2013 calendar of italian events

2013 CALENDAR OF ITALIAN EVENTS
Major events include: special celebrations, festivals and events, art exhibitions, sport events, historical reenactments, folklore events, Carnivals, new museums and art spaces and more….
ART EXIBITIONS
EMPEROR CONSTANTINE – 313 d.c.
Milan – Palazzo Reale
Until 17 March 2013
www.mostracostantino.it
This exhibition celebrates the Edict of Constantine in 313 d.c. where he declares the
legality of the profession of the Christian faith in the Roman Empire which took place
in Milan (then called Mediolanum). Figurative art, armoury, imperial portraits, object
of cult, with particular attention reserved for Constantine’s mother, St Helen.
THE DAYS OF ROME. THE AGE OF BALANCE
Rome - Musei Capitolini
Until 31 March 2013
http://english.romaexhibit.it/mostre/i-giorni-di-roma-let-dellequilibrio
Third event of the "The Days of Rome" series, the exhibition will explore the artistic production of the
"golden age" of Roman art coinciding with the principalities of Trajan (98-117 AD) and Hadrian (117-138
AD), offering a representative overview of the works produced during those forty years, a period of artistic
and political ferment, with a balance in the relationship among the Emperors, the Senate and the Army.
GIAMBATTISTA TIEPOLO, LIGHT, FORM, COLOUR, EMOTION
Codroipo (Friuli V.G.) – Villa Manin
Until 7 April 2013
www.villamanin-eventi.it
Several outstanding paintings by one of the most celebrated painter in Europe during
the eighteenth century will adorn the sumptuous rooms of Villa Manin in Passariano,
the spectacular residence of the last Doge of Venice, lavishly set in the vast Friulian
plain and widely acknowledged as one of the most important Venetian villas for
beauty and historic significance. The carefully selected paintings of religious and
secular subjects illustrate the entire artistic career of Giambattista Tiepolo (Venice
1696 - Madrid 1770), from his early productions as a young artist to the late mature
works that firmly established him as a first-class painter.
MIRO’ POETRY AND LIGHT
Genoa – Palazzo Ducale
Until 17 April 2013
www.mostramiro.it
This exhibition dedicated to the Catalan painter is one of the biggest ever held in Italy, there are more than 80
works of art on display: paintings, bronzes, watercolours. Also on display are brushes, objects and original
tools belonging to the master.
GIUSEPPE DE NITTIS
Padua – Palazzo Zabarella
19 Jan – 26 May 2013
www.zabarella.it
120 masterpieces on loan from the most prestigious museums
and public collections in Italy and France will be on view in
the most important exhibition ever organized about one of the
undisputed maestros of nineteenth-century European painting.
The international stature enjoyed by De Nittis – together with
Boldini the greatest of the Italiens de Paris – is due to the fact
that he succeeded in bearing comparison with Manet, Degas
and the Impressionists, with whom he shared not a language
of painting, but the aspiration to revolutionize the very idea of painting itself. He also tackled the same issues
as his French peers: landscape, portraiture and modern life, captured in De Nittis’ case in the streets of the two
great cities that were the world capitals of art and cosmopolitanism in his day: Paris and London.
BRUEGHEL, THE FASCINATING WORLD OF FLEMISH ART
Rome - Chiostro del Bramante
Until 2 June 2013
www.chiostrodelbramante.it
This exhibition celebrates the Brueghel dynasty, a
family of Flemish painters who made an indelible mark
on the history of European art in the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries. More than 100 selected
paintings and drawings provide a wonderful
opportunity to admire unique masterpieces: the
beautiful snowy Northern European landscapes, rural
scenes, village fetes and still lives, all of which strike us for their meticulous attention to detail. The works are
reflections on human existence, bringing together the sacred and the profane, faith and superstition, the cult of
beauty and the seductive qualities of the grotesque.
PIETRO BEMBO AND THE INVENTION OF THE RENAISSANCE
Padua – Palazzo del Monte
2 Feb – 19 May 2013
www.mostrabembo.it
Heralded as one of the most important art exhibitions in Padua in 2013, “Pietro Bembo e
l’invenzione del Rinascimento” brings back to life, for a few months, the refined cultural
atmosphere of the Italian Renaissance. After five centuries the great works of Pietro
Bembo return to Padua within an Italian Renaissance exhibition: bronzes, coins, antique
sculptures, gems, but also major works by Tiziano, Mantegna, Raffaello… masterpieces
which the great patron of the arts gathered at his home during his stay in Padua in early
1500.
