initial shock quickly gave way to an alert to the Carabinieri and two teams of firefighters from Vicenza to the area, followed by the NBCR (nuclear-biological-chemical-radiological) unit of the Venice fire department. They secured all the unexploded ordnance, removed it, and transferred it to a site where it will be defused and disposed of. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Vicenza snubbed by foreign buyers in Veneto booming real estate market – July 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Foreign interest in the Veneto’s real estate market is growing, but Vicenza ranks last among provincial destinations, attracting just 2.56 percent of international homebuying requests in early 2025. Most demand is focused on Verona (34.78 percent), Venice (32.37 percent) and Treviso (11.38 percent). According to the Gate-Away portal, the typical foreign buyer is over 56 years old, often retired (42.77 percent) and seeking a retirement home (46.3 percent) or lifestyle change (38 percent). The majority come from the U.S. (18.91 percent), Germany (13.94 percent) and U.K. (7.53 percent), with a growing number from Austria. Buyers have budgets around €500,000, preferring move-in-ready properties. However, Vicenza’s high-end listings — often priced above €2.5 million — may be deterring interest, pushing the city out of reach for many, even among wealthy foreigners. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Nearly 900 students lost: Vicenza faces demographic decline in classrooms – July 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Vicenza is facing a sharp demographic decline in its school population, with 875 fewer students enrolled for the 2025/2026 school year — a 4.07 percent drop from the previous year (from 21,516 to 20,641 students). The decline affects all school levels:

• Primary schools saw the steepest drop, with 416 fewer enrollments, a 6.61 percent decrease (from 6,297 to 5,881).

• Middle schools (lower secondary) declined by 219 students, a 3 percent decrease (from 7,302 to 7,083)

• High schools lost 240 students, a 3.03 percent drop (from 7,917 to 7,677).

In the Vicenza city, 771 children will start first grade in September. The low enrollment is leading to a rise in multi-grade classes, now present even in urban schools, not just rural ones. One school (Settecà primary) has closed its primary section due to critically low numbers. Local officials are concerned about underused school buildings — with some operating at 25 percent capacity — and warn that closures or space-sharing solutions may be needed in the future. While no school closures are planned for 2026/2027, authorities acknowledge that structural changes may become inevitable if the trend continues. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Raft race on the river Brenta on Sunday – July 14, VicenzaToday

On Sunday, July 20 starting at 3 p.m., the town of Valstagna will host the 39th edition of the Palio delle Zattere, a unique historical, cultural and competitive event. The rafts of the nine neighborhoods will compete in a breathtaking race along a three-km course on the Brenta River, facing treacherous rapids and intermediate tests of strength and skill, finally reaching the finish line at the “Rialto Bridge.” The Palio recalls the origins of the Brenta Valley, linked to the flourishing timber economy of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, from the early 13th century to 1797. The logs, cut from the forests of the Sette Comuni Plateau, were transported downstream along the Calà del Sasso to Valstagna, then a river port on the Brenta. There, they were tied onto rafts and carried downriver to the Venetian Naval Arsenal. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Leonicus, the medieval festival in Lonigo – July 14, VicenzaToday

From July 18 to 20, the Parco Ippodromo in Lonigo will host the 11th edition of Leonicus, the medieval festival featuring reenactments, shows, ancient music, medieval jousts, markets and historic taverns. The taverns will be open from 6 p.m. (Sunday from 5 p.m.) with medieval-themed food options. Leonicus represents a journey through history, a unique opportunity for adults and children to relive the atmosphere of times gone by in a carefully curated setting. Admission is free every evening from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Alpini soldiers train on the sites of the Great War – July 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Last week, 130 young Alpini completed training that combined effort, memory and Alpini legacy at the Pasubio military shrine. 130 young black feathers coming from all Italian regions, from the Alpini military school of Aosta marched 14 kilometers starting from Bocchetta di Campiglia to Cima Palon, facing a difference in altitude of 1,496 meters with 30-kilo rucks on their shoulders. A journey that was not only physical but also symbolic, which led them among the rocks, tunnels and silence of the mountains that witnessed the Great War. The “Solarolo III” training course, named after the historic battle of May 1917, took them to the mountains of Veneto, Trentino and Alto Adige, touching a whole series of locations of great historical and landscape importance. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Trains, construction sites will increase travel times in August – July 13, Tgcom

