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CESARE - A FREE OF CHARGE NUMBER FOR TOURISTS

SPECIAL CARNIVAL
THE NOBLES CARRIAGES IN ACIREALE

CARNIVALS IN TRENTINO AT ARCO AND MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

PALERMO - THE CARNIVAL HERO AT MEZZOJUSO

SANTHIA' - THE OLDEST CARNIVAL IN PIEDMONT

SARDINIA - THE ANCIENT MASKS AT MAMOIADA AND DANCES IN TEMPIO PAUSANIA

MOLISE - MARDI GRAS AT TUFARA AND THE PIRIN, THE OLEGGIO MASK

THE DEER CEREMONY AT CASTELNUOVO

ORANGE FIGHTS AT IVREA

THE TRADITIONAL SARTIGLIA IN ORISTANO

SPECIAL CRIBS IN ITALY
SANT'ERACLIO DI FOLIGNO AN ARTISTIC CRIB

THE LIVING CRIB AT VESCIA-SCANSANO (FOLIGNO)

THE ANCIENT PALESTINE AT MARCELLANO (GUALDO CATTANEO)

THE SPELLO CRIB

THE CRIB OF MONTEGRINO VALTRAGLIA (VARESE)

THE ACIREALE CRIB

THE OGNINA CRIB (CATANIA)

THE ARTISTIC CRIB BY YOUTHS FROM BUDINO

THE MAGIC ATMOSPHERE OF THE FORZANO CRIB

BASSANO IN TEVERINA - A FASCINATING CRIB

GUBBIO - THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS TREE

THE CRIB IN ORIA

THE CRIBS IN REVISONDOLI AND SAN CRISPIANO

VERONA AND GRECCIO - TWO WAYS TO REVOKE CHRISTMAS

CALTAGIRONE AND ITS CRIBS

CESENATICO - THE FLOATING CRIB

THE BEST CRIBS IN ITALY

SAN GREGORIO ARMENO AND THE CRIBS IN NAPLES

PANDORO AND MANDORLATO- CHRISTMAS DELI FROM VENETO

CHRISTKINDLMARK- CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ALTO ADIGE

ILLUSTRATIONS AND WITCHES IN SARMEDE

FOLK EVENTS IN ITALY

MARINA DI CARRARA- "ANTICA E RARA"

THE "BACCANALE" IN IMOLA

"EUROCHOCOLATE" IN PERUGIA

ALBA AND THE NATIONAL SHOW OF THE TRUFFLE

CHESTNUTS AND GRAPES

THE NOBLES CARRIAGES IN ACIREALE

Acireale in Sicily hosts one of the most characteristic carnivals in Italy: a parade of old carriages which used to belong to the noble families of the town. The carriages are all decorated with flowers and they are followed by huge carts in papier maché.
Many tourists are attracted by this special event which gives the opportunity to visit other interesting places in the area such as Taormina, Siracusa and the volcano, Etna.

CARNIVALS IN TRENTINO AT ARCO AND MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

The first edition of the Arco (Trento) Carnival dates back to 1896 and it was celebrated in front of the court of Albert of Hapsburg with a parade of allegorical carts.
This tradition goes on and nowadays parades with ancient carriages and people wearing costumes of the Eighteenth century are organized.

On February 14, an Hapsburgic Gala is arranged in the hall of the Casino with a banquet based only on recipes dating 1863 ( Entrance fee: 120,000 lire- elegant attires compulsory-tel. 39 464 519636). On March 1, the best carts which took part in the other parades in Trentino gather in Arco for a final contest.
And on February 28, a particular contest: the longest wurstel of the world.

In honor of the royal couple, Francis Joseph of Hapsburg and his wife Sissy, Madonna di Campiglio has organized, this year, too, the Hapsburgic Carnival for a whole week.