BORDERLINE: ARTISTS BETWEEN NORMALITY AND MADNESS
Ravenna – MAR Museum
17 Feb – 16 Jun 2013
www.museocitta.ra.it
This exhibition examines the link between psychological abnormalities and art,
a subject which has often fascinated art critics and psychologists alike. In
particular, together with established artists, the exhibition will also show works
of several artists belonging to the Art Brut. On show works by: Bosch, Dali’,
Goya, Basquiat, Ligabue among others.
TITIAN
Rome - Scuderie del Quirinale
1 Feb – 30 Jun 3013
www.scuderiequirinale.it
Indifferent to artistic fashions and trends, wrapped up in conveying the emotive truth of
his portrayals, Titian was fated to go down in history as the greatest painter of his time
and as the portrait painter of the rich and powerful throughout the known world.
Saturated colours suggested depth and distances reconstructed like a mosaic, with small
patches or touches and strokes of the brush, imperceptible marks that manage to
vibrantly convey his figures' emotions.
FROM BOTTICELLI TO MATISSE
Verona – Palazzo della Gran Guardia
2 Feb – 13 Apr 2013
www.veronissima.com
The exhibition will open in Verona, in a prestigious location such as the
Palazzo della Gran Guardia, right in front of the Arena. The heart of the
exhibition is represented by a hundred works and examines the importance of
portrait painting throughout the ages. Paintings by: Beato Angelico,
Caravaggio, Botticelli, El Greco, Mantegna, Van Dyck, Rubens, Velasquez,
Monet, Gaugin, Modigliani, Picasso, Bacon among others.
ITALIAN SUCCESS IN PARIS DURING THE IMPRESSIONISM TIME – MAISON GOUPIL
Rovigo – Palazzo Roverella
22 Feb – 23 Jun 2013
www.palazzoroverella.com
This exhibition borrows from the Musee Goupil in Bordeaux works of art, seldom seen
outside France, of Italian artists operating during the Impressionism period in Paris and
working under the patronage of the Maison Goupil. Works by Boldini, Capriani, Corcos,
Mancini among others.
SPRINGTIME OF THE RENAISSANCE, SCULPTURE AND ARTS IN FLORENCE, 1400-1460
Palazzo Strozzi
21 March – 18 August 2013
www.palazzostrozzi.org
This exhibition sets out to illustrate the origin of what is still known today as the
“miracle” of the Renaissance in Florence predominantly through masterpieces of
sculpture, the form of figurative art in which it was first embodied. Visitors to the
exhibition will be able to admire many Renaissance masterpieces, including works by
Ghiberti, Donatello, Dello Delli, Filippo Lippi, Nanni di Bartolo, Agostino di Duccio,
Michelozzo, Francesco di Valdambrino and Mino da Fiesole, in their newly-conserved
splendour.
FIRE AND ICE, THE RUSSIAN AVANT-GARDE, SIBERIA AND THE EAST
Florence - Palazzo Strozzi
21 September 2012 – 19 January 2014
www.palazzostrozzi.org
This is the first international exhibition to examine the fundamental importance of the Oriental and
Eurasian connection to Russian Modernism, following the destinies of Russia’s self-proclaimed
“Barbarians” in their search for new sources of artistic inspiration. Emphasising the key role which
radical Russian artists played in the development of Modern art over a century ago, the exhibition
underlines their complex relationship with the Orient (both the Russian East and the Far East).
Featuring artists are: Léon Bakst, Alexandre Benois, Pavel Filonov, Natalia Goncharova, Wassily
Kandinsky, Mikhail Larionov, Kazimir Malevich among others.
