Category: About Tuscany
Tuscany, Carnival in Viareggio
Carnival is the very old festival that precedes Lent and is traditionally a time for partying and making whoopee. Viareggio’s carnival dates back to 1873 when some young men, all frequenters of the same casino, decided to organise a procession of carriages on Shrove Tuesday evening, with the passengers in fancy dress. It was such a success that it was repente the following year, and, in a sense, every year thereafter (except for the periods of two World wars) growing ever more ambitious and elaborate.
By the end of the 19th century, carriages had been moine by carts drawn by horses oxen, with tableaux made of jute, wood, iron and plaster of Paris, very heavy and therefore very small by today’s standards. These had subjects such as The Little Zulus, The Triumph of the match in honour of the newly invented Cerini maches with wax sticks, and The Goddess of Flowers in praise of unspoilt nature, with prizes awarded for originality, design and ingenuity.
It wasn’t long before Viareggio’s local government began to appreciate the financial advantage of these parades wich attracted people from the surrounding villages as well as foreign tourists, all with money to spend. Public funding of the event began in 1910.
Two principal factors changed the rather earnest character of the event into the wonderfully exhilarating funfest that it is now.
The first was the use of paier-machè, introduced in 1925. This meant that enormous, hollow, lightweight figures could be made and animated by people with ropes and pulleys. The workshops where the’re made are in the purpose-built Cittadella del Carnevale, a multi purpose building opened in 2001 wich now also has a Carnival Museum.
The second was the increasing emphasis on satire and grotesquerie. No public figure, beh e President of the United States or the Pope, is exempt, Indeed, these two are amongst the main targets-what will the designers do with Barack Obama next year, I wonder? This year’s image is almost benign.
In a perverse way, however, being the the object of this savagery i san honour ( or at least a distinction of some kind) and politicians and other kent faces come to the opening Carnival to see how the paier-machè wizards have dealt with them. Before the event begins, the designers’ sketches are published with explanations of their message. The title of the one at the top of the page is “The cow licks and licks.. she ate the calf!!!”
This is the description. “The construction is a biking satire on the economic and political situation in Italy. At the centre of the float i san enormous cow representing our Republic.
She lies sprawled on a huge, wobbly, gilded armchair. She has her tongue hanging out and is guarded by two cavalry officers wearing breastplates. She would love to lick her calf which here represents the italian people, but only a dangling skeleton remains.
There’s nothing left to lick. Today, the builder is warning us, we must pay for everything and life for the people of Italy is down to the bone”.
Carnival doesn’t consist only of the major floats, however. There are smaller floats and lots of lorries carrying associations, school groups and people all dressed up, having fun and/or making a point. Many of the people who come to watch are wearing fancy dress and wigs and carrying spray cans of goo. It’s all so good-natured. There’s also a lot of very loud music.
The setting for the parade is the seaside “passeggiata” where the floats trundle back and forth at walking speed all afternoon till it grows dark. All that commotion and noise under the wide wintry sky, with the sea, the umbrella-less beach, the sagge mountainous backdrop… Magic
Take Advantage of Those Cheap Flights
For quite a few years now a number of the airlines labelled “low-cost airlines in Europe have been taking part in a fares war attempting to offer the lowest air fares to a huge number of cities throughout Europe. It’s quite normal to see that one of the leading budget carriers such as Easyjet or Ryanair has an offer of return flights from the UK to Spain, Germany or France for £1 (approx $1.45). There might be airport landing fees and taxes to be added to the fare, but it’s still a real bargain if you’re looking to see a number of European cities. One of the major disadvantages of flying with the budget airlines is that they often fly to the smaller local airports instead of the better known biginternational ones. This can mean that a flight that is supposed to be flying to a major European city actually lands up to fifty miles away. In fact there are a number of advantages with this arrangement, the municipal airports will always provide a much quicker service on check-in and luggage since they’re catering for far fewer flights. The disadvantage is that transportation serving these airports can be scrappy at best and a very popular option is hiring a car from the airport. Here are some of the wonderful cities that we have visited using cheap flights. We are confident that you would enjoy visiting any of these great, they certainly have a lot to offer to visitors to their country.
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, once the butt of so many jokes about the slums of the Gorbals has undergone a Renaissance and is now a fascinating, architecturally diverse city supporting a huge number of tourists throughout the year. The chic West side of the city is the home of the fourth oldest university in the U.K.. Situated on a hill in the middle of the Medieval region of Glasgow, the students contribute a great deal to the fun loving and vibrant atmosphere of that area. The low cost carriers utilise Prestwick Airport which is approximately 35 miles (51 km) to the north east of the city centre and you will find an excellent road between the airport and the city centre. It’s a popular area for sightseeing, so you are advised to hire a car at Glasgow Airport before setting out on your journey. An uncrowded half hour drive from Prestwick along the M77 motorway takes you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is a perfect base for a journey to the Trossachs National Park. Just 20 km (13 mile) drive out of Glasgow and you could discover sensational countryside aback a pony, whilst a 30 mile (50 km) drive eastwards along another excellent motorway will take you to Edinburgh , the city of festivals complete with Princes Street shopping, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the seaside.