PALERMO - THE CARNIVAL HERO AT MEZZOJUSO

Mezzojuso celebrates carnival with two special processions. One is formed by the king, the queen who is secretly in love with Mastro di Campo, ladies, courtiers, ministers and secretaries. The hero of the second procession is Mastro di Campo wearing a grotesque red mask, followed by gardeners, the ambassador, the drummer, the cavalry and even Garibaldi. <

When the two processions get to the main square, the ambassador takes his message to the king: if the king does not allow Mastro di Campo to marry the queen, Mastro di Campo will stage a battle.
And, of course, the battle takes place which is eventually won by Mastro di Campo. This amusing performance which draws its origin from a historical event is staged every year for Carnival.

Further information: ph. ++39 91 8203237.

SANTHIA' - THE OLDEST CARNIVAL IN PIEDMONT

Santhià ( near ), hosts one of the oldest carnivals in Piedmont: it dates back, in fact, to the Fifteenth century.
It starts on January 6 and it ends on Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the carnival is the fagiolata ( a deli prepared with beans) which takes place on Lundi Gras. Every Saturdays and Sundays, groups collect among the citizens beans, cold cuts, onions and other products which are necessary to prepare the fagiolata.

On Lundi gras, cooks prepare in 150 copper pots the delicious fagiolata which is offered at noon by 300 waiters to thousands of people.
On Sunday and on Mardi Gras, carts, music bands and masks parade through the streets of the town.

SARDINIA - THE ANCIENT MASKS AT MAMOIADA AND DANCES IN TEMPIO PAUSANIA

Mamoiada is a little village near Nuoro ( Sardinia) which hosts one the oldest carnivals in Sardinia: it is a danced procession. The masks, the Mamuthones, are covered with goat skins, they wear on their faces an impressive wood mask and they have noisy bells hanging from their body. They are accompanied by the issadores, who try to catch with their nooses people standing by.

Those who are snared must pay drinks for everybody.
On Mardi Gras, tourists are offered a local specialty with broad beans and lard, together with wines made with black grape.
Further information: ph. ++39 784 56241

Tempio Pausania ( near Sassari) hosts a very special Carnival: six days of dances which start on Jeudi Gras and last through Ash Wednesday. Of course all dancers wear fancy dresses.

MOLISE - MARDI GRAS AT TUFARA AND THE PIRIN, THE OLEGGIO MASK

Pirin is the mask of the Oleggio Carnival ( Novara), a farmer who lived in the Fourteenth century and revolted against the tyranny imposed by the duke, Barnabo Visconti , by killing him.
The courageous farmer is still celebrated and every year his speech opens Carnival festivities in Oleggio. In addition, parades of allegorical carts and masks on February 7 and 14.

Further information: ph. ++39 321 91697

THE DEER CEREMONY AT CASTELNUOVO

At dusk, fifes and bagpipes announce the arrival of the deer man. Covered with rough skins, his face all black and horns on his head, the deer starts scaring everybody who asks for Martino's help.
Martino, all dressed in white, tries with a stick to push away the beast. All of a sudden, the deer gets free and the hunter is forced to kill him.
The performance, a propitiatory rite which ensures a rich harvest, takes place at Castelnuovo a Volturno ( Isernia) in Molise on the last Sunday of Carnival (February 14).
Further information: ph. ++ 39 865 95418-954420

A propitiatory rite is celebrated on Mardi gras, every year, at Tufara, a small village in Molise. Devils covered with goat skins dance in the streets and try to get rid of their chains.
At dusk, a puppet is burned and devils pierce it with their hayforks. Further information: Apt in Campobasso, ph. ++ 39 874 415662

CESARE - A FREE OF CHARGE NUMBER FOR TOURISTS

167-163.163 that is to say Cesare: a free of charge service offered by the Las Vegas Business Center which supplies news and information to make the most of Rome.
Operators will answer, in many languages, to all kind of questions: culture, sport, churches, religious events and they will also help tourists in case of accidents by telling them which procedures have to be followed.
The center will also be equipped with a databank which will be regularly updated.

ORANGE FIGHTS AT IVREA

Ivrea is a nice and calm town near Turin with interesting monuments and a wonderful castle. During Carnival, however, it completely changes.
The Ivrea Carnival is an ancient historical event deeply felt by the citizens and the Orange fight is the peak moment of this tradition.