“TOWARDS MONET”, LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN EUROPE AND AMERICA FROM
THE 17TH TO THE 2OTH CENTURY
Verona – Palazzo della Gran Guardia
26 Oct 2013 – 9 Nov 2014
www.lineadombra.it
Landscape painting is at the heart of this exhibition at the prestigious
location of Palazzo della Gran Guardia, right in front of the Arena. 90
paintings will be on show following a chronological order from the 17th
to the 20th century, paintings where the landscape, nature in all its forms
take centre stage rather than being only a mere background. Works by:
Poussain, Van Ruisdael, Canaletto, Bellotto, Turner, Constable, Sisley,
Pissarro, Manet, Cezanne, Gaugin and finally Monet among others.
NEW MUSEUMS AND ART SPACES/CITY CARDS
L’OFFICINA DELLE ZATTERE - NEW ART VENUE IN VENICE
www.officinadellezattere.it
L’Officina delle Zattere was inaugurated at the end of 2012 in the Fondamenta Nani, in front of the Squero di
San Trovaso. It is the result of a careful restoration of a ‘50s building and covers an area of 600sqm, has 8
exhibition rooms, two rest areas and an open air space of 100sqm that can host sculpture exhibitions.
THE UFFIZI OPENS TWO NEW ROOMS
Florence
www.uffizi.org
The Uffizi Galleries have re-opened the Sala Niobe after a period of closure due to urgent restoration work
together with two new rooms, one dedicated to works of Vasari and Allori and one be dedicated to painters of
the 16th century.
THE “LANTERNA” (LIGHTHOUSE) RE-OPENS IN GENOA
www.liguri.org/lantern a/lighthouse.asp
A well known symbol of Genoa, La Lanterna (Lighthouse) was re-opened to the public. Anyone who wishes
to get the best views of the city and the port can now climb the 172 steps to the first terrace. The Lanterna
which stands 177 metres tall is clearly visible form 50km away and was built in 1543 has its own museum
exhibiting objects relating to its function such as lamps and lenses as well as old films on Genoa and its port.
NEW ROMAN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES NOW OPEN
Thanks to the efforts of the Touring Club Italia and its volunteers, visitors can now visit 3 archaeological sites
previously closed to the public. The Villa di Massenzio is located on the Appian Way, it comprises a
mausoleum dedicated to the Emperor’s son Romolo, the Casale Torlonia and the roman circus, one of the best
preserved in Roman history. The Museo delle Mura is a new museum built within Porta San Sebastiano, one
of the ancient Roman access ways into the city from the Aurelian Walls, from its terraces one can admire a
breathtaking view over Rome. Finally, after 20 years of closure, the Sepolcro degli Scipioni (Scipio’s tomb)
can now be visited, the monument was built in the 3rd century b.c. and contains the tombs of several members
of the Scipio’s Consular family.
NEW! OPENING MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Trento, July 2013
www.muse2012.eu
Countdown is now under way to the opening of MuSe, the new Trentino Science Museum designed by Renzo
Piano, scheduled for July 2013. The great architect has integrated into his design the Trentino philosophy of
glocal: act locally, think globally. The building being constructed incorporates a horizontal dimension, which
refers to globalisation, in harmonious coexistence with the vertical dimension, a clear reference to the
mountains. The highest part of MuSe will, in fact, be dedicated to the mountains: visitors will be pitched into
the icy atmosphere of a three thousand metre peak and will experience the feeling of hurling down snowy
slopes like an extreme skier or of leaping from the rock face on a paraglider.
NEW SPORT MUSEUM IN TURIN
www.olympicstadiumturin.org
The new Sport Museum is the first of its kind in Italy and is located in the Olympic Stadium in Turin which
hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006. On display are more than 50 Olympic medals, 100 World Titles and
thousands of Italian Championship trophies. The museum comprises 5 rooms on 2 floors offering as well as
exhibits also films, multimedia tools etc.
NEW TREVISO CARD
www.trevisocard.it
Treviso, in the Veneto Region has launched his “Treviso card” to offer a comprehensive array of services in
Treviso and its surroundings. The card has the validity of 24 (€12(, 48 (€17) or 72 (€22) hours and allows free
access to The Municipality Museums, the Palladian Villas (Maser and Emo), the Canova museum, bike
sharing service in Treviso, transport and discounts in restaurants, shops, wine shops, hotels, B&Bs etc.
