Italian Events - Summer 2014

ART EXHIBITIONS PAOLO VERONESE RETURNS TO VERONA

Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona (Veneto): 5 July – 5 October 2014 www.mostrapaoloveronese.it

Paolo Caliari, alias „Il Veronese“ is the protagonist of this exhibition in its home town of Verona, in cooperation with the National Gallery of London. Masterpieces from all over the world and drawings will be on show. On this occasion the imposing Cena in Casa di Levi painting (5m x 10m) will also be on show after extensive restoration work.

PURE, SIMPLE AND NATURAL, ART IN FLORENCE BETWEEN THE 16TH AND 17THCENTURIES

Uffizi Gallery, Florence (Tuscany): 17 Jun - 02 Nov 2014 www.uffizi.firenze.it

This exhibition is dedicated to the artists that Giorgio Vasari credited with the “renaissance” of the modern art at the time, among others, Andrea del Sarto and Fra’ Bartolomeo. Paintings, drawings and sculptures of the most relevant artists that marked the artistic passage from the 16th to the 17th century: Andrea del Sarto, Santi di Tito, Bronzino, Giovanni Bandini, Vannini and more.

AUGUSTUS’S FORA, 2000 YEARS AFTER

Rome (Lazio): until 21 October 2014 www.turismoroma.it

From 21 April to 21 October 2014, from Monday through to Sunday at 9.00, 10.00 and 11.00 p.m., spectators – seated comfortably in the stands built for the occasion for a maximum of 200 people – will be able to admire a spectacular reconstruction of the archaeological site. The project will use cutting-edge technology to effectively illustrate the archaeological site located along Via dei Fori Imperiali and adjacent to Via Alessandrina, starting from the stones, fragments and columns present. Thanks to the audio guides available in 5 languages (English, French, Russian, Spanish and Japanese), spectators will be accompanied along the way by the words of expert Piero Angela and by magnificent video footage and reconstructions that show the places as they were in the days of Augustus, guaranteeing both a thrilling performance and plenty of accurate historical and scientific information. In addition to a faithful reconstruction of the areas, with all kinds of special effects, the story will dwell on the figure of Augustus, whose huge 12- metre-high statue once dominated the area next to the temple.

PICASSO AND THE SPANISH MODERNITY

Palazzo Strozzi, Florence (Tuscany): 20 September 2014−25 January 2015 www.palazzostrozzi.org

In the minds of all Picasso appears as the major reference for modern Western art. The exhibition aims to show Picasso’s output in its influence on Spanish art: in its reflections about art; its encounter with “pure art”; the emergence of the monster with a human face; in the artist's commitment to the historic tragedy; and in the metaphor of erotic desire as a privileged source of creation and vision of the world. In this exhibition will be also presented the poetics of artists such as Juan Gris, Miró, Dalí, Maria Blanchard, Julio González.

IGOR MITORAJ “ANGELS” SCULPTURES IN PIAZZA DEI MIRACOLI IN PISA

Pisa (Tuscany): until January 15th, 2015 www.pisaunicaterra.it

From 17th May 2014 to January 15th 2015 the medieval setting of Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli plays host to 'Angeli' (Angels), an exhibition by the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj. The event celebrates the 950th anniversary of the laying of Pisa Cathedral’s foundation stone and for the first time presents a contemporary artist in close proximity to the world famous Leaning Tower. In addition to his secular production, Igor Mitoraj executed works meant for religious buildings, such as the monumental gates of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, the bronze door of the Jesuit Church in Warsaw and the marble sculpture ‘The Annunciation’ for the Vatican Museums. The choice of the exhibits is very personal, and the presence of 'Angels' 

