Great Italian Television
Written by admin on 3 October, 2009 – 4:00 pm -
Great Italian television – strange words to hear together, especially these days. This month I will lose all my television channels as the move to digital begins. But I have not bought a digibox. Why? Well Italian television is quite poor. There are only a few programmes throughout the week that are actually worth watching.
Having said that, occasionally there are some great television films “made in Italy” and ten of these, in collaboration with La Gazzetta dello Sport, are being released on dvd. The collana begins with probably the best film I have seen whilst living in Italy – Giovanni Falcone, l’uomo che sfidò Cosa Nostra. I have been unable to find this film in any shop and I don’t think it has been repeated (they tend repeat only the same few things). This is definitely and opportunity not to miss.
Available weekly from Tuesday 6 October.
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Santa Maria Nuova
Written by admin on 22 September, 2009 – 10:45 am -
The 2009 Palio di Asti was won by Santa Maria Nuova. It is the fifth time in the history of the event that they have been victorious (they recently had back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006). Tele Cupole, Piedmont’s regional television channel, showed the event live but had to leave before the climax as there were too many false starts (at least three)!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 6 Comments »
The Oldest Palio in Italy
Written by admin on 17 September, 2009 – 9:17 am -
A Palio, an annual historic contest between the neighbourhoods of a town usually involving horseracing or other medieval sports, is literally the silk banner awarded to the winner of the contest.
The most famous Palio in Italy is that of Siena which is held every 2nd July and 16 August. It dates back to 1644. However, Italy’s oldest palio is that of Asti, Piedmont, and dates back to 1275. It takes place on the third Sunday of September and comprises of 21 competing Rioni or neighbourhoods. About 1200 locals, including the famous Sbandieratori or flag-wavers, parade through the streets in medieval costume and a bareback horse race takes place in Piazza Alfieri in front of a large crowd (ticket holders only). After three preliminary heats and a display by the Sbandieratori the final race is run and the Palio awarded. Last year the winning rione was San Lazzaro, who, as tradition dictates, have been celebrating for the whole year!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 4 Comments »
‘Si’ I do
Written by admin on 27 July, 2009 – 1:33 pm -
Now you can say Si to your beloved at the Mole Antonelliana in Turin. This weekend the first bride and groom tied the knot there. If you would like to do the same it will cost you €2000 but that includes a trip to the top of this famous landmark (which was initially destined to be a synagogue). Also available for hire is the Palazzo Madamma. For more details visit the City of Turin’s website.
Posted in Entertainment, News & Weather | 3 Comments »
Turin Takes Flight
Written by admin on 5 June, 2009 – 12:52 pm -
World Air Games / Giochi Mondiali dell’Aria 6 -14 June 2009
The most important Sport Aviation event in the world begins tomorrow and includes a team of skydivers landing in Piazza San Carlo, Turin. Other cities participating include Collegno, Avigliana, and Mondovi.
Events include: aerobatics, aeromodelling, hot-air ballooning, gliding, hang gliding, parachuting / skydiving, paragliding, helicopter and microlight flying. Download a competition schedule for more details.
Official site: www.wag2009.com
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What’s on Your iPod?
Written by admin on 22 May, 2009 – 4:10 pm -
Posted in Entertainment | 2 Comments »
Beckham Makes it Big in Milan
Written by admin on 23 April, 2009 – 3:20 pm -
Victoria that is, not David! Here she is next to the under construction Armani Hotel at the end of Via Montenapoleone, the fashion district of Milan.
I recently heard she has fallen in love with Milan and would like to live in the city. Where? Castello Sforzesco (no joke). Maybe she wants to become the Queen of Italy too!
David seems to be doing quite well with his football at AC. He is a hard worker on the pitch and the fans have taken him to their hearts.
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Prince Charming Captures Italian Hearts
Written by admin on 22 March, 2009 – 10:32 am -
Emanuele Filiberto with dance partner Natalia Titova
Last night Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and Piedmont, won the celebrity dance competition on Rai 1 Ballando con le stelle (Dancing with the Stars) along with his partner Natalia Titova. He beat off strong competition from Andrea Montovoli (actor) / Ola Karieva (2nd), Alessio Di Clemente (actor) / Alessandra Mason (3rd), Stefano Bettarini (ex footballer) / Samanta Togni (4th), and Emanuela Aureli (comedian) / Roberto Imperatori (5th). His victory was fully deserved.
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Giacomo Puccini
Written by admin on 5 March, 2009 – 8:11 am -
Alessio Boni as Giacomo Puccini (Rai 1)
This week, to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Giacomo Puccini, Rai Uno screened a two part drama about the life of the world famous composer. As I have recently been to Lucca, Puccini’s birthplace, and Nagasaki, the setting for Madama Butterfly, I thought maybe it was about time to find out more about the Maestro.
Continue reading …
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Festival della Canzone Italiana
Written by admin on 17 February, 2009 – 4:50 pm -Tonight begins the Festival di Sanremo (Sanremo Music Festival) – Italy’s equivalent of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Simone Cristicchi – Ti regalerò una rosa (Winner 2007, Categoria Artisti)
This annual contest, which lasts until Saturday, is held at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo. It is split into two categories – Categoria Artisti (or i Big) for established artists, Categoria Nuove Proposte or (i Giovani) for newcomers. Each artist performs their song several times throughout the week, and special guests make appearances. In the past many famous names have participated including Zucchero, Andrea Bocelli, Vasco Rossi, Laura Pausini, Elisa and Eros Ramazzoti.
Continue reading …
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