FESTIVALS AND OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS
VERONA IN LOVE
Verona – 14-17 February 2013
www.veronainlove.it
Verona is the town where the romance of Romeo and Juliet unfolded. Verona in Love, held around Valentine's
Day, sees red, heart-shaped lanterns illuminating the streets. Free concerts with a romantic theme take place
on Piazza dei Signori Square.
63ª EDITION OF THE “FESTIVAL DELLA CANZONE ITALIANA”
Sanremo, Liguria
From 12th to 16th February2013
www.sanremo.rai.it
The Festival of the Italian song, also known as Festival di Sanremo, was born in 1951. Nowadays it is held in
the Ariston Theatre of Sanremo. During the years, its formula has experienced various changes; however, it is
essentially a contest in which different singers propose original songs (they must remain unreleased until the
festival, otherwise they are disqualified), composed by Italian authors, which are voted by a jury or by the
public, according to the editions. In over fifty years of history, the majority of famous Italian singers has taken
part in this festival. The first editions of the Festival, from 1951 to 1954, were exclusively broadcasted by
radio from the Sanremo Casino; subsequently the contest became mainly a television event. Currently the
event is broadcasted live and in Eurovision by Raiuno. Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana - Tel. +39 06.3613719 www.sanremo.rai.it
16° DOLOMITI SKI JAZZ
Val di Fiemme, Trentino
March 9th – 16th
www.dolomitiskijazz.com
Under the Spring sun, the most seductive landscapes of Val di Fiemme become the
setting of one of the most important music festival in the Alps: it’s the “Dolomiti Ski
Jazz”, a peculiar event combining the passions of music and skiing. The most beloved
European and world-famous American jazz musicians will be pouring on Val di
Fiemme’s slopes, pubs and theatres the notes of the 16th Dolomiti Ski Jazz festival.
Its formula proposes eight days of concerts and jam sessions, performed along the
skiing slopes and in the main towns of the valley. The magic notes of jazz invade
mountain malgas and huts, schools, pubs and night clubs. Black music from New Orleans marries the whitest
of environments, sealing a suggestive and fascinating union.
MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO FESTIVAL
Teatro Comunale – Florence – May 2 / June 24 2013
www.maggiofiorentino.com
This is one of the oldest traditional cultural events in Florence. The Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina was born in
1928 and in 1933 it organized the first edition of the Festival, which, over the years grew to international fame.
The Festival has its own Ballet Company called Maggio Dance. Programme this year includes: Don Carlo,
Macbeth, The Rape of Lucretia, various concerts directed by Claudo Abbado and Daniel Baremboim
ARENA DI VERONA
Verona – June 14 / September 2013
www.arena.it
This year the Arena celebrates 100 years and the International
Opera Festival presents a rich calendar of events. The operas to
be performed are: Aida, Romeo et Juliet, Nabucco, Traviata,
Trovatore, Rigoletto, plus Requiem Mass , a Verdi Gala and
Placido Domingo’s Gala. Arena di Verona welcomes once
again artists and public in its magnificent setting.
RAVELLO CONCERTS, in Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Villa Rufolo, Ravello – April 3 / October 30 2013
www.ravelloarts.org
In Spring and Autumn, far from the Summer’s 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.
CLASSICAL GREEK THEATRE FESTIVAL IN SIRACUSA
Siracusa, Sicily
11 May – 23 June 2013
www.indafondazione.org
Classical Greek theatrical representation in the magical atmosphere of
the Greek Theatre in Siracusa, this year’s programme includes: Oedipus
Rex and Antigone by Sophocles and Women in Parliament by
Aristophanes.
SAN GALGANO OPERA FESTIVAL
Chiusdino, Siena
June-August 2013 (dated tba)
www.festivalopera.it
This festival stands out for its programme, which focuses on the most significant opera and symphony
productions, and for its intent to enhance historical sites through high level shows. A fascinating combination
attracting thousands of spectators year after year.
BOLZANO DANZA
Bolzano – 15-27 July 2013
www.tanzbozen.it
The charming setting of Castel Firmiano hosts the Festival Bolzano Danza. The calendar includes opening
shows and side events alike.
59th PUCCINI FESTIVAL
Torre del Lago – July 12 / August 24 2013
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 2012 are: Cavalleria Rusticana, Il
Tabarro, Tosca, Turandot and Rigoletto.
