11 Mar 2017
ITALIAN EVENTS NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2017
ART EXIBITIONS
ROME
ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI
Until 8 May 2017
Museo di Roma - Palazzo Braschi www.museodiroma.it/mostre_ed_eventi/mostre/artemisia_gentileschi_e_il_suo_tempo
L'ARA COM'ERA – THE ARA PACIS AS IT WAS (augmented reality)
Until 30 October 2017
Museo dell'Ara Pacis
FLORENCE
PLAUTILLA NELLI, art and devotion in the convent
Galleria delle Statue e delle Pitture degli Uffizi
Unti 4 June 2017
http://www.gallerieuffizimostre.it/
MILAN
MANET AND MODERN PARIS
Palazzo Reale
Until 2 July 2017
KANDINSKY
Mudec – Museo delle Culture
Until 9 Jul 2017
BRESCIA
FROM HAYEZ TO BOLDINI. THE FACES AND SPIRIT OF ITALIAN PAINTINGS IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Until 11 June 2017
Palazzo Martinengo - BRESCIA
MONTEPULCIANO
SIENA'S GOLDEN CENTURY, FROM THE MODERN MANNERISM TO CARAVAGGIO
Until 30 June 2017
Museo Civico, Montepulciano
https://ilbuonsecolodellapitturasenese.wordpress.com/
VENICE
BIENNALE D'ARTE
Various locations
13 May to 26 Nov 2017
GENOA
MODIGLIANI
Until 16 July 2017
Palazzo Ducale
http://www.palazzoducale.genova.it
ART FOR ART'S SAKE. New itinerary at the Castello Estense
Castello Estense
Until 4 June 2017
FORLI' (Emilia Romagna)
ART DECO IN ITALY, THE ROARING YEARS
San Domenico Museum Complex
Until 18 Jun 2017
PAVIA
THE LONGOBARDS – THE MEDITERANEAN AND EUROPE
Castello Visconteo
Until July 2017
BOLOGNA
DALI' EXPERIENCE: SALVADOR DALI
Until 7 May 2017
Palazzo Belloni - Via Barberia
CREMONA
VEDUTA,CAPRICCIO, PAESAGGIO , “vedutista's genre in 19th century Italy”
Museo Civico, Ala Ponzone
Until 25 Jun 2017
PIACENZA
GUERCINO in PIACENZA
Until 4 June 2017
Cattedrale / Musei di Palazzo Farnese - PIACENZA
http://www.artcityemiliaromagna.com/events/piacenza/guercino-in-piacenza
VICENZA
PALLADIO. THE MYSTERY OF HIS FACE
Until 4 June 2017
Palladio Museum
NEW MUSEUMS/ ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS
CELEBRATIONS FOR MONTEVERDI's 450TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH
He's had everything from music schools and conservatories, the King's College choir in Cambridge and even an asteroid named after him. To mark the 450th anniversary of Claudio Monteverdi's birth, his hometown of Cremona has organised a festival packed with countless events all over the city as well as a calendar of evening concerts at Teatro Ponchielli. The “Monteverdi Festival” will also feature a weekend-long musical cruise on the Po, from Cremona to Mantua and finally Venice. Concerts will take place on board, at the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua and at the Teatro La Fenice.
NEW MUSEUM “FEDERICO II STUPOR MUNDI IN JESI (Ancona) to open in Spring 2017
The Museum “Federico II Stupor Mundi” will open its doors during Spring 2017. It is aimed at celebrating Frederick II of Swabia, born in Jesi on 26th December 1194, and narrates his influence in the context of local, national and European history. The museum is dedicated to the Swabian Emperor with an Arab heart: the "Stupor Mundi" which was the grandson of Barbarossa, patron of the arts, as well as a great innovator in the field of law, politics and sciences. The premises designated to house the future museum, Palazzo Ghislieri, is located in Piazza Federico II, one of the most prestigious historic squares in Jesi.
www.federicosecondostupormundi.it
CONCORSO D'ELEGANZA VILLA D'ESTE - CELEBRATING THE MYSTIQUE OF HISTORIC CARS
Lake Como
26-28 May 2017
http://concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/
The grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, the world's most iconic Hotel on Lake Como, offer guests and visitors the opportunity to admire about 50 Historic Cars built between the 1920s and 1980s, organised by different categories. From Friday, 26th May to Sunday, 28th May 2017, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and Villa Erba will be the exclusive and unique settings of this traditional event, where guests are privileged to admire the finest historic vehicles and motorcycles of their eras.