Traveling by train in August will take longer than usual due to the construction sites on the network. Traveling on a Frecciarossa between Rome and Milan in August will take approximately 110 minutes more than current travel times, and the Rome-Florence journey by high-speed train will take between 30 and 60 minutes longer. Regarding the reason for the delays, FS CEO Stefano Donnarumma explained that “on average 1,200 construction sites are active per day, of which 500 are dedicated to network maintenance activities and around 700 for new work. Such a high number of construction sites on our network had never been seen before and this is due to the overlap of the PNRR -funded work with ordinary maintenance interventions.” (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Quinto Vicentino gets a new and improved square – July 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza

A place of meeting, exchange and sharing between citizens: this is the new IV Novembre square in Quinto Vicentino, officially inaugurated on July 12. The new square - a 1.3- million-euro project, mostly financed with European funds – occupies a surface that was nothing more than a parking area, and now features new flooring, charging stations for bicycles and electric cars, new trees and new benches. Guided by the values and principles of the “New European Bauhaus,” the project aimed to create places that not only respond to functional needs, but are also oriented towards art and culture, aimed at promoting a cultural, social and environmental rebirth. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

From Laghi to Campoluzzo Valley on the Alpinists’ trail – July 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Passing through the picturesque villages and vertical cliffs of Scarabozza Valley this ancient and beautiful trail connects the municipality of Laghi to Campoluzzo Valley and Valbona refuge. Once used by the mountaineers of Ferro Valley, the area recalls the ancient mining activity centered on the excavation of micro-mines. The route, described in the book ‘Hiking Guide to the Valleys of Rio Freddo, Tovo, and Laghi” by the Italian author Liverio Carollo, lasts about three and a half hours and begins near the smaller lake. At 769 meters altitude, on the right, you will find a deep circular limestone quarry; the artifact was used to produce lime for the inhabitants of the district, and thanks to it, the houses were rebuilt after the Great War. At 1,570 meters, before descending back to Laghi through Della Gusella Valley and the Molini district, it is possible to take the path that climbs to D’Agra coast from where you can admire the wide panorama of the Vicenza Prealps and Trentino. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)

Sagra del Redentore in Povolaro July 18-21 – July 8, VicenzaToday

From July 18 to 21, the long-awaited summer festival returns to the Villino Rossi in Povolaro with four evenings of live music, shows and fun for the whole family. The food stand will be open every evening with grilled meat, fried food and other specialties, and the festival will end in style on July 21 around midnight with fireworks. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Recent Italian News highlights

A4 highway risks surge: speeding trucks, phone use, and traffic volume – July 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The highway A4 traffic behavior analysts’ team released new findings highlighting rising risks across the A4 and A31 motorways. While traffic increased by 2.3 percent in May year-over-year, concerning habits – particularly among truck drivers – are becoming more prevalent.

Speeding: Nearly 25 percent of cars on the A4 and 38 percent on the A31 exceeded legal speed limits, with an astonishing 98.3 percent of truck drivers on the A31 breaking the 80 km/h threshold.

Phone Use: Nine percent of drivers used mobile phones improperly – 11.7 percent of truckers and 7.6 percent of motorists – despite known risks like driving “blind” for more than 400 meters at highway speed.

Safety Distances: Most vehicles failed to maintain safe gaps, heightening the risk of collisions.

Despite these behaviors, fatalities have declined significantly: road accident victims dropped 72.7 percent between 2019 and 2024, and fatal crash frequency fell by 73.6 percent. A4 Holding CEO Bruno Chiari stresses the ongoing need to promote safe driving habits with awareness efforts and education campaigns. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Work on the Verona-Venice rail line: traffic changes on weekend nights in July – July 9, VicenzaToday

Train traffic will be interrupted between the Verona Porta Vescovo and Vicenza stations from 8:10 p.m. on July 12 to 7:40 a.m. on July 13, and again from 8:10 p.m. on July 26 to 7:50 a.m. on July 27, to allow for major infrastructure and technological upgrades related to the construction of the new Verona-Vicenza high-speed/high-capacity line, operated by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (FS Italiane Group). (Summary by Angela Balbo)

An oasis of peace, greenery and silence in Vicenza – July 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza

It’s not in the middle of the desert, but it’s an oasis nonetheless, with fresh water and vegetation that offer peace, refreshment and tranquility to travelers, counteracting the surrounding noise. The Oasi Valletta del Silenzio, near Andrea Palladio’s Villa Rotonda is a quiet park, sheltered from the chaos, where you can walk, read, play sports or meditate beneath the leaves. A great way to spend your free time (or even just a refreshing break) on these sultry days, without having to go too far. There’s also a free soccer field, open to all, with well-cut grass. The park is entirely shaded, and the bike path runs nearby. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Filming fees and fast-track access for Vicenza’s Olympic Theater use – July 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Filming at the Olympic Theater —whether for films, documentaries, or commercials—comes at a cost of €3,000 per day, or €750 for short two-hour shoots. These fees are clearly defined by the Municipality’s Cultural Activities Service and apply to a wide range of events hosted in the historic venue, to include weddings. The theater, in high demand for around 110–120 days a year especially during spring and fall, is now subject to a simplified authorization process. Thanks to a three-year agreement between the Municipality and the local Superintendency, certain standard event setups can be approved directly by the city. This aims to streamline logistics while safeguarding the monument’s heritage. Event organizers must still submit detailed documentation, while any non-standard use continues to require full evaluation and approval by the Superintendency. Rates vary by event type – €1,500 plus VAT for conventions; €2,500 for shows; €1,000 for weddings – excluding several fixed additional costs, such as fire department presence, technical coordination and cleaning. Use for photography is managed through separate agreements. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Asiago plateau tops tourist picks as Vicenza sees 2024 visitor surge – July 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza

In 2024, the province of Vicenza welcomed over 2.3 million tourists, with 66 percent coming from Italy and 34 percent from abroad. While Italian tourism saw only modest growth (plus 0.4 percent), international arrivals rose by 7.1 percent, driving an overall increase of 2.6 percent for the year. The Asiago plateau proved the most visited area, drawing 25.1 percent of all tourists – surpassing the city of Vicenza itself. The plateau also recorded a remarkable 45.2 percent increase over 2019 levels. Despite a 2.7 percent rise in arrivals, Vicenza city remains 11.2 percent below its pre-pandemic figures. The top foreign markets were the United States (13.9 percent), Germany (12.2 percent) and France (5.7 percent), though only the French showed a decline in numbers. Chinese tourism, although rebounding from 2023, is still far below 2019 levels – down 61.3 percent. Confartigianato Vicenza emphasized the appeal of smaller towns and artisanal tourism, highlighting the region’s geographic advantages and the strength of its local craftsmanship sector, which includes nearly 2,900 businesses and employs close to 12,000 people. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Record number of abandoned litters: “We can’t keep up – Please adopt” – July 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The Cat Rescue Group of ENPA Vicenza is overwhelmed just days into July, facing the annual surge of cat abandonments, pregnant strays and endless litters. Their emergency line rings non-stop with distress calls from residents unable to care for found kittens or reporting injured and vulnerable cats. From schools and factories to roadside rescues, the volume of cases is straining the group’s capacity. With private homes at full occupancy and no official shelter in place, the lack of adoptions and growing number of cats are pushing the volunteers to the brink. They’re urgently appealing for foster homes and permanent adopters to ease the crisis. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Bicycle “highways” reach milestone: 1.5 million trips logged – July 7, Il Giornale di Vicenza

In 2024, the city of Vicenza recorded over 1.5 million journeys by bike, scooter, or on foot – confirming a growing trend toward sustainable transportation. The data, collected from three electronic bike counters installed along Viale del Mercato Nuovo, Viale della Pace and Riviera Berica, shows a total of 1,543,010 movements, marking a 3.2 percent increase from the previous year’s 1,495,802. Viale della Pace emerged as the most popular route, with more than 607,000 users, nearly doubling the traffic seen on Riviera Berica. Mercato Nuovo also saw high usage with nearly 600,000 transits. On an average day in 2024, more than 1,500 people used these paths, with peak numbers reaching over 1,600 per day on Viale della Pace and Mercato Nuovo. The month of May 2024 stood out as a major contributor to the annual growth, thanks largely to the National Alpine Troops Gathering, which brought an estimated 27,000 additional slow mobility trips. City officials note that Viale della Pace is seen as a strategic route, with further investment planned thanks to connections funded by the PNRR and future developments tied to the high-speed rail project. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Viale Margherita upgrade plan to bring green space, shops, metrobus link – July 4, Il Giornale di Vicenza

A long-awaited transformation is underway in Vicenza’s Viale Margherita area, where the former fuel station site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use space featuring commercial and office buildings, as well as significant public works. The 13,342-square-meter project – called “PU1 – Piarde” – includes €800,000 worth of upgrades such as green spaces, a new riverfront pedestrian and cycling path, a bridge to Santa Caterina, a bus stop on the future metrobus line and revamped roads. Privately funded but coordinated with the city, the plan aims to restore the area’s urban vitality and reconnect it with the Retrone River, with work potentially timed to align with the metrobus launch in 2028. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