ESTATE MUSICALE CHIGIANA
Siena, Montalcino, Asciano
July-August 2013
www.chigiana.it
The churches, abbeys and theatres of the province and city of Siena 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.
ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL
Pesaro, 10th August / 23rd August 2013
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 34th edition of the festival and the programme
includes: new productions of “William Tell” and “ L’Italiana in
Algeri”, “L’occasione fa il ladro”, “Viaggio a Reims” and “ La Donna
del Lago”.
SFERISTERIO OPERA FESTIVAL
Macerata, August 2013 (programme tbc)
www.sferisterio.it
The Opera Festival is hosted almost entirely in the magnificent theatre-shaped Sferisterio, unique in its
architectural genre. Designed in 1823 by architect Ireneo Aleandri, it derives its name and its halfcircumference shaped plan from the name of the game played inside: the “armband ball” or Pallone col
bracciale.
52th STRESA FESTIVAL
Stresa – 24 August - 7 September 2013
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.
MUSICA RIVA FESTIVAL
Riva del Garda (TN) –20 July – 3 August 2013 (programme tbc)
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.
14° EDITION OF SUMMER JAMBOREE
Senigallia, Marche
3-11 August 2013
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.
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Venice, 28 August – 7 Sept 2013 (programme tbc)
www.labiennale.org
Venice will host the 70th 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.
FESTIVAL OF THE MIND
Sarzana. 30 August – 1 September 2013
www.festivaldellamente.it
The first European festival that explores the theme of creativity and dynamic processes created by it in the
tireless research for understanding and growth, and takes place in the beautiful Medieval village of Sarzana in
Liguria. During the event there are meetings with artists, scientists and intellectuals to explain how the
processes of creative research can influence and change paths of life and thought.
MITO SETTEMBRE MUSICA
Turin and Milan
3 – 22 September 2013 – 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...
FESTIVALETTERATURA
Mantova –4-8 September 2013
www.festivaletteratura.it
This will be the 17th edition of the Festival of Literature and offers cultural events, readings, shows, concerts,
all full of fun and originality.
SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Genova – 23 October – 3 November 2013
www.festivalscienza.it
The Festival of Science is an important appointment for the
diffusion of science. The exhibition aims to make accessible to a
wider public the many scientific subjects it deals with. The
variety of events offered encompasses scientific and artistic
exhibitions, workshops, conferences and shows and enables the
public to interact with this material in an enjoyable way. The
theme this year will be :Beauty.
SPORT
RBS SIX NATIONS RUGBY TOURNAMENT
Rome – Stadio Olimpico
www.rbs6nations.com
The most important European Rugby Tournament returns to Italy (Stadio Olimpico in Rome) this year with
the following matches:
Italy - Wales on 23 February 2013
Italy - Ireland on 16 March 2013
ROME MARATHON
Rome – March 17 March 2013
www.maratonadiroma.it
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 nonprofessionals.
AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES IN NAPLES
Naples
16-21 April 2013
The prestigious America’s Cup World Series returns to Naples in April this year. The Neapolitan coastline is
undergoing extensive regeneration and the races just one of the projects currently undertaken by the
authorities to help this process. The AC World Series features tight, short race courses designed to deliver
close racing for the fans on shore as well as TV audiences. The innovative regatta format includes a mix of
speed trials, head-to-head match racing and all-out fleet racing. www.americascup.com.
GIRO D’ITALIA
Starts on 4 May 2013 in Naples, ends in Brescia on 26 May 2013
www.gazzetta.it
The most important bicycle race in Italy, the Giro d'Italia, dates back to May
1909. This year the Giro will start in Naples and will terminate in Brescia on
26 May.
MILLE MIGLIA
16-19 May 2013
www.1000miglia.eu
The most beautiful vintage cars in the world chosen to participate in the race each year are selected under
rigorous guidelines. The 2013 edition plans a departure from Brescia, journeying through Lake Garda, Padua,
Ferrara, Terni, Rome and then back to Brescia via Siena, Florence, Modena and Cremona.
SYMPATEX BIKE FESTIVAL GARDA TRENTINO
Riva del Garda, Trentino
3 – 5 May 2013
www.bikefestival.it
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.