The custom of throwing oranges dates back to the past century. The battle was staged at first between people leaning from the balcony of the houses and passers by. Nowadays, the fight takes place in the historical squares of the town and is staged by the people on the carts and the teams of "orange throwers" walking by.

The Ivrea Carnival starts on January 6 and goes on till February 25. The orange fights take place on February 14, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m.
Further information: ph.++39 125 618195-641521.

THE TRADITIONAL SARTIGLIA IN ORISTANO

Oristano, during Carnival, is hosting a fascinating horse race, the Sartiglia during which the knights must try to hit one of the stars hanging in the middle of the street.
This race whose origins fade through centuries draws thousands of visitors and it is considered a sort of propitiatory ceremony: the higher the number of hit stars, the richer the harvest.

The contest is followed later by a dangerous riding show: the famous Corse delle Pariglie.
The Sartiglia takes place on February 14 and 16. Ticket: 25,000 lire.
Further information: Tel.++39 783 70621

CRIBS IN ITALY

This week, too, Italian Network is presenting the most original and fascinating cribs in Italy.
And Italian network seize this opportunity to wish all readers Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

SANT'ERACLIO DI FOLIGNO AN ARTISTIC CRIB

The crib in S. Eraclio is set up in the homonymous and fascinating church in the Castello dei Trinci (Fifteenth century).
The crib, created eight years ago by Franco De Santis, is famous for its particular effects and mechanical animation and it asks for several months of preparation.
It can visited from December 25 through January 6 (9-12 a.m. - 6-8 p.m.)

THE LIVING CRIB AT VESCIA-SCANSANO (FOLIGNO)

The living crib at Vescia-Scansano is staged by 100 inhabitants of these communities. It is one of the most interesting cribs in Umbria staged by real actors and it includes different scenes of the Nativity. Scenes which reproduce religious events as well as the shop of the artisans, change every year.
It can be visited on December 25-26-27 and on January 1-3-6 (5-7 p.m.).

THE ANCIENT PALESTINE AT MARCELLANO (GUALDO CATTANEO)

The living crib at Marcellano was set up for the first time in 1984 by a group of local inhabitants: over 100 people who revive the Nativity and the ancient Palestine.
It is possible, in fact, to visit the shop of the blacksmith, the joiner and the baker and to meet shepherds, priests and Roman soldiers. At night, torches are lighted up and a comet shines in the sky.
On December 25, 26,27 and on January 1,3,6 from 4 to 7.30 p.m.

THE SPELLO CRIB

The crib of Spello is located next to the church and it includes a number of scenes (from dawn to night) beautifully lighted and colored which reproduce the typical Palestinian landscape.
The crib can be visited all year round.

THE CRIB OF MONTEGRINO VALTRAGLIA (VARESE)

The crib of Montegrino Valtagrina is extremely original: it is made with roots of different trees. It was created by Fermo Formentini who finds the roots in the local forest: roots are not carved they simply colored.
The crib includes 140 characters and it is 16 meters wide (it is located in the main church of the town).
It can be visited from December 20 through January 10 (from 2 to 5 p.m.) and the author is there to explain visitors how he created it.
It is also possible to visit it through the year by appointment.

Further information: Comune di Montegrino Valtraglia (Va), ph.0332 589732, Parrocchia di Grantola tel 39 0332 575147.

THE ACIREALE CRIB

The charming crib of Acireale dates back to 1741 and it is set in a cave which the priest Mariano Valerio accidentally discovered while seeking shelter during a storm. Fascinated by this beautiful place, he decided to set a crib there.
The big statues are sculptured in wood and their faces and hands are in finely chiseled wax.

Further information: APT Acireale, ph.39 095 604521/605372.

THE OGNINA CRIB (CATANIA)

The huge crib at Ognina has been created by the artists of the Sicilian Association "Amici del Presepio" and it includes 30 big statues in papier-maché. The nativity is also a representation of the peasant life in Sicily in the Nineteenth century.
The crib is open every night through January 6.

Further information: APT in Catania, ph.39 095 7306211.