Florence, Italy
Undoubtedly one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in Europe, Florence is served by Pisa Airport, which is 84 km (50 miles) west of the city. Rent a car at Pisa airport and you’ll be perfectly positioned to take in Pisa with its leaning tower, the wonders of historic Florence and some of Europe’s most picturesque countryside, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. It therefore will not come as a huge surprise that Florence is one of the leading historic cities in the whole of Europe. Once you arrive at the city of Florence you will discover that much of the centre of the city is traffic free thus preserving its many ancient architectural treasures and statues from the vibrations and pollution associated with heavy traffic. The traffic free status overwhelms you with a sense of tranquility as you meander from one fragment of history to the next. You do not need to stray too far before experiencing the ghastly, ear splitting roar of Florence’s legion of scooter riders. Other than the Ponte Vecchio the remainder of the bridges into the centre of the city are polluted, noisy places, thus giving us an added reason to stay within the ancient alleyways and tranquil sanctuaries of Florence’s wonderful piazzas.
Tours, France
Tours is the perfect centre for touring France’s wonderful Loire valley and its stunning chateaux The ideal centre for discovering the Loire Valley famed for its serious selection of palatial residences, Tours boasts quite a number of its own charms. Although the little airport is but a couple of miles out of town, it’s almost essential that you hire a car in the Loire Valley to fully explore some of the most stunning towns and villages to be found anywhere in France. A host of cultural treasures can be found scattered beside the Loire. The Loire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers scenic countryside, lots of flamboyant castles plus a good scattering of historic villages. Formerly the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a favourite location for the French monarchy. Originally constructed as working fortified castles, the buildings were converted into the palatial chaeaux that you will find today. The historic towns that line the river banks are a magnet to tourists from all over the world. Towns such as Chinon, Tours and Orleans have lots to see and do whilst the most popular chateau is possibly that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the area you will find small, family owned vineyards selling a variety of tasty wines at budget prices. Keep your eyes skinned for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and as long as ‘Le Patron’ is not enjoying a long leisurely lunch you will be made very welcome and he will be delighted to lead you through a tasting of all his wines. Naturally, it is strongly advised that you take a non-drinker as your chauffer, some of these tasting sessions can become extremely alcoholic!.
Tuscany, Art for Cystic Fibrosis
This is an opportunity for artists of all ages to show their work in the splendid setting of Cerruglio Castle, Montecarlo thus supportino the cause of Cystic Fibrosis. An estimated 60 artists will be on display.
The exhibit will take place September 19 to 27 2009, in the context of a week of culture involving both the castle and Teatro dei Rassicurati.
The application deadline is May 3rd and the rules for partecipation (in english) can be consulted: www.bidiboard.it/en/index.php
At no cost those selected (except application fee of 70 euros), their works will be placed on display in the castle, on the internet site and in catalogue that will be available to the public. (Those not selected will nonetheless have their work displayed in the association website).
Earnings from any works sold will go directly to the artists. Many artists from troughout Italy have already asked to partecipate in this event, sponsored by the town of Montecarlo, il Giardino di Bidi cultural association, the Italian Cystic Fibrosis League and O.F.FI.CIU.M.- association of parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis
Lucca Jazz Donna 2009, 21-28 February
Coincidentally enough at the press conference for this the 5th edition of Lucca Donna Jazz, held in the Headquarters of the patrons Fondazione Banca del Monte, the conversation spontaneously turned to this era of Lucca Jazz.
The board members reminisced their teenage pilgrimages to San Giorgio in the hope of a few notes from Chet’s last partner Ruth Young sang at the 2006 edition of the festival.
So don’t miss this week of top class concerts taking place in the San Girolamo Theatre starting February 21st and presented by famous TV music personalità and DJ Claudio Sottili. Thi is the 2009 Lucca Jazz Donna Festival organized by the Circolo Lucca Jazz, dedicated this year to Billie Holiday on the 50th anniversary of her death.
As a side event the 1984 Emmy and Bafta award winning film Billie Holiday – The Long Night of Lady Day by Jhon Jeremy will be shown at the Cinema Centrale on Thursday 19th February.
The festival aims to bring female jazz musicians to the forefront, whether they sing, play, compose or arrange jazz music. Two mid-week evenings are dedicated to the 2009 Award for young talent and feature, six female groups from Rome, Palermo, Puglia, Milan and Lucca.
The weekend events in Lucca feature Michele Hendricks, daughter of Jon of legendary trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Eileina Dennis from the US with her gospel background and hit recording with Randy Crawford and Zucchero, Tiziana Ghiglioni known as La Signora del Jazz Italiano and the captivating voice of Ada Montellanico with her guest Max Ionata.
A special tribute to Billie Holiday entitled Our Way to Lady Day will take place at Teatro Alfieri in Castelnuovo Garfagnana on March 27th with the Ricciardi/Premazzi Quartet.
previous edition have hosted dramme Kim Thompson, just on the cusp of fame, saxophonist Lisa Pollard and violinist Regina Carter, to name a few.
The festival is a showcase for Lucca to be proud of, adding sparkle and International glamour to the town during the drab low season of february. Spread the word!
Last year these shows were a sell-out so we recommend you buy tickets in advance from Telerecord, Via Santa Croce 11/13. On sale from 10th february. More info regarding the programme and tickets at www.luccajazzdonna.it; segreteria-eventi@comunelucca.it
Tel. +39 0583.442444, or centro.po@provincialucca.it Tel. +39 0583 433435
Listening also in What’s On Central pages.