Enjoy Ferragosto in Italy!!! What’s on?!

Credits: Flasc

Mid August, called Ferragosto from Italians, is not as important as Christmas or Easter – of course! But it is anyway an important celebration with ancient origins.

In the ancient days, Italians celebrated the end of the hard work in the fields in the middle of the summer, mid August. The Roman Catholic Church adopted this celebration to represent the Assumption of Virgin Mary, but always keeping the old name (Feriae Augusti = Holidays of the Emperor Augustus, which established the celebration in 18 B.C.).

Credits: Magicstars

Due to its double importance (both civil and religious) many different celebrations are organized throughout Italy in this hot days of Mid August. If you’re planning to visit Italy in August, you’ll probably find yourself in the middle of a party, a concert or a procession.

Here are some of the celebrations organized during Mid August in Italy:

Procession in Santa Maria di Leuca and Notte della Taranta, Puglia

If you’ve chosen an accommodation in Salento, Puglia for your summer holidays you’ll probably be interested in taking part to the Ferragosto organized in Santa Maria Leuca. It begins early in the morning with several celebrations and it finishes with the famous procession at sea. During it, hundreds of boats go with the statue of Virgin Mary, accompanied by the local band.
If you are in the region of Salento you can also take part to the Notte della Taranta Festival (13th-18th August), an important musical festival dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of the “Pizzica” (a typical dance of Salento).

Palio di Siena, Tuscany
If you’re spending your holidays in Tuscany, what better time to go see the Palio in Siena? Just read my previous article about The Palio!

Candelieri and Rocce Rosse Blues Festival, Sardinia

Credits: Candelieri.org

I Candelieri is the biggest celebration in Sassari, the second main Sardinian city. It is a really suggesting festival as the whole inhabitants are involved and everybody takes part on it. For music lovers, I suggest the Rocce Rosse & Blues Festival, organized in the beautiful region of Ogliastra. It has started on 23rd July and the shows will go on until 28th August.

Cavalcata del Gigante (The cavalcade of the giant), Sicily
The Cavalcata is an important Festival organized in Messina, where two statues of papier-mâché representing a giant and a giantess on horseback go through the city, accompanied by the local bands and by many typical Sicilian carts.

Are you going to be in Italy and you wish to know what’s on? Just ask me! And do not forget to subscribe to our RSS to keep you informed about Italian events and traditions both in the mainland and in the islands!!!

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Credits: Raremaps

I don’t know if it’s the same to you, but I find that old maps have a kind of charm I can’t explain. It’s just as if they tell a story which absolutely deserve to be listened. Ancient maps, I feel, give off a reverential power that you cannot pass over.

Furthermore, if you’re a bit curious like me, how could you avoid having a look at an old map if you have it within reach? Well, to satisfy our curiosity, I’ve looked for maps of ancient Italy which I am pleased to share with you. Enjoy!!!

Ancient map of Italy – Old map dating back to 1720
Credits: Anticoantico

Ancient Map of Pompeii – Old map of Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvio
Credits: Inform.umd.edu

Ancient Map of Tuscany – Old map copper engraved
Credits: pettinarolimapsandprints

Ancient map of the territory of Rome – Old map dating back to 1620
Credits: pettinarolimapsandprints

Ancient map of Sicily – Old map copper engraved
Credits: pettinarolimapsandprints

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..…Come to Castello Banfi and make your dreams become true!!!

This is how guests often describe their stay at Castello Banfi Il Borgo: just like a dream. They’re fascinated by the superb setting. They’re enchanted by the high food and wine quality. They’re captivated by the excellent professionalism and kindness of the staff. And they don’t want to leave anymore…

Location: Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany

Why does it deserve a mention?
It takes you back in time. Castello Banfi Il Borgo is a stone village dating back to XVIII century, built around a medieval fortress, the Castello Banfi.  It is located on the top of a hill overlooking more than 2.000 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, wheat, truffles, plums as well as a forest populated with deer, wild boar and pheasants.