THE ARTISTIC CRIB BY YOUTHS FROM BUDINO

The crib at Budino (Foligno) is created by local youths and the parish priest. It is famous for its technical equipment : 150 animated scenes representing the typical artisan shops of Umbria and the different moments of the Nativity at night and during the day.
It can be visited from December 25 through January 31 ( from 10.30 to 12 a.m. and from 2.30 to 8 p.m.). After January 6, it is open only on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Further information: APT Umbria, ph.309 075 575951

THE MAGIC ATMOSPHERE OF THE FORZANO CRIB

At Forzano in Valdiserra (Terni) on December 24 at 10 p.m., on December 26 and on January 1 and 6 at 5 p.m., the Nativity is staged: it is a real "performance" staged by a great number of actors on the steps of the gate of the medieval town. Actors wear ancient costumes, a magic atmosphere shroud the town and visitors have the impression to be in ancient Palestine.

Further information: APT Umbria, ph. 39 075 575951.

BASSANO IN TEVERINA - A FASCINATING CRIB

The medieval village of Bassano in Teverina is hosting one of the most fascinating cribs in Italy: many actors and over 130 supernumeraries, all wearing ancient costumes, are involved, in fact, in the representation of the nativity.
On this occasion, the old labs and shops will be opened again. Shepherds with their herds, a real ox and a donkey and the actors interpreting the Virgin, Saint Joseph and Baby Jesus create one of the most charming cribs in Italy.

Bassano in Teverina, December 24 at 12 p.m., December 25 and 26 and January 1, 5 and 6 at 5.30 p.m.

GUBBIO - THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS TREE

It is the symbol of Gubbio, a village in Umbria: the biggest Christmas tree in the world which shines on the Igino Mountain whose shape reproduces that one of a pine.
The mountain-tree which draws every year thousands of visitors, can be admired even from Perugia. A big crib is also set up at the Chiesa della Vittorina.

Worth mentioning, the representation of nativity with real actors at Roveto di Gualdo Tadino.

THE CRIB IN ORIA

The crib in Oria which can be visited at Christmas eve, revokes Francesco d'Assisi's spirit and Matthew and Luke gospels.
In the medieval city, past revives and it seems one is in Betlemme. The cavern where the representation of nativity takes place is lighted by torches and the actors are wearing ancient costumes. This crib, one of the most famous in Italy, has been awarded the "Natività d'argento" at the National Contest of Praesepium Italiae held in Sicily.

THE CRIBS IN REVISONDOLI AND SAN CRISPIANO

On January 5, 1999, Revisondoli is hosting the forty-eight edition of the "Representation of Nativity" ( L'Aquila). Set near a mountain, the representation includes different scenes which faithfully revoke the gospel. A fascinating event which draws every year over 20,000 spectators.

Last year 250,000 people visited San Crispiano on occasion of " San Crispiano Cribs" (Taranto). The biggest crib in Center-Southern Italy including 120 characters can be visited from December 19 though January 5 ( from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
A representaion of nativity is also set up on December 24, 26 and 27 and on January 1 and 6 by over 300 actors wearing ancient costumes.

VERONA AND GRECCIO - TWO WAYS TO REVOKE CHRISTMAS

From December 6 to January 25, Verona hosts the "International Exhibition of Cribs". The show set up along the main streets of the city presents artistic representations of the Nativity from all over the world. Greggio (Rieti) hosts on December 24, the oldest living crib. The event, as a matter of fact, dates back to 1223, when St. Francis thought to stage Jesus' birth.

Costume parades are also organized in connection. In addition, after the mass, blessed straw is distributed to be kept in the houses till the following Christmas.
Further information: Tel.++39 764 750591

CALTAGIRONE AND ITS CRIBS

Caltagirone, the Sicilian baroque town, famous for its tiles, celebrates Christmas with its refined production of cribs and its characters.
The cribs can be admired in the museums of the town but also in the windows of the shops and in specific areas. Noteworthy: the Monumental Crib set up in the crypt of the Cappuccini monastery, the Exhibition of the Cribs which presents the recent production of artists and artisans from Caltagirone, the Animated Cribs made with earthenware which, thanks to particular mechanisms, can move, and the Monumental crib along the Stairway of St. Maria del Monte with luminous characters.
And eventually the Living Crib set up along the streets of the ancient Jewish area on December 25 and 26 and on January 5 and 6.