HAUTE COUTURE – GREAT THEATRE

Reggia Venaria, Turin (Piedmont): until 14 September 2014 www.lavenaria.it

This prestigious exhibition presents thirty years of stories, meetings and collaborations with the protagonists of Italian fashion and the greatest thespians on the international stage. It is a fascinating journey into elegance and theatre attires with more than two hundred stage and concert costumes, sketches and videos, different styles from different times. A unique opportunity to appreciate the excellent craftsmanship behind each costume and the artistic perfection that the greatest Italian fashion designers have put in their stage creations. The display includes outstanding creations by Armani, Balestra, Biagiotti, Fendi, Missoni and pieces from the private collections of Roger Salas, Raina Kabaivanska, Valentino Garavani, Fondazione Roberto Capucci, Maurizio Galante Archivio, Missoni Archive, conceived for great performers like Mirella Freni, Raina Kabaivanska, Joaquin Cortes, Kiri Te Kanawa, and June Anderson.

TWO NEW MUSEUMS IN THE MARCHE REGION

www.ascolimusei.it , www.maceratamusei.it

Two new important museums have recently been opened in the central Italian region Marche. In Macerata, two new rooms of the Palazzo Buonaccorsi have been inaugurated dedicated to 15th and 16th century art. In Ascoli Piceno at the Forte Malatesta the whole third floor is now dedicated to Early Medieval art, with treasures from the Longobard art.

A SUMMER OF MUSIC AND OPERA IN ITALY – 2014

Italy is truly alive with the sound of music and opera this Summer, these are just some of the musical events taking place during the summer months, many in the open air.

ARENA DI VERONA

Verona (Veneto): 20 June - 7 September 2014 www.arena.it

Now in its 101 year, the International Opera Festival presents a rich calendar of events. The operas to be performed are: Aida, Romeo et Juliet, Un Ballo in Maschera, Carmen, Turandot, Carmina Burana, Madame Butterfly and Placido Domingo’s Verdi Gala. Arena di Verona welcomes once again artists and public in its magnificent setting.

MUSICAL EVENINGS AT THE PARCO SCULTURE DEL CHIANTI

Pievasciata (Siena, Tuscany): 3 June – 26 August 2014 www.chiantisculpturepark.it

The programme of summer music at the amphitheatre in the Parco Sculture del Chianti will star on 3 June with a concert by Nadia De Sanctis, a well-known mezzo soprano who will sing some of the most famous Broadway musical songs in the Broadway Memories Concert, to continue with classical, chamber, jazz and folk music until the last concert on 26 August all in the magical atmosphere of the Parco.

RAVENNA FESTIVAL

Ravenna (Emilia Romagna): 5 June –11 July 2014 www.ravennafestival.org

Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city of Ravenna hosts a summer music festival each year in its many theatres and churches. The Byzantine basilicas, cloisters and piazzas provide a superb backdrop combining art and music. The Ravenna Festival attracts the finest artists and opera companies in the world and this 24th edition will include apart from opera and classical music also dance, jazz, films and exhibitions. This year some events will be dedicated to the centenary of WW1.

SUED-TIROL JAZZ FESTIVAL ALTO ADIGE

South-Tyrol, 27 June- 6 July 2014 www.suedtiroljazzfestival.com

On of the most important music festivals Europe-wide is taking place over eight days with the finest jazz music performed by internationally acclaimed musicians in various venues in four of South Tyrol major towns. The most varied concerts comprising a mixture of the traditional and the modern will take place in the refined atmosphere of South Tyrol’s castles and manor houses, though also in towns and squares, favoured by the balmy summer climate.

FESTIVAL DEI DUE MONDI

Spoleto (Umbria): 27 June- 13 July 2014 www.festivaldispoleto.com

This international art, culture and music festival is regarded as one of the most important cultural events in Italy. Its program distinguishes itself for outstanding original, innovative and, at times, exclusive performances.