Approx. 20.000 visitors will arrive at Riva, to celebrate the beginning of the moutainbike season with the
European SYMPATEX BIKE Festival Garda Trentino powered by NISSAN . Centre of all activities is the
great Expoarea at the Palazzo Congressi, this one directly on the shore Lake Garda lies and is from the
picturesque port of Riva only few steps away.
88th EDITION OF THE PALIO DEL GOLFO
1-4 August 2013 La Spezia
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 – October 2013 (dates tbc)
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.
TURIN MARATHON
Turin, 17 November 2013
www.turinmarathon.it
The Turin Marathon is a IAAF Golden Label Road Race. One of the most important 42km runs in the world
and destination for runners from all over the world, the marathon is a route full of history and tradition
showing all the atmosphere of a past which laid the foundations for constructing a united Italia. There will
concurrently be held the Stratorino, open to all, and the Junior Marathon, for children aged 0 to 16.
HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENTS/FOLKLORE
CARNIVAL OF VENICE
Venice – 26 Jan – 12 Feb 2013
www.carnevale.venezia.it
During the world’s most famous masked “open city “ party, every corner of Venice
flourishes with chances to have fun and becomes a multicoloured series of shows,
parades, masks and much more. St Mark’s Square, the true centre of the party, is
transformed into a continuous workshop of colours, masks, music and shows hosting
Carnival’s traditional events such as “Flight of the Angel” , “Festa delle Marie” and
“La Colombina”. Palaces throughout the city host grand masked balls for those who
want to immerse themselves in the Serenissima’s festive history.
CARNIVAL OF VIAREGGIO
Viareggio –3,10,12,17 and 24 February 2013
www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
The most flamboyant of all the Italian Carnivals, famous for its political satire will hosts the traditional shows
of gigantic paper-mache figures on colourful floats. See above dates.
Other events include: big parties, sports events, slang theatre show, food stalls etc.
HISTORIC CARNIVAL OF IVREA
Ivrea - Piedmont 3,7,9,12 Feb 2013
www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/English/
Traditional sounds of pipe and drum bands open the festival that sees the most spectacular event of the famous
Battle of the Oranges(12 Feb) Undoubtedly, this is the most spectacular event of the festivities representing
the fight for liberty, the symbol of the Ivrea Carnival. The orange battle is an incredible cultural and goliardic
heritage putting the festival on a national and international level.
FESTA DELLA SENSA
Venice – 12 May 2013
www.veneziamarketingeventi.it
In previous centuries La Sensa (Ascension Day) held an important role in the social and political life of
Venice. If, historically speaking, the Sensa is the result of the overlapping of civil and religious rites and
events through the ages, today it is read as an event to celebrate the intricate relationship that the city has
always had with the sea, both in commercial and architectural terms.
THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART
Florence - Easter Sunday – March 31 2013
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.
THE PALIO OF FERRARA
Ferrara – May 4. 5, 11, 12, 18, 24, 25, 26 May 2013
www.paliodiferrara.it
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.
FESTA DEI CERI (RACE OF THE CANDLES)
Gubbio – 15th May 2013
www.ceri.it
The Festa Dei Ceri is one of the oldest, if not the oldest
Italian folklore display. The festival has always played a
fundamental role in the heart of the local community. Its
origins are obscure, it is enough to know that there are two
basic hypotheses: one religious and one pagan. However, a
well-documented version sees the festival as 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).
FESTA DEL BARBAROSSA
San Quirico d’Orcia, Siena
June 2013 (dates tba)
www.festadelbarbarossa.it
The four districts of Borgo, Canneti, Castello and Prato take on a medieval atmosphere in
memory of the meeting between Emperor Frederick I, known as Il Barbarossa, and Pope
Adrian IV’s papal legates, in 1155. San Quirico has celebrated this historic event for fifty
years with shows, period costume parades, and archery and flag throwing contests.