The area around Vicenza train station goes under special police surveillance until end of September – July 2, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Vicenza Prefect Filippo Romano designated the area around the Vicenza train station “zona rossa” (red zone) until Sept. 30. The area extends from Viale Eretenio to Viale Venezia, passing through Viale Milano; Piazzale Bologna; Via Genova; Via Firenze; Via Torino; Corso Santi Felice e Fortunato; Viale Ippodromo; Viale Giuseppe Verdi; Via Gorizia and the entire Campo Marzo including the train station. Red zones are urban areas considered hotbeds of crime or illegal activity, such as drug trafficking. In these areas, authorities can prevent entry to people considered dangerous or with criminal records and issue removal orders, which prohibit a person from remaining in the area for 48 hours. The measure is only the latest in a series of interventions decided by the Committee for Public Order and Safety in recent months, in response to growing alarm from citizens. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

San Bortolo ER revamp: expanded, upgraded, patient-focused – July 1, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The emergency department at San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza is undergoing a significant renovation to address overcrowding and modernize facilities. The waiting room will expand from 40 to 130 seats, with improved spacing, comfort, lighting and privacy. The project also includes a complete revamp of the adjacent “hot room” ambulance area, untouched since 1998, and upgrades to all safety and climate systems. The €1 million project aims to enhance both patient experience and working conditions. Construction is expected to begin soon and wrap up within a year. With ER visits surpassing 80,000 in 2024 and climbing steadily, the redesign responds to chronic overcrowding—especially as 70 percent of visits fall under non-urgent codes, straining a system originally designed in the 1960s. The overhaul is seen as a vital step in humanizing healthcare and restoring functionality to one of the region’s most critical services. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Summer road construction in Vicenza, temporary traffic closures until September – July 1, VicenzaToday

During this summer, extraordinary maintenance work for gas, methane and telecommunications utilities is scheduled in downtown Vicenza. The work will affect Contrà Motton San Lorenzo, Contrà San Marcello, Stradella San Marcello and Piazzale del Mutilato until Sept. 7. In Piazzale del Mutilato, there will be a temporary narrowing of the roadway, instead in Contrà Motton San Lorenzo the road will be temporarily closed by San Lorenzo church. The temporary closure is also planned in Contrà San Marcello, with vehicular traffic guaranteed in both directions. The work will proceed in progressive sections and phases, so as to cause the least possible inconvenience to citizens. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)

Viale Roma roadwork expands, traffic adjustments through December – June 30, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Work on Viale Roma in Vicenza is ramping up, with construction extending from Via Gorizia to Piazzale De Gasperi. Until Dec. 8, this section will see alternating narrowing of sidewalks and roadways. Despite disruptions, the city assures continuous one-way traffic flow, pedestrian access and availability of nearby parking facilities. Launched on May 5, the project—funded by the €3.5M NextGenerationEU program—includes sewer and aqueduct upgrades led by Viacqua. Once underground work is complete, the city will begin redeveloping Piazzale De Gasperi. Meanwhile, the weekly Thursday market will temporarily relocate to Piazza Matteotti and Viale Dalmazia. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Another summer without the Peace Park – June 22, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The municipality is working to open the Peace Park at the end of September. The 65-hectare area owned by the city will be managed by a mixed participation foundation between the public, private and third sector, which will coordinate all the individual managers of the various activities to be developed in the park. The opening date is not set in stone yet, but it will likely be the end of September in conjunction with the 2025 edition of the Hangar Palooza Festival (scheduled from Sept. 25 to 28). It will be a “soft” opening managed by the Vicenza Municipality, which will then pass the baton to the foundation by the end of the year. The park will house various activities that should become a source of income including sports; a bar/restaurant; kiosks; events; coworking spaces, as well as a flight museum and urban gardens. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

McDonald’s speaks “vicentino” – McChicken hamburgers with Provolone made here – June 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza

McDonald’s is buying cheese from Vicenza, namely the Provolone Valpadana DOP from the Albiero dairy of Montorso. The new product, with a recipe that also includes crispy bacon and a special mayonnaise made with Caper from the Aeolian Islands DOP, is part of the McChicken Creation line; a line that confirms McDonald’s commitment to promoting the Italian agri-food chain and typical local products, from North to South. Now, the U.S. fast food giant will purchase 57 tons of Provolone Valpadana DOP from the Montorso company, which has its plant for cutting, packaging and storage in Lonigo. Provolone Valpadana DOP represents one of the flagship products for the company. Representatives of the company explained that, “It is a cheese that in the past was brought all over the world by Italian emigrants. So, today we export our product wherever there are Italian communities, from the United States to South America, all the way to Australia.” (Summary by Angela Balbo)