The Motto for 2017 is “Around the World in 80 Days – Voyage through an Era of Records“.
FESTIVALS AND OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS
RAVELLO CONCERTS, in Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Villa Rufolo, Ravello –27 Mar – 3 Dec 2017
Spanning from Spring to Autumn, far from the tourist crowds, Ravello becomes the favourite destination for those who love the silence of its Villas and its medieval churches. In that time, an audience of music lovers meet every year to listen to the concerts held in the gardens and the rooms of Villa Rufolo, famous for having inspired Wagner for the setting of his Parsifal.
CILIEGI IN FIORE – BLOOMING CHERRY TREES FESTIVAL IN VIGNOLA
1-9 April 2017
Vignola - located in the province of Modena - is the start of the so-called “Food and Wine Trail” and a Renaissance town on the Po plain, which has been celebrating the production of outstanding cherry trees for 40 years. During the Festival the entire town is “blooming- with-cherry-trees”, with events, concerts, exhibitions, special restaurant menus, tasting sessions and related activities to enjoy. The “blossoming chariots” parade is a real celebration of the blossoming of cherry trees.
ROLLI DAYS 2017 - GENOA
1-2 April, 14-15 October, Genoa
Two weekends of free entrance to visit the Rolli Palaces: great lodging palaces and mansions selected by public lottery, which were used to host the nobles coming to Genoa for visits of State. UNESCO world heritage palaces, the Rolli Palaces will host three annual thematic dates.
ROME'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, 21 APRIL 2017
Every year on 21 April Rome celebrates its legendary “birthday” with three days of typically Roman events and initiatives, including gladiatorial games, parades etc. For the full programme of events please consult. www.turismoroma.it
VIVA VIVALDI , the Four Seasons Mystery Show in Venice
Opening May 2017
This new show tells the story of both the man and the artist Antonio Vivaldi, The Red Priest, a visionary genius ahead of his time. Innovative technologies combine large HD images, multi-directional sound and scent effect, enhancing the beauty of the Sant'Apollinare Complex. The immersive itinerary starts in the quaint cloister and it continues, room after room, in a symphony of notes and colours www.vivavivaldivenezia.com
CLASSICAL GREEK THEATRE FESTIVAL IN SIRACUSA
Siracusa, Sicily
6 May – 8 July 2017
Classical Greek theatrical representation in the magical atmosphere of the Greek Theatre in Siracusa, this year's programme includes plays by Aeschylus, Euripides and Aristophanes.
SPORT
ROME MARATHON
Rome – 2 April 2017
Since the early years of the twentieth century the roads and squares of the Eternal City have seen some of the really mythical moments of the whole history of racing on foot. It is an event that unites spirit and passion with alternative routes for non-professionals.
BIKE FESTIVAL GARDA TRENTINO
Riva del Garda, Trentino
28 Apr – 1 May 2017
This now classic appointment with the Bike Festival Garda Trentino is back in spring: a season opening for bikers, who will find themselves next to stars of the mountain bike international scene. The program includes exhibitions, shows, competitions, performances and stunts, testing of the industry novelties and lots of fun.
GIRO D' ITALIA
5 – 28 May 2017
The most important bicycle race in Italy, the Giro d'Italia, dates back to May 1909 and has become an iconic race all over the world. This year the Giro will start on 5 May 2017 in Alghero, Sardinia, ends in Milan on 28 May.
MILLE MIGLIA
18-21 May 2017
The most beautiful vintage cars in the world chosen to participate in the race each year are selected under rigorous guidelines. The 2017 edition plans a departure from Brescia, journeying through Padua to Rome and then back to Brescia via Parma.