SOUNDS OF THE DOLOMITES

Trentino Region: 29 June - 28 August 2014 www.isuonidelledolomiti.it

Sounds of the Dolomites is a trek along the paths of nature and art towards a horizon that opens to the vibrations and echoes of all the music in the world. Everyone sets off together, music and mountain lovers, musicians and the public. The walk continues step by step towards the summit. The concert, at the end of the walk, is an encounter with art and nature. The musician carries his instrument on his shoulder, sits on the grass or rock and plays in the centre of the public, in a natural venue.

UMBRIA JAZZ

Umbria Region: 11-20 July 2014 www.umbriajazz.com

This is the summer edition of this important cultural event in the region of Umbria that brings together two apparently contradictory elements: the music of the New World – jazz – and the scenery and Medieval buildings of the towns in Umbria, Perugia and Orvieto (winter edition). The concerts take place in the towns’ historic centres creating a unique atmosphere.

ESTATE MUSICALE CHIGIANA

Provinces of Siena and Grosseto (Tuscany): July-August 2014 www.chigiana.it

The churches, abbeys and theatres of the province of Siena and Grosseto are the enchanting settings for the Chigiana Summer, featuring maestros of international music. The yearly rich concert programme is bolstered by students from the “Alto Perfezionamento” courses that are held in the historic seat of the Accademia during the months of July and August, frequented each year by around 600 talented young musicians from more than 50 countries.

FESTIVAL OF ANCIENT MUSIC

Urbino (Marche): 19-28 July 2014 www.fima-online.org

The Urbino Ancient Music Festival usually starts with a concert in the magnificent courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale. Other concerts will be held in various location in the Capital of the Renaissance, Urbino, including St Francis Church.

FOLKFEST

Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto Region: 3 – 27 July 2014 www.folkest.com

The festival is performed in 30 different towns in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in North-East Italy. The programme is bursting with culture and includes artists from India, Canada, South America, Hungary, USA, Israel etc. Concerts will be held in the area’s villas, castles and villages.

TEATRO DEL SILENZIO

Lajatico (Tuscany): 20 and 22 July 2014 www.teatrodelsilenzio.it

Andrea Bocelli will sing at this annual appointment for lovers of good music and opera at the magic open air Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence) in Lajatico, Tuscany on 20 July in a concert called “Pathos” and will be joined by Placido Domingo as conductor. On 22 July there will be a concert by the world renowned Italian film music composer Ennio Morricone where he will play his most famous film music works.

17th BAVENO FESTIVAL UMBERTO GIORDANO

Baveno, Lake Maggiore (Piedmont): 10-20 July 2014 www.festivalgiordano.it

The most important festival in Italy dedicated to Umberto Giordano’s leading figure, a famous Italian composer who loved spending his holidays and work-time on Lake Maggiore, in the marvellous Villa Fedora. International artists will perform in unusual locations on the Lake.

MUSICA RIVA FESTIVAL

Riva del Garda (Trentino):19 July – 2 August 2014 www.musicarivafestival.com

This is a music festival of the highest level, entertaining the audience with performances and events and which represent a fundamental meeting point for young musicians from around the world. The event puts in the spotlight artists of diverse origins from classical music to dance and includes a competition dedicated to the musician Riccardo Zandonai.

53rd STRESA FESTIVAL

Stresa (Piedmont): 24 July - 6 September 2014 www.stresafestival.eu

Stresa Festival opens its doors to the public one more time with three themed events, held in a number of venues (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Val d’Ossola) on various dates. This year’s event includes international stars such as Johannes Moser, the Orchestra and Choir of Turin’s Teatro Regio singers Angela Meade, John Osborn and Fabio Capitanucci, pianist Tzimon Barto and the London Philarmonic Orchestra among others.

SFERISTERIO OPERA FESTIVAL

Macerata (Marche): 18 July – 9 August 2014 www.sferisterio.it

This will be the 50th edition of the Festival and it will be dedicated to women with the staging of three great operas : Aida, Tosca and La Traviata. The Opera Festival is hosted almost entirely in the magnificent theatreshaped Sferisterio, unique in its architectural genre. Designed in 1823 by architect Ireneo Aleandri, it derives its name and its half-circumference shaped plan from the name of the game played inside: the “armband ball” or Pallone col bracciale. 