In this wonderful setting, guests can enjoy their stay in one of the 14 luxury rooms and suites. They have Tuscan style furnishings provided by the popular architect Federico Forquet. Each room is different from each other, but class and sophistication never fail. A touch of class? The Hotel offers in each room a selection of complementary estate wines.

The wine production is the main activity of Castello Banfi Il Borgo, which offers with pleasure the chance to know more about the estate through guide tours and wine testing. Do you wish buying some souvenir of Castello Banfi Il Borgo? No problem at all: you can choose between a selection of wines, extra virgin olive oil, grappa, pasta and much more!

Art&Food
History, nature and culture: everything is within! During your stay you can visit Giovanni Mariani Museum of Glass and enjoy the most important private collection of Roman glassware in the world.

The artistic moment doesn’t stop at the Museum: just have a look at the typical Tuscan dishes prepared at the Restaurant…The high level of the cuisine will not disappoint you!!!

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The best Italian songs of Summer 2010

Have you already planned your summer holidays to Italy? Well, here is a selected list of the best summer songs you’ll hear on the radio while sitting on a Bar in a hot summer day, eating a good Gelato alla Stracciatella. If you’re not planning to visit Italy on summer, no worries: just relax and take a little time to listen the following songs to feel you in Italy!!!

1)    UN COLPO ALL’ANIMA -- Luciano Ligabue
Called Ligabue or Liga from his fans, the popular rock singer-songwriter is also a writer and a film director.

2)    MONDO – Cesare Cremonini
He has become popular with a song dedicated to his Vespa, 50 special. Mondo is sung along with Jovanotti (Lorenzo Cherubini), popular for his social engagement characterising his songs.

3)    SE FOSSE PER SEMPRE – Biagio Antonacci
Biagio is one of the most representative Italian pop singer-songwriters. His music is often defined as being the right mix between romance and modernity.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOgwI_fI5Yg

4)    DONNA D’ONNA – Laura Pausini, Gianna Nannini, Fiorella Mannoia, Giorgia and Elisa
Written by Gianna Nannini and Isabella Santacroce for the concert “Amiche per l’Abruzzo” (Friends for Abruzzo), a festival dedicated to raising funds for victims of the earthquake that struck Abruzzo region in 2009.

5)    VITA – Gigi DAlessio
He is one of the most appreciated Neapolitan singer-songwriters. Semplicemente sei, the album which contains Vita,  is the 18th album of his career.

6)    FACCIA COME IL CUORE – Due di Picche
Due di Picche is a new duo composed by two independent singers, J-Ax and Neffa. The unusual duo has received some criticism but is has also been highly appreciated.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckBtV2xl6Is

7)    SOLE NERO – Litfiba
After 10 years, the Italian rock band Litfiba back together with the song Sole Nero, characterized by the 90s rock typical of the band.

8)    ALLE PORTE DEL SOGNO – Irene Grandi
The singer is very appreciated for her energy and vitality. This new song represents a new phase of her musical career.

9)    SENZA NUVOLE – Alessandra Amoroso
She has become popular for having participated and won the talent show “Amici”. She confirmed then her talent with her first Album “Senza Nuvole”.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTlv8v-2Ako

10)     HO FATTO UN SOGNO – Vasco Rossi
Vasco Rossi is one of the most popular Italian singers, often challenged for its dissolute life. He has written some of the most beautiful Italian songs.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0D4Sf3GwEQ

Music and literature are a good way to know new aspects about a country; I hope you’ve enjoyed your reading! Food is another good (and sometimes funny!!!) way, if you’ve missed my post about weird Italian food, have a look on it!!!

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Luxury and exclusivity are the keywords. Costa Smeralda, place of encounters of the national and international jet set as well as true paradise for sea lovers, is specialized in offering the best services to its guests. Among the best accommodations in Costa Smeralda we recall of course Starwood Hotels: Cervo, Pitrizza, Romazzino and Cala di Volpe are among the most prestigious Hotels in the area.

Each Season, Cala di Volpe Hotel organizes a Gala Dinner with live music, where national and international artists are invited to perform during the dinner in an exclusive setting.

