Archive for July, 2010

Mid August In Italy: Ferragosto throughout the boot

July 27th, 2010

 

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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Posted in Events, Folk & Tradition

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Maps of ancient Italy – Which old Italian map do you prefer?

July 22nd, 2010

Let’s discover how Italy was a long time ago! A fascinating trip through the old maps of Italy

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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Posted in Art & History

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Hotel of the month: Castello Banfi Il Borgo

July 14th, 2010

Green Tuscan Hills, good wine and an excellent service….. 

..…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 souvenirs 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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Posted in Hotels, Tuscany

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Top 10 Italian summer songs

July 8th, 2010

 

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.

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.

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WItZEYGOWUY

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”.

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.

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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http://www.amazon.com/Sole-Nero-Litfiba/dp/B003L8GPXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1278490346&sr=1-1

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Posted in Folk & Tradition

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Summer events 2010: Live Concerts at Cala di Volpe Hotel

July 1st, 2010

Simply Red and Anastacia: live music in the exclusive Costa Smeralda!!!


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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Posted in Events, Sardinia

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