60th PUCCINI FESTIVAL

Torre del Lago (Tuscany): 25 July – 30 August 2014 www.puccinifestival.it

Torre del Lago hosts the Festival Puccini, created by Puccini himself, since 1930. The outdoor theatre, close to Villa Mausoleo where the Master’s remains lie, is an amazing setting to enjoy the music of one of the most outstanding and esteemed Italian artists worldwide. Operas on show in 2014 are: Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, Turandot and Il Trittico (Il Tabarro-Suor Angelica-Gianni Schicchi)

ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL

Pesaro (Marche): 10 - 22 August 2014 www.rossinioperafestival.it

This festival is entirely dedicated to the music and operas of Goacchino Rossini, who was born in the Le Marche city of Pesaro. This year will be the 35th edition of the festival and the programme includes: new productions of : Armida, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Aureliano in Palmira, Petite Messe Solennelle, Viaggio a Reims.

15° EDITION OF SUMMER JAMBOREE

Senigallia (Marche): 2-10 August 2014 www.summerjamboree.com

This music Festival is dedicated to the music and culture in America in the ’40s and ’50s with live concerts of dj set swing, rock’n’roll, jive, doo-wop, rhythm’n’blues, hill-billy e western swing .Stands will sell: juke box, hats, gadgets, guitars, vynils, CDs and other objects of that era. There will also be a ‘40s and ‘50s classic cars show.

BUSKERS FESTIVAL

Ferrara (Emilia Romagna): 21 – 31 August 2014 www.ferrarabuskers.com

The Ferrara’s Buskers Festival attracts 800.000 spectators a year and 35 different nations are represented in this music event, of the biggest events in the world dedicated to busking. It was founded in 1988 to promote the works of street artists and with the famous Ferrara Este’s fortress as backdrop, it is sure to impress.

SARTEANO JAZZ & BLUES

Sarteano, near Siena (Tuscany): 23-25 August 2014 www.sarteanojazz.it

This is an unmissable event for lovers of jazz and blues. The medieval town centres of Sarteano and Castiglioncello host internationally acclaimed artists, marching band parades and photography exhibition.

MITO SETTEMBRE MUSICA

Turin (Piedmont) and Milan (Lombardy): September 2014 – various locations (programme tbc) www.mitosettembremusica.it

This is a major festival developed from the thirty years experience of Settembre Musica which connects Turin and Milan, in a programme of refined and stirring concerts: the world’s best orchestras, baroque opera, medieval music, the great maestros of contemporary music and the music from the most distant places; jazz, open-air shows, night-time concerts...

SAGRA MUSICALE MALATESTINA

Rimini (Emilia Romagna): August and September 2014 www.sagramusicalemalatestiana.it

2014 is the 65th Anniversary of the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana The Sagra Musicale Malatestiana has hosted the most prestigious conductors, soloists and orchestra’s firmament of international music and it is one of the most precious cultural and civic heritages as well as a prestigious cultural event, among the most long-lived in Italy.

FOOD & WINE EVENTS CALICI DI STELLE

Every region in Italy, various locations: 5-10 August 2014 http://www.movimentoturismovino.it/it/eventi/3/calici-di-stelle/

This event, organized by the Movimento Turismo del Vino is their most important summer event and is held between 5 and 10 August and on the night between 9 and 10 August under the shooting stars in the most beautiful wine-producing locations in Italy. Wine tastings are organized by sommeliers’ associations of the region to inform and help the visitors to appreciate the local wines.

44TH EXPO OF CHIANTI CLASSICO

Greve in Chianti (Tuscany): 11-14 September 2014 www.expochianticlassico.com

This will be the 44th edition of this traditional wine festival that celebrates the famous Chianti wine in the heart of the Chianti region in Tuscany. Tastings, stalls, music and more await the visitors.

