John Bensalhia takes a look at the coming of Autumn through this September's choice of Italian events.
As life gradually returns to a degree of normality, so the level of events grows. This month's crop of happenings includes ones that you can go and visit in person, as opposed to looking online. With the appropriate health and safety precautions imposed, visitors can look forward to an enjoyable, informative – and safe – choice of things to see and do this September.
Sant’Anna Arresi Jazz
1st - 6th September 2020
One of the most popular Sardinian music festivals, Sant'Anna Arresi Jazz is due to make its return this September. The 35th edition of the festival will still be held despite the recent pandemic, albeit with the relevant safety precautions in place.
As with previous festivals, the line-up attracts a wide spread of jazz performers from around the world. Dating back to 1985, the festival has grown in stature rapidly to secure big names in the world of jazz music. This year's sparkling list of performers includes the Jacky Terrasson Trio; Franco D'Andrea; Mats Gustafsson; Hamid Drake; and many more.
Todi Festival
3rd - 6th September 2020
Performance is the order of the day with the annual Todi Festival. The 34th edition of the much-loved event has been given the green light, offering up an interesting and varied roster of shows, premieres and masterclasses relating to music, theatre and readings.
Many of the performances are free of charge and cover a broad range of genres and interests. There's contemporary theatre as well as links to the past with modern interpretations of Shakespeare tales. Main performances due for this year's show include Era un fantasma; The Darkest Night; and Enrico IV: A scuola di Re.
It's a festival that brings culture to all ages, with special shows also provided for children.
Venice Glass Week
5th - 13th September 2020
This year's fourth edition takes a bit of inspiration from Blondie's chart-topping hit, Heart Of Glass – the subtitle for the 2020 Venice Glass Week.
The decision to press on with this year's event in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic means that this year's event will be able to provide a programme full of variety. Including exhibitions, demonstrations, tours and online events, the 2020 edition will concentrate specifically on glass production. With refreshed interest in glassmaking, this event aims to revitalise interest in the sector – especially in the wake of closure after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Glassmaking has been a vital element of Venice for more than 1000 years, with the cream of glassmaking talent exporting to countries around the world. With the forthcoming event, the sector looks set to bring in refreshed and renewed interest.
International Festival of Palau
7th - 13th September 2020
The 24th edition of the acclaimed Palau International Festival is to carry on as planned. While the festival will be held in accordance with the required health and safety regulations, its fixture in the 2020 calendar signifies an affirmation of the culture and flagship status of Sardinia.
The festival melds culture, arts, archaeology and the local environment through a comprehensive programme of events including photography exhibitions, concerts and children's workshops.
Promoting the importance of tolerance, solidarity and social values through the medium of the arts, The International Festival of Palau remains one of the most important festivals in the area of Sardinia.
Piadina Festival
Bellaria Igea Marina, Emilia Romagna, 11th - 13th September 2020
One of the tastiest and most popular foods to emerge from the Emilia Romagna region is Piadina. This traditional bread is known as the king of breads – not only because of its delightful flavours, but because of its adaptability.
The festival showcases just what the Piadina can do, being used for more than 40 kinds of food uses and fillings. It can be enjoyed with fillings such as Carpegna pecorino cheese and misticanza, fried bacon, moli, onion and cherry tomatoes, and also for use in preparing breaded sardines with onion and Mediterranean sauce.
As well as the wide range of Piadina offerings, the show traditionally features cooking shows, general products and keepsakes to buy, and all kinds of entertainment to enjoy.
Extreme Uphill Val di Fassa
Moena, 12th - 13th September 2020
Exploring the wonders of the Italian countryside can be accomplished in a number of ways. Walking... driving... or in the case of Extreme Uphill Val di Fassa, mountain biking!
The mountain biking contest takes participants uphill via the paths of the beautiful location of Val di Fassa. It's a two-day event of varying ability levels. The first day is easier, taking place on Mount Luisa, covering a 9 km ascent with an altitude difference of 1000 metres. The 13th September locates to Margherita Hill, boosting the ascent (14 km) and altitude difference (1450 m) rates. A breathtaking way to see the Moena mountains!
Perugia Flower Show
18th - 20th September 2020
A case of bloom-ing marvellous, the Perugia Flower Show is a must for gardening fans. This September's show will again showcase the finest and most unusual flowers and plants. Whether you're cultivating an interest in gardening or are an experienced gardener, there will be much to enjoy here.
Species on display include aquatic plants, Bonsai trees, roses and hydrangeas. There are also areas devoted to gardening tools (just the job for those looking to buy new tools from scratch or replace old ones), as well as food and wine. It's an event that's geared to cater for all ages, and if you have any children interested in gardening, special courses and initiatives could lead to budding gardeners in the making.