New Debba Bridge, executive project presented – June 17, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The executive project for the construction of the new Debba Bridge was presented for approval June 16. This project takes into account the underground services, providing for the installation of a new aqueduct and the passage of the gas, energy and telecommunications networks along the bridge deck. It will have to be approved in the coming months by Viacqua Spa and V-Reti Spa. The new bridge, 313 meters long and divided into six spans, is part of a larger road axis of about 550 meters and will be built on a curve to cross the Bacchiglione River. The transition from the definitive project to the executive one also involves a higher cost forecast, going from the previous 13 million euros to the current 14.2 million euros. If all goes well, the work should begin next year and continue for two years. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Coffee, community and greenery: Querini Park’s revamp begins – May 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Querini Park’s old greenhouses are getting a fresh start. The social cooperative Agendo has secured a three-year concession to turn them into an inclusive botanical café, set to open in September. The café will offer employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, just like Agendo’s other ventures. To make it happen, they’ve launched a fundraiser to cover furnishings, coffee machines and renovations—an €80,000 project. The café will be in the cold greenhouse, serving food and drinks from Agendo’s workshops, while the hot greenhouse will become a Sensory Garden and design exhibition space. There’s also a Community Room for events and cultural activities. The whole project aims to blend social inclusion with the beauty of a European-style park. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Bialetti is no longer Italian: another piece of “Made in Italy” goes to China – April 16, Today.it

Bialetti, the iconic company linked to the famous moka, leaves Italian control after more than a century. The Nuo Capital fund linked to Hong Kong magnate Stephen Cheng signed two agreements for the acquisition of 78.56 percent of the share capital of Bialetti Industrie. Founded in 1919, Bialetti is one of the symbolic brands of Italian industrial design, famous throughout the world for the Brikka moka, an icon of the domestic ritual of coffee. The transfer of control to Nuo Capital, a group based in Luxembourg, reignites the debate on the sale of historic national brands and the future of production in Italy. It remains to be seen whether the new ownership will maintain its headquarters and production activities in Italy, or whether part of the operations may be relocated to Asia. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Basilica terrace bar open during weekends

The terrace bar of the Palladian Basilica operates Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m., offering visitors a unique experience overlooking the historic center. The service continues under a temporary arrangement.

A network of Palladian Villas: Vicenza’s UNESCO initiative – April 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The City of Vicenza has developed a 2024-2030 Management Plan to address challenges in managing the UNESCO site “The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas in Veneto.” Spanning seven provinces and 24 villas, the site’s fragmented nature poses difficulties in accessibility, oversight and financial sustainability. The plan seeks to create a cohesive network that promotes collaboration between public and private entities, supports conservation and enhances public enjoyment. Recent achievements include reopening sites like Santa Maria Nova and increasing access to Villa Gazzotti. The plan also focuses on education, community engagement and digitization, integrating heritage into daily life. This approach aims to make the villas sustainable cultural hubs, serving as an innovative model for managing widespread heritage sites. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Storks build nests in the Bassano area – March 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza

White storks like the Bassano area. After a couple chose a pylon in Cartigliano as their home, a short distance away another couple has decided to set up home near the San Bassiano Hospital. A double event that the volunteers of LIPU, an environmental association committed to protecting birds, conserving nature and promoting ecological culture, are monitoring with great attention. With their work of securing the nests, they are confident that the hatching of these waders will be successful, thus increasing a population that returned to Italy in the middle of the last century after five centuries of absence. The stork lives on average 25 years. It is a monogamous species and plays a role of fundamental importance in the defense of biodiversity. In Italy the conservation status of the white stork is still inadequate and the population currently numbers 320-330 couples, divided between Calabria, Puglia, Campania and the internal area of the Po Valley. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Madonna of Monte Berico embarks on historic five-continent pilgrimage – March 5, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The journey of the Madonna of Monte Berico across five continents begins this March 7, symbolizing faith and hope. The initiative, led by Vicentini nel Mondo, connects Vicenza with its global communities. The statue will visit Argentina; Brazil; Australia; Canada; South Africa; France; Luxembourg; Belgium; Switzerland and Uruguay before returning to Italy in 2027. March 7 marks the anniversary of the Virgin’s first appearance on Monte Berico in 1426. Celebrations kick off with the statue on display at the Loggia del Capitaniato from 9 a.m., followed by a 6 p.m. ceremony, a 7 p.m. community prayer at the Sanctuary, and an evening cultural event featuring faith, music and poetry. The pilgrimage celebrates the enduring spiritual bond with the Sanctuary of Monte Berico. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

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