CESENATICO - THE FLOATING CRIB

Until January 12, it will be possible to visit the crib set on the floating Museum of the Cesenatico Marine. 32 big statues made of wood and decorated with oilclothes will be placed on eight boats: an unusual sea crib with fishmongers, fishermen and dolphins.
On this occasion, it will also be possible to visit the underground "ditches": they are low buildings with thick walls, which used to be filled with snow or ice, where fish and food was stored.
In the Nineteenth century there were over 30 of them, but starting from 1930 they were no longer used. At present, there are only four of them left.

THE BEST CRIBS IN ITALY

Christmas trees and cribs are traditions which are renovated annually in many Italian cities and little towns.
In Gubbio, till January 6, visitors can admire the biggest Christmas Tree: it is "drawn" on the Gubbio hill with over 700 lamps of 200 different colors. It is 700 meters high and 250 meters wide. Until January 26, Imola hosts the exhibition Cribs in Italy which presents real masterpieces from the best artisan Italian schools.

At Rodi Milici (Messina), the Crib Art takes place, a show which gathers a number of very realistic and extraordinary cribs made in Sicily.

One of the most fascinating cribs can be seen at Barge (Cuneo): very high figures are placed inside a natural grotto behind which the ancient castle of the village towers.

Over 359 supernumeraries stage the crib in Dogliani (Cuneo) on December 23 and 24: the village lit by torches is an enchanted place which , every year, draws thousands of visitors.

Noteworthy the crib at Pimonte (Naples), the biggest in Southern Italy: set up along a river with the participation of 100 supernumeraries.

A living crib in Conversano ( Bari), too, set up in a farm.

Worth visiting the crib at the Stiffe Grottoes ( L'Aquila) among stalactites and stalagmites.

SAN GREGORIO ARMENO AND THE CRIBS IN NAPLES

The tradition of crib artistic production fades through centuries especially in Naples. And one can find in this city all sorts of cribs, made with the most different materials: wood, cork, paper..
And the San Gregorio Armeno street in Naples has become a must for all those who love cribs and Christmas. The street itself becomes in these days a living crib with its little artisan shops selling all sorts of crib decorations, saints and baby Jesus little statues...

PANDORO AND MANDORLATO- CHRISTMAS DELI FROM VENETO

Verona is the capital of Christmas and Easter cakes (70% of the national production). And at Christmas, Verona means mainly Pandoro which, this year, celebrates its 102nd birthday.
Its natural ingredients, flour, eggs, butter and dough, make it a delicious and light cake.
Industries from Verona distribute 49 thousand tons of pandoro all over the world.
Another hit from Veneto is Mandorlato mainly produced in Cologno Veneta and Lonigo (Vicenza), a special nougat with almonds, honey and albumen completely different from the nougats prepared in other Italian regions.

Mandorlato production is mainly linked to Christmas, producers, however, are trying to promote its consumption all year through, abroad, too.

CHRISTKINDLMARK- CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ALTO ADIGE

Bozen, Merano, Bressanone and Brunico, this year too, are hosting the "Christkindlmarkt", the Christmas markets, a tradition from Central Europe which has been revived by the Alto Adige Region.
In these cities, the most important squares are cheered up by stands selling biscuits, toys, candles, Christmas decorations, colored balls.

In Bozen through December 23, one can visit the 80 stalls in Piazza Walther and one can taste the delis prepared by local restaurants.
In Merano, the market is on through December 30, not to be missed the delicious "Zelten" a sweet house prepared by confectioners.

The Christkindlmarkt in Bressanone is on till January 6 and that one in Brunico through December 23.
Further information: Apt Bozen, ph. 39 471 993808; e-mail tourism@provinz.bz.it.

ILLUSTRATIONS AND WITCHES IN SARMEDE

This year, the Sixteenth International Show of the Illustration for Childhood is dedicated to witches. The show ( through December 20) is taking place in Sarmede and it presents 200 original works by the most famous international illustrators of children books.
The star of the Sixteenth edition is the English artist David Mckee who has published in Italy several books ( "Elefante Elmer").