The Dinner consists in a gastronomic buffet with international and regional specialties, served next to the pool overlooking the spectacular Cala di Volpe bay.

In the past years, many popular musicians have performed here: Barry White, Lionel Richie, Claudio Baglioni, Michael Bolton, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Duran Duran and Craig David.

In this enchanting setting facing the transparent emerald sea two international artists will be present this summer: Simply Red and Anastacia.

Simply Red will make their exhibition on July, 30th. The English pop soul band and its leader Mick Hucknall will propose their biggest success like “Fake”, “Come to my aid”, “Starts”.

The big voice of Anastacia will delight the guests of Cala di Volpe on August, 12th. The winner of 225 gold and platinum awards will propose her most popular songs, like “Not that kind”, “I’m outta love”, “Paid my dues”.

Additionally, the special dinner will be completed by a spectacular fireworks show!!

The special evening is open to all guests of Cala di Volpe Hotel (who can confirm their attendance with a supplement) as well as to external guests.

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A few weeks ago I wrote about Volcanic Islands in Italy. It’s time to plan our holidays and this week I would like to present you a small selection of nice Islands which deserve to be visited. I’ve not inserted La Maddalena Island in my list as I’ve profusely written about it in the previous posts…I know I’m a little biased, but what can I do?!

Capri Island
Flickr

Location: Campania, Campania Archipelago
Surface: 10,36 Km2
Inhabitants: About 7,000
Description: Located in the Gulf of Napoli, Capri had been the place that inspired several artists, writers and intellectuals. It is often described as a “magic island”, reach in history and legends. The jagged coast is often fringed with sheer sea cliffs while the lowest part is in the centre of the island.

Elba Island
Flickr

Location: Tuscany, Tuscan Archipelago
Surface: 225 Km2
Inhabitants: About 31,600
Description: It is the third biggest Italian Island after Sicily and Sardinia. Elba Island represents the remaining stretch of land that one time linked Corsica with the peninsula. It is an appreciated touristic resort thanks to its transparent waters and its sandy beaches as well as the naturalistic and archaeological treasures of the inland parts of the island.

San Pietro Island
Flickr

Location: Sardinia, Sulcis Archipelago
Surface: 51 Km2
Inhabitants: About 4,400
Description: San Pietro Island is about 7 Km from the south-western coast of Sardinia. Its main centre is Carloforte, whose inhabitants speak a different language coming from the Ligurian. The coast is mainly rocky apart from the one in front of Carloforte, which on the contrary is flat and sandy.

Tremiti Islands
Flickr

Location: Apulia, Adriatic Archipelago
Surface: 3,13 Km2
Inhabitants: About 500
Description: Tremiti is a small archipelago in the Adriatic Sea but is one of the main touristic centres of the region. It has wild nature and blue sea and is protected from 1982, when it has become marine nature reserve.

Pantelleria Island
Flickr

Location: Sicily, Trapani
Surface: 83 Km2
Inhabitants: About 7,600
Description: Pantelleria is closer to Tunisia then to Italian coast. It is appreciated for the clearness of its waters and for the variety of its landscapes. The coast is reach in small coves and in several kinds of fish that can be easily admired.

Which island you would like to visit in your next holiday? Share your opinion with us!!!

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Flickr, Dean Ayres

The aim is not to be a touristic attraction, even if many tourists decide to visit the medieval city of Siena during these periods. The Palio di Siena has ancient origins and represents the life of the citizens of Siena in its different features.

Siena is divided in 17 districts called Contrade, each of them having their own name, government, emblems and colours.

For security reasons, the Contrade which can take part to the Palio are only 10. The remaining 7 will have a right to participate the following year, when the others 3 will be drawn. This happens for each of the two editions that usually take place during the year.

Flickr, Dean Ayres

The Palio take normally place twice a year: on 2nd July (Palio of Provenzano) and on 16th August (Palio of Madonna dell’Assunta). It can happen that a 3rd edition is organised in case of special events like the man on the moon or to celebrate the end of the XX century. These special editions are organized between May and September.

