Italy’s cultural events and festivals celebrate saint’s feast days, film festivals, seasonal foods, dramatic opera, ballet and the recently instituted Notte Bianca, a city-wide celebration that’s a great excuse to stay up all night. The evocative settings for many events are outstanding, like the Verona opera festival in a Roman amphitheatre or the Taormina film festival below the Mt Etna volcano in Sicily. Religious festivals include lavish processions and fireworks while food festivals in Italy celebrate everything from Artichokes to Zabaglione.
Posted In: Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
The city of Modica, Sicily re-blossoms during the first annual contest for the most beautifully decorated balcony in town called Modica Città Ri-fiorita. An initiative not without political contoversy, however.
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Learn how to make gift chocolates at our chocolate making class in Umbria, and save 25%.
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Franco Zeffirelli’s spectacular stage sets are not to be missed at the 2010 Arena of Verona Opera Festival, held in the Roman amphitheatre.
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April 16-25, 2010 marks Italy’s 12th annual Culture Week, or Settimana della Cultura, during which visitors enjoy free entry to state-run museums and archeological sites.
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The Madonna in Italy may not sing and dance, but on Easter Sunday she runs across the piazza in Sulmona, while in the town of Modica, the Easter Madonna is known for her kisses. Follow these fascinating Easter celebrations in Italy, during processions in Abruzzo and Sicily.
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A stunning collection of Caravaggio’s work is on display at a special exhibition in Rome, and includes works on loan from museums around the world.
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Late February brings the first sightings of a mysterious wild iris blooming in Sicily, while legends connect this wildflower to San Giuseppe.
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The Vatican Museums are home to one of the finest collections of art in the world, and special after-hours tours of the Vatican allow you to savor this extraordinary tour experience without the crowds.
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An off-beat theater piece at the zoological museum in Bologna uses the museum’s mysterious atmosphere to create a very scary visit and tour.
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Our Piedmont Vineyards & Lakes walking tour is the focus of an article in Ensemble’s Vacation Magazine, with highlights of our truffle-hunting during the truffle fair in Alba.
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When visiting Florence with kids, keep them entertained at the Animani exhibition of Mario Mariotti’s whimsical work, and have fun with a hands-on creative workshop for children.
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Huge sweet onions are on sale at the Giarratana Onion Festival in Sicily, where you can join the celebration with Italian families feasting on onion-based dishes.
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