“LA 24 ORE DI FINALE” – MTB FESTIVAL
2-4 June, Finale Ligure (Savona)
The “24 ore di Finale” is a mountain bike competition, which became famous all over Europe because of its unique style, in between the event and the Mountain Bike race. It takes place non-stop for 24 hours, in the frame of the upland of the Manie, surrounded by a magical atmosphere, filled with woodland and unparalleled views. www.24hfinale.com
ALTA VIA STAGE RACE
17-24 June, Alta Via dei Monti Liguri
An exciting racing bike competition along a mountain ridge which follows the whole mountainous arc of Liguria, from Ceparana (La Spezia) to Dolceacqua (Imperia). 9 days, 8 stops, 500 km to travel and an overall difference in height of 11,000 m along a spectacular mountain balcony which faces the sea, offering fascinating and diverse environments and landscapes.www.altaviastagerace.com
HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENTS/FOLKLORE
EASTER CELEBRATIONS IN ITALY
THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART
Florence - Easter Sunday – 16 Apr 2017
Tradition says that during the first Crusade of 1096 the Florentine knight Pazzo de 'Pazzi was the first man who planted the banner of the Cross on battlements of Jerusalem and as a gift he received some fragments of the Holy Sepulchre. Upon his return to Florence the stones were used to start the Sacred Fire of Holy Saturday, and were paraded through the city as homage to it in a richly decorated chariot. Nowadays, on Easter Sunday a large wagon is pulled by white oxen in a procession in the streets of the centre of Florence to the front of the cathedral.
LA SEMANA SANTA IN ALGHERO (SARDINIA)
Alghero – Easter Week – 11-16 April 2017
Alghero celebrates Holy Week according to the rites of an ancient Spanish tradition dating back to 1501. The celebrations will open on Tuesday with the "Dimas Sant 'with the procession of Sorrowful Mysteries, on Thursday "Dijous Sant" the Via Crucis is held, on Friday "Divendres Sant" there is the rite of “desclavamant ", the taking down of the body of Christ from the cross and the deposition. The “Dissabte Sant “, Saturday is the holy day of the vigil until Easter Sunday, when the Risen Christ will meet the Virgin among doves and fireworks.
SACRED REPRESENTATION OF GOOD FRIDAY
Valmontone - Rome 4 April 2017
The procession on Good Friday, has taken a typically theatrical role with performances drawing inspiration from medieval times. The "Sacred Representation "of Valmontone refers to this style and is over a century old. The actors recite texts based on the Holy Scriptures. The story starts from the New Testament, continues with the reconstruction of the Nativity and follows the events of Christ's life. The Via Crucis and deposition from the Cross concludes the procession.
THE HOLY WEEK IN SULMONA (ABRUZZO)
Sulmona - L'Aquila – Easter Week 11-16 April 2017
Sulmona celebrate Good Friday with a procession that starts in the evening at the Baroque Church of Annunziata and returns late at night at the Church of the Trinity. On Easter Sunday, the procession of the Confrati (friars) takes place, starting from the medieval Church of Santa Maria della Tomba, this is to represent in different acts the meeting of the Virgin Mary with the risen Christ. A flight of doves closes the ceremony and then the Easter feast begins. From the flight of doves people can predict how good the harvest season will be for the city.
THE RITES OF PASSION IN BARILE (BASILICATA)
Barile - Potenza – Good Friday 14 April 2017
In Barile, the Via Crucis is interpreted with great intensity by its actors. Along the route of the Way of the Cross there are several stages built to represent the various episodes of the Passion of Christ. Alongside the authentic re-constructions of the Gospel stories, there suddenly also appear fantasy figures related to our ancestral fears. The "Negro" representing a stranger, the "Gypsy" character a dark symbol of wealth that hides evil and danger are very important figures of popular collective atonement.
RITES AND PROCESSION OF THE SICILIAN EASTER TRADITION
Modica - Ragusa - "MARONNE vasa vasa" – Easter Sunday 16 April 2017
The Easter morning in Modica, a spectacular procession takes place with two parades that walk along the streets of Ragusa with statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Adrano-Catania - "The Devils" - Easter Sunday 16 April 2017
On Easter Sunday in Adrano a representation called "The Devil" takes place every year. This is a folklore event were Good and Evil are represented; the Devils are led by Lucifer on one side and Paradise on the other. This representation is focused on the triumph of Good and of Light in the world.