THE “BATTAGLIA DEI FIORI”
Ventimiglia, Liguria – 15 – 16 June 2013
www.festadifiori.it
Parade of floats covered with flowers, accompanied by bands and folkloristic groups. Floats of considerable
dimensions (up to 8mt x 4mt), with three-dimensional subjects pertaining the year’s theme, are decorated with
flowers petals, fixed one by one to the structure, with the technique of the mosaic. In a surface of one square
metre, up to 1000 flowers find a place, and for an entire float one needs about 120.000 petals! During the
festival, a proper battle takes place between the public and the walk-ons on the floats, by the mutual launch of
uncountable flowers. This is a bloodless and colourful fight, which is made even more festive by the
folkloristic bands, which will accompany the floats.
LUMINARA AND RACE OF SAN RANIERI
Lungarno – Pisa - June 16th/17th 2013
http://www.comune.pisa.it/manifestazioni-storiche/
On the occasion of the Feast of San Ranieri, Patron Saint of Pisa, celebrated
annually on 17 June, the enchantment of the illuminations of Saint Ranieri is
renewed on the streets running along the river Arno (the so-called Lungarni). In fact, following the ancient
tradition the Pisans celebrate their Patron Saint on the following day with the historical Regatta of San Ranieri
(Palio). 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.
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL IN MONTERIGGIONI
Monteriggioni, Siena
5,6,7, 12. 13, 14 July 2013
www.monteriggionimedievale.com
The theme of the festival, is “On the path of the pilgrims: men of
honour, arms and faith”. The two weekends of the festival feature a
variety of events. As usual, the festival is distinguished by events
which bring the past to life: re-enactments of ancient military
techniques, medieval everyday life, crafts and trades, along with
jesters, acrobats, itinerant theatre performances and jugglers. The festival takes place in the wonderful
Monteriggioni castle, completing the medieval atmosphere. Open every day from the afternoon to late
evening.
FESTIVAL OF THE REDENTORE
Venice – 20-21 July 2013
www.veneziamarketingeventi.it
One of the most popular events in Venice is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July. The festival
itself dates back to the year 1576, and is named after the church Redentore that was designed by Palladio and
resides on the island of Guidecca. Venice was suffering from a terrible plague, and the Republic's senate voted
to build a temple on the Guidecca Island in honour of Christ the Redeemer, and the Venetians promised to go
there every year on the third Sunday of July, if the plague stopped. Traditionally, the Venetians celebrate this
day by having dinner on the Saturday night while watching an incredible display of fireworks that light up the
skies over Venice for an hour or more.
HISTORICAL REGATTA
Venice – 1 September 2013
www.veneziamarketingeventi.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.
QUINTANA OF FOLIGNO
Foligno – June and September 2013
www.quintana.it
Foligno, in the heart of Umbria and Italy, is famous worldwide for the
Quintana, the jousting tournament which in June and September renews the
challenge among the knights of its ten “sestieri”. An exciting challenge
where each knight, riding his own galloping horse, has to catch a series of
rings (which gradually become smaller and smaller) hanging from a
wooden statue called "Quintana". It is a great feast of people, colours and
passions, but also an accurate historical, scenic, iconographic and gastronomic reconstruction of the Italian
Baroque.
QUINTANA OF ASCOLI PICENO
Ascoli Piceno – 27 July and 4 August 2013
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.
THE PALIO OF SIENA
Siena – July 2nd/ August 16th 2013
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).
CAVALCATA DELL’ASSUNTA in FERMO (Marche)
Fermo – Le Marche - August 15th 2013
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.
MEDIEVALIS, MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Pontremoli, Tuscany
22-25 August 2013
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.
PALIO DEI NORMANNI DI PIAZZA ARMERINA
Piazza Armerina, Sicily – 12,13, 14 August 2013
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.
BRAVIO DELLE BOTTI
Montepulciano, Siena
Last Sunday of August , 25 August 2013
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 - September 3rd 2013
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.
PALIO DI ASTI in Asti, Piedmont
Asti, 15 September 2013
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.
THE FESTIVAL OF “MADONNA DELLA SALUTE”
Venice – November 21st 2013
www.comune.venezia.it Events and Festivals Section
The Festival of Health is perhaps the less spectacular of Venice festivities. In a religious context it is an event
dedicated to the Madonna in thanksgiving for her intercession which put an end to the plague which struck
Venice between the years 1630-1631.
Stefania Gatta
Press and communications office
Italian State Tourist Board – London
NB: Information correct at time of publication, Jan 2013