MANGIALONGA, WALKING AND FOOD IN PIEDMONT

La Morra, Langhe area (Piedmont): 31 August 2014 www.mangialonga.it

A festival not to be missed! Mangialonga is a noncompetitive walk in the wonderful hills and vineyards of La Morra, in the renowned wine producing area of the Langhe in Piedmont. The Mangialonga is a festive and gourmet appointment to join friends and taste the typical products of the Langhe and prestige wines.The 4km trail crosses beautiful landscapes which combine with local culinary delicacies to make it a unique event with people coming from all over the world.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MACARONI PASTA FROM CAMPOFILONE

Campofilone, Fermo (Marche): 8-11 August 2014 www.comune.campofilone.fm.it

The delightful town of Campofilone is the host of the National Festival of the macaroni pasta, its most typical dish, prepared with the best durum wheat and eggs, a recipe which has been handed down from mothers to daughters. The festival promotes the production of this traditional dish that can be tasted with the typical meat ragu’ in restaurants and trattorias of the town.

“CHIANINA” BEEF STEAK FESTIVAL IN CORTONA

Cortona (Tuscany): 14-5 August 2014 www.cortonaweb.net

Thousands of Chanina (typical breed of this part of Tuscany) beef steaks are grilled on a 14sqm grill in the centre of the medieval town of Cortona in Tuscany. Local wines and other delicacies are on offer to the visitors.

DOUJA D’OR

Food and wine festival in Asti (Piedmont), first 15 days in Sept. www.doujador.it

17TH PARMA HAM FESTIVAL

Parma, Langhirano and all the towns of Parma ham production area (Emilia Romagna): 15-21 Sept. 2014 www.festivaldelprosciuttodiparma.com

Festival del Proscuitto di Parma, the festival of that well known ham is held in the city with the same name. Each year this annual celebration brings over 100,000 visitors to the area, who then indulge in consuming more than 1,000 different types of ham. One of the main attractions of the festival is the “Open Doors” tradition of the ham factories, which offers visitors a unique chance to discover that the 10 million Parma Hams produced each year by the 164 companies of the Parma Ham Consortium, are still made today like they were two thousand years ago, using only two ingredients: the prized Italian pig leg and a pinch of sea salt.

FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS LA NOTTE ROSA – PINK NIGHT

Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna: 5-6 July 2014 www.lanotterosa.it

For one night the entire Riviera turns pink. There will be shows, events, theatre sets, and scenery. Each resort will interpret the theme in a creative and original way. The whole Riviera will become an enormous stage where everyone has a part to play. La Notte Rosa will take place all along the coast, from the Lidos of Comacchio to Cattolica, but the heart of the event is the Riviera of Rimini. It is an event that attracts thousands of Italians to head to the Adriatic coast and is fast becoming an international attraction.

BICENTENNIAL OF NAPOLEON’S LANDING ON ELBA ISLAND

Island of Elba (Tuscany) 2014-2015 www.napoleoneimperatoreelba2014.it/en/

To celebrate 200 years from the landing of Napoleon on the Italian Island of Elba, off the coast of Tuscany, there will be a full programme of cultural and folklore events – and historical reenactments. Among the cultural events, there will be the exhibition of Napoleon’s field tent at the Demidoff gallery of Villa S.Martino and the reopening of Palace of the Mills following a first round of interventions aimed at restoring the original layout as wanted by the Emperor himself. One of the main events will be the celebrations for Napoleon’s birthday on 15 August. The programme includes dances, stalls, shows, regattas, screenings and fireworks in Portoferrato to celebrate Napoleon’s birthday on 15th August; these events are preceded by the Palio of the antenna of PortoAzzurro on 14th August and the re-enactment of his meeting with Maria Waleska at the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary in Marciana, all the way until 26th February 2015, when the Emperor left and sailed towards the Golfe-Juan to meet his definitive fate, ranging from the success of Paris to the smashing defeat of Waterloo.

