Summer events and festivals in Italy

June 26th 2008

If you are thinking of taking a holiday in Italy this summer, then it would be a shame to miss one of its fabulous events that take place throughout the country. Here are just a few of the highlights.....

ARENA DI VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL 2008

Verona June 20th – August 31st 2008

www.arena.it

Since 1913 the Arena di Verona is the backdrop for the most famous open air opera season starting from June 20th and ending August 31st. This year’s program composed of five operas and forty-nine performances begins with Aida a new production inspired the very first stage design in 1913. An event longed-for by the passionate with a program which blends to the music old and new stands and makes the event and the Arena an event not to miss.

FESTIVAL OF TERME DI CARACALLA

Rome. Terme di Caracalla – July 10th to August 14th 2008

www.operaroma.it/luoghi/terme_di_caracalla

From July 10th to August 14th the Teatro dell’Opera will transfer its stage between the walls of Terme di Caracalla, one of the best kept archeological building in Rome. This magnificent site of Roman remains bestow on this event that have been repeated since 1937, a unique character, not only to the Romans. The 2008 season officially opens on July 10th with Aida, the most awaited appointment in the whole event because of its extraordinary effectiveness with whose setting, sceneries and music melt them selves together.

UMBRIA JAZZ 08

Perugia – July 11th to 20th 2008

www.umbriajazz.com

The city of Perugia will once again renew its summer appointment for the jazz festival, an event which over time has been brought together thanks to the consent of the public and most importantly not only the presence of international stars but allowing to compose enthusiastic billboard signs. This year the festival will celebrate 35 years, presented once again in some of the most beautiful settings of the street of Perugia, from spontaneous sessions to free concerts in the town squares and concerts in the Arena of Saint Giuliana, Morlacchi and Pavone Theaters and the hall of Cannoniera della Rocca Paolina. This year’s festival features music for all but as well more popular forms of music that have a more immediate appeal for young people and families .

LA NOTTE ROSA

Emilia Romagna Coast – different locations – July 5th/6th 2008

www.lanotterosa.it

The Emilia Romagna Riviera celebrates an event comparable to New Year’s Eve, the “Notte Rosa” with restaurants, stores, and nightclubs open till dawn with concerts, performances and events.

This year’s third edition expects the presence of a million and a half of people that will crowd all along the 110 km of coast between Cattolica and Comacchio, more than 1500 streetlights will be illuminated in pink.

Many of the events are organised ad hoc for this occasion.

THE FEAST OF THE REDEEMER

Venice – July 19th/20th 2008

www.comune.venezia.it

The Redentore (Redeemer) is one of the Venetians' most treasured festivities, and is a tourist attraction thanks to the spectacular firework display in the evening. It falls on the third Sunday in July, when Holy Mass is held in the presence of the Patriarch, followed by a religious procession.

The celebration has ancient roots dating back in the three years between 1575 and 1577 when the city was tormented by a plague. In 1576, the Senate decided that the Doge should announce the vow to erect a church dedicated to the Redentore (Redeemer), in return for help in ending the plague. In 1577 the plague was declared definitively over and it was decided that the city's liberation from the terrible disease should be celebrated on the third Sunday in July and it’s honoured still today. But the special moment of the festivity takes place on Saturday evening prior to the religious event with the magnificent firework display at the lagoon in front of Saint Mark’s Square.

GARDALAND SEA LIFE

Lago di Garda

From May 31, 2008

www.gardaland.it

The finishing touch has been put on the new Ocean pool, destined to become the main attraction at Gardaland Sea Life, the huge theme aquarium opening by Gardaland on May 31 on more than 3.000 square metres.

All visitors to Gardaland Sea Life will be able to admire in close proximity the sea life within. It will be just like being immersed in an unknown and fantastic ocean floor. This is the only theme aquarium in Italy and it will contain 37 theme pools with 5000 fish of over 100 different species. On the outside, an area was created for sea lions that will host 400 people an hour.