Opera in Verona - June/July
I
know that many people dislike or even hate
opera. They will take a lot of persuading
to be dragged along for an evening of "high-brow"
music. Actually the spectacle that occurs
in Verona's famous arena offers something
for all tastes. The music, the drama, the
passion, the setting (the fabulous Arena)
and the excitement are almost unique in the
world. Every one should experience them at
least once in their lives if they can.
More...
Costume Football in Florence
- June
The
main theme of the festa is a very unique costumed
football competition. Four teams take part
in this spectacle, one from each of the ancient
quarters. There are 27 men on each team, dressed
in medieval costumes. These football matches
continue a tradition in Florence from the
early 15th century. The actual game is a blend
of soccer, rugby and wrestling. It is said
to originate from an ancient Roman ball sport.
More....
Gubbio's Medieval Festival
- May
First
the is the very famous Race of the Ceri
on the 15th and then a medieval crossbow
contest on the 26th. What is all the fuss
about? Well each of these event merits a full
explanation and a visit to Gubbio on the day
it takes place, if at all possible.
More...
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Ash
Wednesday is the start of a period
that Christians call Lent. In anticipation
of the fasting and penance of Lent
we celebrate carnival.
January
6 is known as the Epiphany - the Befana
is an important visitor on the eve
of this feast.
A
young virgin named Lucia was martyred
in Syracuse, Sicily, on December 13,
304. There are many celebrations in
different countries for the feast
of Santa Lucia. In Scandinavian countries,
especially in Sweden, the feast of
St Lucy is one of their most important
holidays. What is the story behind
the saint who unites not only Pagan
and Christian traditions, but Sicily
with Sweden, at Christmas time?
Every
year on November 21 Venice celebrates
one of it's most important religious
festivals. The Feast of the Madonna
della Salute (Our Lady of Good Health).
Salute means health and salvation.
The feast is held in remembrance of
the miraculous end of Venice's terrible
bubonic plague which occurred in 1630-31.
Venice's bubonic plague was one result
of the war against Austria.
The
patron saint of Sangemini is San Geminus.
He was a monk in Sanpaterniano de
Fano, Narni in Umbria. Both the Basilian
and Benedictine orders claim that
he was one of their order. San Geminus
was martyred in A.D.815 and his feast
day is on October 9. For the two weeks
around this feast the people from
Sangemini celebrate.
San
Gennaro's blood has become dark and
dry. On two (and sometimes three)
times a year it is shown to the public
and prayers are said for the miracle
of San Gennaro to occur.
A
palio is a race, a competition, in Italian.
The Palio of Siena is one of the most
famous horse races in the world. It is
actually much, much more than a horse
race. An American lady living in Siena
wrote a wonderful "insiders" view of the
whole event and kindly let me put it in
the July issue of Italy With Us. 