Prizzi-Palermo - "The abballu de li diavuli" , Easter Sunday 16 April 2017
"The Abballu de daivuli" is a representation of horrendous masks of zinc dressed with red robes, the devils, which run thourgh the village on Easter Sunday trying to trap as many souls as possible until the afternoon, when after the meeting of the Virgin Mary with the Risen Christ the devils will be harnessed and carried by angels to the Virgin Mary.
Trapani - "The Procession of the Mysteries" Good Friday 16 April 2017
The Procession of the Mysteries is held in Trapani from 2pm of Good Friday and continues for almost twenty-four hours until the Saturday. It is the longest religious event in Italy and one of the oldest. This event consists of the transport of 20 groups of statues (Sacred Mysteries) representing the various stages of the Via Crucis through the city. The statues were made between the 17th and 18th century.
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FESTA DEI CERI (RACE OF THE CANDLES)
Gubbio – 15th May 2017
The Festa Dei Ceri is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Italian folklore display The festival is a solemn act of devotion on the part of the Eugubini towards their Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini which started in 1160, the year of his death. Since then, every 15 May, the eve of the day of mourning, the devotional offering to the patron Saint is a fixed appointment for the people of Gubbio who take part in a great mystical procession, carrying candles all around the town and up Mount Ingino (where since 11 September 1194 the body of Saint Ubaldo lies, in the church which bears his name).
THE PALIO OF FERRARA
Ferrara – 13 – 28 May 2017
The Palio of Ferrara is the most ancient event of its kind is the world dating back to 1279. It is peculiar for its kind of ride that is joyful and so different from other warlike palii. This is a very important moment for the city: all the Contrade participate wearing dress of different colours to gain the “palio”, but also and overall it is a festivity to remember the Renaissance, a period during which Ferrara was really a capital. The Palio is run on Sunday 28 May.
GIOSTRA DELL'ARCHIDADO
Cortona, 4 June 2017
The Archidado Joust traces its origins back to the Middle Ages and was officially created in 1397 to celebrate the wedding of Francesco Casali, the Lord of Cortona, and Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman from Siena.. The streets are decorated in medieval style, ladies, knights, flag flyers, crossbow shooters, soldiers, pages, civil and religious authorities, all dressed with fine costumes, liven up the city center, which is rich in history and artistic beauties of every time.
LUMINARA AND RACE OF SAN RANIERI
Lungarno – Pisa - June 16th/17th 2017
http://www.pisaunicaterra.it/en/villages-and-cities-of-art/pisa-en.html
On the occasion of the Feast of San Ranieri, Patron Saint of Pisa, celebrated annually on 16-17 June, the enchantment of the illuminations of Saint Ranieri is renewed on the streets running along the river Arno (the so-called Lungarni). There are more than a hundred thousand wax candles which at every edition are meticulously set in smooth and white glasses and fixed then onto wooden white-painted frames, modelled in such a way as to highlight the outline of the palaces, of the bridges, of the churches and of the towers reflecting the river.
INFIORATA DI GENZANO
Genzano (Rome)
17-19 June 2017
http://www.comune.genzanodiroma.roma.it
Every year the town of Genzano in the Castelli Romani area south of Rome, hold its Infiorata, a tradition more than two centuries' old. One of the main streets of the town is decorated with flower petals representing scenes which are mainly religious. This year the theme is religious and cultural dialogue between faiths and people. In Genzano you can also taste delicious breads and charcuterie for which the town is famous.
ASSEDIO DI CANELLI – CANELLI'S SIEGE
Canelli – Piedmont ,17-18 June 2107
The historic Siege suffered in 1613 is not only an imposing re-enactment involving residents and tourists, but also a spectacular event, an occasion to discover the underground Cathedrals and the historic wine cellars of Canelli, tasting the delightful specialties of the Asti province.
SAN GIOVANNI FEAST
Villa Reale - Monza (Lombardy)
24 June 2027
Monza celebrates its patron saint on 24 June with a high flying pyrotechnic extravaganza at Villa Reale. The fireworks kick off at 10pm, but before that you can have a bite at the Boschetti Reali Street Food Festival with live music. Later, when night falls, you can grab a seat and watch the sky explode over the magnificent Palazzo Reale.
Stefania Gatta
Press and communications office
Italian National Tourist Board – London
NB: Information correct at time of publication, March 2017
