The main photograph is of that famous square in Venice. This is to honour the official birthday of the founding of this very beautiful city on 25 March 421. To encourage you to make even more visits to this land of wonderful contrasts, here are just some of the great events taking place in Italy this spring.

ART EXIBITIONS



GIUSEPPE DE NITTIS
Padua – Palazzo Zabarella
Untl 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.


Raffaello

PIETRO BEMBO AND THE INVENTION OF THE RENAISSANCE
Padua – Palazzo del Monte
Until 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
Until 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
Until 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.



ITALIAN SUCCESS IN PARIS DURING THE IMPRESSIONISM TIME – MAISON GOUPIL
Rovigo – Palazzo Roverella
Until 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
Until 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.

OPEN HOUSE ROMA, 4-5 May 2013 in Rome

This will be the Open House Roma which will celebrate the architecture and design of Rome. Rome is often celebrated and visited for its established architecture, monuments and culture, but for one weekend the public is invited to explore its best architecture with a particular focus on contemporary design. Open House Roma will offer free access for all, with talks, tours and experts at the buildings. For more info: www.openhouseroma.org

FOOD & WINE EVENTS



PRIMAVERA DEL PROSECCO, Prosecco’s Spring in Treviso and surrounding areas - 16 March - 9 June 2013
Treviso, Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Cartizze

This exciting annual event takes place in the heart of the Prosecco wine area and will lead the visitors in a journey of discovery of all aspects of this delicious wine production process. Special packages are on offer which would include stay in hotels, agriturismi and B&Bs of the area, restaurants and visit to wineries. Special events such as shows, exhibitions and visits to historic villas of the area have also been organized. www.primaveraprosecco.it



SLOW FISH, in Liguria From 10th to 13th May, Genoa

The international show completely dedicated to the fish world and its problems comes back to the Fiera di Genova. It takes place every two years and it is organized by Slow Food and the Regione Liguria; it has reached its fifth edition. It deals with matters concerning sustainable fish production and responsible consumption with regard to the sea and the aquatic ecosystems through conferences, meetings, workshops and tastings. www.slowfish.it



SAGRA DEL PESCE, in Liguria 12th May, Camogli (Genoa)

In the natural, picturesque, and exclusive setting of the small square of the port, the largest frying pan in the world will fry fish for guests and tourists alike, during the most typical Ligurian feast: the Sagra del Pesce. Born in 1952, this classical festival is linked to the centuries-old festival of San Fortunato, patron of the fishermen. The religious celebration takes place on the evening of its eve with bonfires: the people of Camogli, from the two districts of Porto and Pinetto, build proper, large scale sculptures, using waste material; they challenge one another in terms of creativity and beauty, on the two sides of the beach. Tel. +39 0185 771066 – www.prolococamogli.it

SAGRA DEL LIMONE in Liguria
18th May, Monterosso (La Spezia)

During this day the town is painted yellow and the streets come alive with stalls of all types where the typical fruit of the area and its produce reign supreme: limoncino, lemon cream, marmalade and lemon cake. In the afternoon the ‘8000 passi al profumo di limone’ walk winds around the streets of Monterosso, starting at the house of poet Eugenio Montale and passing by the most famous places in the area. The walk also comprises a visit to a typical lemon grove with food stalls and eateries. The day ends with a party in the main square of the town and a prize-giving for the best lemon-themed window display. www.turismoprovincia.laspezia.it

AROMATICA, in Liguria - June, Imperia province
(Diano Marina, San Bartolomeo al Mare, Cervo, Diano Arentino, Diano Castello, Diano San Pietro, Villa Faraldi)

A biennial event created to celebrate and appreciate basil, herbs and aromas from the Ponente Ligure, which this year is in its 5th edition. At the heart of ‘AROMATICA’ are food and wine produced in the territory with initiatives which involve the whole of the Dianese gulf. There are many events taking place, from cookery courses to workshops for children, conventions about health and well-being and didactic courses, from aromatic herbs in the kitchen and cosmetics, to market stall exhibits of local products, from music to the discovery of the villages and their traditions. Confesercenti Imperia Tel: +39 0183-274514 - www.aromaticadianese.com

GOURMET FESTIVAL IN BOLZANO/BOZEN, South Tyrol
24-26 May 2013 www.genussfestival.it

This food and wine festival shows off the variety and quality of the South Tyrol regional products with a guarantee of origin in the product houses and market stalls of Bolzano’s old town. These long-established foods reflect South Tyrol’s culture and tradition. In a varied supporting programme well-known celebrity and top chefs will prepare delicious food using South Tyrolean quality products.

FRITTO MISTO in Marche
24 April – 1 May 2013 in Ascoli Piceno, Marche

This event in its 5th year, celebrate all things “fried” and typically regional such as : Marche’s “olive ascolane” (giant green olived filled with meat and deep fried), Sicily’s “arancini” (rice balls filled with meats or peas), Neapolitan “cannoli” (sweet conical cakes filled with ricotta), “frittura di pesce” (lightly fried mixed fish) and much more. A truly mouthwatering offering. www.frittomistoallitaliana

FESTIVALS, MUSIC AND OTHER EVENTS



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 favorite 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.

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



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.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORICAL EVENTS



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 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 PALIO OF FERRARA
Ferrara – 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 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.

SPORT



AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES IN 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.

For more information please click on the appropriate links scattered throughout this article. The source of this excellent item is the Italian State Tourist Board in London.