4 feast days
Actually, the Palio starts 4 days before the event. 10 horses are selected among 30 available and are then drawn lots and assigned to the Contrade, which start the heats to test the course.

The course is circular and takes place around the main place of the city: Piazza del Campo. To win the Palio, the horse-jockey has to go round the Piazza three times. But if he falls down, don’t worry: the horse can even go on without him and win the race alone!!!

Flickr, Dean Ayres

In fact, the horse is the real protagonist and the winner is celebrated by the Contradaioli (belonging to a Contrada) during the following months. In particularly, a special dinner is organised between September and October in the winning Contrada and a place of honour is reserved for him!

Choose the Piazza to attend the Palio!!!
You can attend the Palio for free in the Piazza together with the citizens of Siena. You have just to be aware that there are no toilets there available and that it could really be a very hot day, so provide a bottle of water with you!!

Flickr, yab994

If you rather prefer a more comfortable location, you can try to find a ticket for the tribune or to buy a place in a balcony or a window overlooking the Piazza. It is not very easy as there is not a central organization so you have to contact private citizens directly.

If you’re looking for an Hotel in Tuscany, please note that many Hotels provide special rates for the Palio. Take advantage of them to visit the fascinating Tuscany!!!

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If you’re looking for a romantic accommodation in a dreaming location, Villa Ducale is exactly what you need. It is run with passion by Mr. and Mrs Quartucci, who always try to make their guests stay unforgettable. And they always manage to do it!!!

Location: Taormina, Sicily

Why does it deserve a mention?
Hotel Villa Ducale is an aristocratic Sicilian Villa converted to a charming Hotel just a few years ago. It disposes of 11 double rooms and 6 Suites, all furnished in typical regional style and offering a private panoramic terrace with a stunning view over Taormina.

Taormina itself is a valid reason to visit Sicily. It is one of the most popular Italian touristic resorts, perched on a mountain and overlooking the deep blue sea. Hotel Villa Ducale is located on a hill north of Taormina and allows enjoying both the quietness of the nature and the nearness to the city. You will enjoy your stay in Taormina by partecipating to the many events organized in summer (do not forget the Taormina Film Festival, which will start in a few days) or if you prefer you can just have a walk, relax and explore the surroundings.

The surrounding nature can be enjoyed from the panoramic balcony of each room. All the rooms, refined and comfortable, are furnished in typical Sicilian style.

Customized service and delicious Sicilian food
The owners love making guests feel at home. They organize refined Cocktails at the sunset in the fascinating panoramic terrace, which is also used for breakfast. As there are only 17 rooms, this means that private social evenings are organized exclusively for the guests of Villa Ducale!

The Villa is renowned in Taormina for the tasty buffet breakfast and for the Sicilian specialties served every day: appetizer, canapés hand-made cakes and much more to start the day in the best way!

Another important service offered by the Hotel is the shuttle to reach the private beaches, as well as the free shuttle to reach the centre of Taormina.

For many people, Villa Ducale is the most charming place in Taormina. Do you agree with them?! Share your opinion with us and submit to our RSS to stay updated with the most Charming Hotels around Italy!!!

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Credits: Flickr, ross.grady

The Ancient Taormina Theatre has been built during the III century B.C. and represents one of the most popular and well-preserved Sicilian monuments. It is the second biggest theatre in Sicily after the one in Siracusa. This wonderful location will be the setting of the 56th edition of the Taormina Film Festival.

Credits: Flickr, Bee721

The Taormina Film Festival will take place from 12th to 18th June. It is an important showcase for national and international film premières. 21 new features had been selected among the most relevant recent productions. They will be shown in the evocative atmosphere of Taormina Theatre unlike the previous edition, when the films had been shown all over Sicily.

In the previous 55th edition France was the guest of honour and this year Spain has received this chance. It will be honoured with the retrospective of 7 Spanish contemporary films and a Spagna Galà will take place in the fascinating Taormina theatre.

The aim is to spread the culture of the country as well as to show that often differences are only apparent.