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Venice (Veneto): 27 August – 6 Sept 2014 www.labiennale.org

Venice will host the 71st Edition of this film festival, one of the oldest and most famous. Thousands of visitors, dozens of stars and hundreds of projections are crammed into ten days of fabulous festivities and parties. The Festival is hosted at the Lido Island in the Venice Lagoon.

FESTIVALETTERATURA

Mantova (Lombardy): 3-7 September 2014 www.festivaletteratura.it

This will be the 18th edition of the Festival of Literature and offers cultural events, readings, shows, concerts, all full of fun and originality.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORICAL EVENTS QUINTANA OF ASCOLI PICENO

Ascoli Piceno (Marche): 5 August 2014 www.quintanadiascoli.it

Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, hosts each year the historical Quintana, a re-enactment of Medieval customs and practices. The participants are dressed in Medieval costumes and walk in procession along the streets of the city in each “sestiere” (city quarter), followed by flag bearers and archers. In the restaurants of the city one can taste typical food and wine and the festivities culminate with the blessing of the knights participanting to the Palio by the city’s Bishop and the Palio itself.

CAVALCATA DELL’ASSUNTA in FERMO

Fermo (Marche): August 15th 2014 www.cavalcatadellassunta.it

The ten “Contrade” (quarters) of the medieval town of Fermo participate with 650 men and women in historical costumes to a horse race every year on 15 August (Ferragosto) in the centre of town. Flag bearers, side shows and food and wine will entertain the visitors.

THE PALIO OF SIENA

Siena (Tuscany) July 2nd/ August 16th 2014 www.comune.siena.it

Everyday life grinds to a halt as Siena celebrates its most ancient and sacred ritual: horses and riders representing ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade, or districts, race around the ring of tufo rock that covers the Piazza del Campo. On 2 July and 16 August the long afternoon begins in the heart of each contrada with the blessing of the horses, followed by the historical parade to the piazza. Finally, there is the race itself: the victorious contrada bears the banner triumphantly to the Provenzano Basilica for the “te deum” thanksgiving to the Madonna ( 2 June) or to the Madonna Assunta (16 August).

PALIO DEI NORMANNI DI PIAZZA ARMERINA

Piazza Armerina (Sicily): 12,13, 14 August 2014 www.feditgiochistorici.it

Plutia (the old Piazza Armerina) is home to the most ancient medieval event in Southern Italy which takes place every year from August 12-14 in honour of Madonna Maria SS. Delle Vittorie. The event is a reenactment of Sicily being conquered in 1060 by the Normans, led by Ruggero of Altavilla. At the end of the event, the whole procession parades through the main streets, triumphantly displaying the city flag along with its winners.

MEDIEVALIS, MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

Pontremoli (Tuscany): 21-24 August 2014 www.medievalis.org

“Medievalis” is the a Medieval festival that occurs every year in Pontremoli in northern Tuscany. It re-enacts the concession of the status of free Municipality to Pontremoli in 1226 by Emperor Frederick II. For 4 days Pontremoli re-lives this event with groups of actors dressed and Medieval knights and dames, horse-drawn carriages, merchants all dressed in traditional costumes. There will be duels, falcon games, dinners with typical dishes of the 13th century and jousting tournaments and more.

BRAVIO DELLE BOTTI

Montepulciano (Tuscany): Last Sunday of August , 24 August 2014 www.braviodellebotti.com

The eight contrade, or districts, of Montepulciano compete to win a painted banner by rolling 80 kg barrels uphill along a 1,800 metre route. The route is chosen in advance, and there are eight starting points, set out in two rows. Each contrada’s barrel is placed in the position assigned to it by the lot that is drawn on the morning of the race. As the bell tolls in the Town Hall bell tower the umpire gives the signal for the race to start. Two men, the “pushers”, roll the barrels along the competition route, winding up through the evocative streets of the old town centre of Montepulciano to the Cathedral churchyard in the Piazza Grande. In the days leading up to the race Montepulciano celebrates the traditional Candle Procession, with a parade though the beautiful city streets in period costume, illuminated only by torchlight.