All the artists participating in this Show will create works on witches.
A number of events has been organized in this connection such as "Fiere del teatro" ( on November 29 and December 6) with clowns, fire eaters and acrobats.
Local cakes will be also prepared and sold to visitors.
And this year, seven restaurants will show some works by the participating artists: and the menu and tables will all be inspired to their fairy tales.

Further information: ph. 39 0438 959582.

FOLK EVENTS IN ITALY

The "Focazzara" is a huge bonfire which lights Santa Caterina (Tuscany) on November 22. It is a traditional contest during which the two districts of the village, after the bonfire is off, try to root out the trunk of a Turkey oak.
The victory is celebrated with a party during which local delis are served.

On November 22, Amelia (Terni) celebrates Santa Firmina, the patron saint of the town. In the morning , during the religious ceremony, candles are offered to the Saint. A medieval market is also set up and some inhabitants wearing ancient costumes cheer up the atmosphere.

MARINA DI CARRARA- "ANTICA E RARA"

From November 26 through 29, Marina di Carrara is hosting the first autumn edition of "Antica e Rara", an antique show which was first held last July.
An interesting opportunity for art collectors who will have the possibility to admire paintings, pieces of furniture, silverware, jewelry, tapestries...

Significant paintings will also be shown such as "Madonna con bambino" allegedly by Bronzino ( 1554), "Ascensione della Vergine" by Claude Mellin ( 1640), " San Francesco" by Carracci.

THE "BACCANALE" IN IMOLA

Through November 22, Imola ( Emilia Romagna) is hosting the traditional "Baccanale" a fair dedicated to food and agricultural products.
This year, the event is dedicated to herb and, on this occasion, it will be possible to visit the ancient pharmacy in the Imola Hospital built in the Eighteenth century and the Herb Garden in Casola Valsenio.

In addition, a herb market will sell fresh and dried herbs and restaurants will prepare deli with spices and herbs.
The "Settimana nazionale del Sangiovese" a wine fair will also take place on this occasion.

EUROCHOCOLATE IN PERUGIA

Someone called it the Oktober Fest of the Chocolate and, as a matter of fact, the first three editions of Eurochocolate have drawn a large number of people in love with .. . chocolate. From October 17 through 25, all the tourists will be given the Map of the Chocolate with all the information on the initiatives taking place in this area, which this year, includes also the Trasimeno Lake.

Another novelty of this year is Acqua Dolce: a gastronomic itinerary dedicated to local delis and cakes which will be prepared by the restaurants of the area. And on October 17-18 and 24-25, Teatro con Chocolake funny music shows on chocolate at the Teatro di Caporali in Panicale.

And on October 25, the Treasure Hunt at the Isola Polvese, one of the three isles of the Trasimeno Lake.

ALBA AND THE NATIONAL SHOW OF THE TRUFFLE

Through October 25, over 500,000 tourists will be visiting Alba on occasion of the famous National Show of the Truffle.

The most interested visitors will also have the possibility to study the tuber magnatum pico. Stands, set up at Palazzo Mostre e Congressi, offer the possibility to taste the best Italian truffles together with wines, cheeses and nougats.

Guided tours to the Centro di Analisi Sensoriale del Tartufo have also been arranged ( it is necessary to book in advance at the Ente Turismo Alba Bra Langhe Roero).

CHESTNUTS AND GRAPES

Autumn is the season of chestnuts and grapes and many events in Italy are dedicated to them.
The Treno delle Castagne to Brisighella and Marradi (Bologna) is a characteristic train which leaves Bologna in the morning and takes to these two villages where many events in honor of chestnuts are organized (on October 18 and 25).

On October 16 and 18, Merano (Bozen) is hosting the Festa dell'uva with concerts, parades of carts and flag wavers and tasting of typical products. And November 8, wine tasting for the Festival del vino.

On October 18, in Teolo (Padua), the twenty-third edition of the Sagra dei marroni which includes also the famous Marcia dei Marroni (on October 25).

At Ronceto (Trento), on October 25-26, the traditional Festa della Castagna: the restaurants of this area will be preparing typical delis with chestnuts.