Taormina Film Festival Prizes and contests
Prizes awarded at the Festival are for example the Golden Tauro for the best film and the Taormina Arte Awards for important personalities of the international film community, which this year will be assigned to the popular Robert De Niro, special guest.

The Festival includes three competitions: “Mediterranean” (for films produced in the Mediterranean area), “Beyond the Mediterranean” (for films produced all around the world) and the “Sicilian Short-Film Competition” in associations with N.I.C.E. (New Italian Cinema Events) of Florence, dedicated to short-films produced in Sicily.

A fusion between the ancient and the modern: the new 3D technology
A great news of this 56th edition of the Taormina Film Festival is the screening of Toy Story 3 in 3D, which will be shown in USA cinemas on June, 18th and in Italy only on July, 7th.

Toy Story will open the Festival on June, 12th with more than 3000 observers equipped with 3D glasses, who will enjoy the toys adventures in a unique background!
Don’t forget that all the premières are free! If you’re in the surroundings in that period, don’t miss it! If not, just take this opportunity to visit Sicily, Taormina and the surroundings by bringing with you one of your favourite italian books for relaxing moments, of course! It’s definitely worth it!!!

Taormina is a very appreciated destination in Sicily, both for its natural and cultural heritage. Just have a look here for selected luxury and charming Hotels in Sicily.

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Credits: La Maddalena – Sardinia

Sailing and sport lovers know that the next round of the Louis Vuitton Trophy 2010 has finally begun. As I wrote you previously, after Nice and Auckland the Louis Vuitton Trophy finally arrives to Sardinia.

The competition, started 22^nd May, is held in La Maddalena, in the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. The participant teams are 10 and represent 8 different countries.

Apart from the 8 team that participated to Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland, there are 2 teams more: BMW Oracle Racing (the winner of the American Cup of February) and Luna Rossa. Here below the complete list of the participant teams:

1)      Aleph – France (Skipper: Bertrand Pace)

2)      All4One – France/Germany (Skipper: Juchen Schumann)

3)      Artemis – Sweden (Skipper: Paul Cayard)

4)      Azzurra – Italy (Skipper: Francesco Bruni)

5)      BMW Oracle Racing – USA (Skipper: James Spithill)

6)      Emirates Team New Zealand – New Zealand (Skipper: Dean Barker)

7)      Luna Rossa – Italy (Skipper: Ed Baird)

8)      Mascalzone Latino Audi Team – Italy (Skipper: Gavin Brady)

9)      Synergy – Russland (Skipper: Kard Jablonski)

10)  Team Origin – Great Britain (Skipper: Ben Ainslie)

The competition will be divided as follows: at first a Round Robin will allow earning the first points to compile a first ranking. This ranking will be used to match teams for the intermediate phase, in which the ones at the top ranking will race against the others at the bottom of it.

Credits: LouisVuittonTrophy.com

First Round Robin

The firs Round Robin is going on and the teams start to feel at ease in Sardinian waters. After the 5^th racing day, Artemis still didn’t lose any competition and is on the top of the provisional ranking. Mascalzone Latino loses a point due to a collision occurred in the race against All4One, while Aleph has been given a three-point penalty after a collision during the race against Azzurra.

Free-time during the Trophy

During the Trophy people have the choice to make photos with the participants and to take a break in the many restaurants and Cafès, drinking a good espresso or eating a refreshing gelato. Not to be missed is a tour of the archipelago by boat, to visit the little enchanting islands which compose it. Of course, the best suggestion I can give to those who wish to relax is: put a book and some cool drinks in your bag, choose your favourite beach and enjoy Sardinian summer!!!

Credits: Flickr, Mastrobiggo

After relaxing on the beach, you can maybe feel like doing a tour in Costa Smeralda, the VIP favourite Sardinian resort. In this case, don’t forget that the Polo Gold Cup will start soon, on 29^th May. You may take this opportunity to visit the area and to be present to this popular and exclusive competition.

Are you attending the Louis Vuitton Cup? Share your experience with us!!!

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