THE MACCHINA DI SANTA ROSA PROCESSION

Viterbo (Lazio): September 3rd 2014 www.facchinidisantarosa.it

Each year the Medieval town of Viterbo in Lazio renews the festivities in honour of its Holy Patron. The Trasporto della Macchina di Santa Rosa, a procession which takes place in the evening of September 3rd to commemorate the relocation of the body of Saint Rosa from the Church of Santa Maria del Poggio to the church of San Damiano (the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa). The Macchina di Santa Rosa is a gigantic structure, nearly 30 metres high, which is carried through the streets by a large team of strong local men. Contests are held to select designs for the Macchina, which is replaced every five years.

SAGRA DEL FUOCO – FIRE FESTIVAL

Recco (Genoa, Liguria): From 6th to 8th September, www.sagradelfuoco.it

The celebrations in honour of the N.S. del Suffragio are known all over Italy, for the grandeur of the firework displays, which explode to illuminate the sky of Recco. It is the 7 quarters of Recco which challenge each other; they avail themselves of the best Italian masters of fireworks displays. In concomitance, the solemn procession of 8th September takes place; it unwinds through the roads of the town with the Arca Argentea Suffragina and the magnificent wooden Crucifixes of the Ligurian Brotherhoods.

HISTORICAL REGATTA

Venice (Veneto): 7 September 2014 www.regatastoricavenezia.it

The Grand Canal every year during the first Sunday of September becomes a theatre for one of the greatest of Venetian events, the Historical Regatta, dating back to 1315 under the rule of doge Giovanni Soranzo. The Historical Regatta starts out with the colourful procession on water, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the Venetian rowing clubs, but also the women’s race on Mascarete and that of the youngsters Pupperini.

ARCO ASBURGICA (HABSBURG ARCO)

Arco (Trentino): 7, 13-14 September 2014 www.arcoasburgica.it

Arco is a delightful town in Trentino and every year it revives the enchanting atmosphere of past times, when the Empress Sissi of Habsburg used to holiday here with her court. Girls dressed as dames and men as gentlemen in typical Habsburg costumes fill the streets of the town, music, dances and finally a Habsburg afternoon tea will entertain the visitors.

PALIO DI ASTI

Asti (Piedmont): 21 September 2014 www.palio.asti.it

One of the oldest Palio’s in Italy this colourful event sees 21 contestants relive the ancient tradition of the Palio in the historic centre of this charming Piedmont town, famous for its sparkling wine, the Asti spumante. In the days preceding the race, visitors can enjoy many collateral and preparatory events: the Palio of the Flag-wavers, the colourful flea market, the trials of the jockeys on the field. The Palio itself is a difficult challenge requiring all the participants’ strength and skill, passion and courage as only one of them will win possession of the crimson banner with the coat of arms of the city and the image of its Patron Saint.

SPORT 89th EDITION OF THE PALIO DEL GOLFO

La Spezia (Liguria): 3 August 2014, www.paliodelgolfo.it

The thirteen hamlets of the Gulf compete to win the Palio aboard handmade boats built by local craftsmen, with special characteristics that make them agile and fast. The sport competition is preceded by parades, events, shows and meetings, which liven up the entire town for days; it finishes late in the evening on the first Sunday of August, with fireworks displays.

BARCOLANA – SAIL RACE

Trieste (Friuli Venezia Giulia): 12 October 2014 www.barcolana.it

Every year more than two thousand sails meet in the Gulf of Trieste. The 16 mile nautical route, Europe’s biggest sailing event and the only regatta in the world to set a single start line for so many yachts.