Put a Spring in your step at some great Italian festivals this March! John Bensalhia reports...
With Spring in the air, March is full of sunny optimism and cheer for those longer days and shorter nights ahead. This month mixes antiques, art, Caesar, and also squid! Let's see what we've got this month...
Sicily, Till 13th March 2017
This time of year means that you will literally have a Spring in your step.
A prime example of celebrating the dawning of Spring in style is that of Mandorlo in Fiore (which translates as almond blossom). This wonderful festival is held in Sicily, and in addition to welcoming in the new season, it also celebrates the culture and tradition that is unique to the island.
Having begun in February, there is still plenty to enjoy in March. This includes the Dinner of Brotherhood on the 6th of March, bringing together the foods and the religions of the Mediterranean. There is also a chance to sample a spot of well-being through the fourth MandorlaFest, with workshops and demonstrations on wellness.
The 62nd edition of the International Folklore Festival will span the days from the 7th to 12th March, and will line up musical performances, dances and a parade and awards ceremony on the Sunday.
Parma, Till 5th March 2017
Sometimes the perfect gift isn't always found on the high street. Particularly rare and collectable – or unique and quirky gifts can be found at antiques and collectable markets.
One of the most acclaimed of the lot is Parma's Mercanteinfiera event which gathers together more than 1000 dealers to display a wide variety of antique and collectable items. Collectors, memorabilia seekers and general visitors come not only from Italy but from locations far and wide including France, Spain and America.
This event kicked off at the tail end of February, but lasts until 5th March. Practically every type of collectable under the sun is here, including furniture, antique items and designer bags. There will also be a Modern and Contemporary Art Fair for all art lovers to come and see.
Belluno, 3rd - 5th March 2017
If you're an art connoisseur or even if you have a passing interest in art, then Art Fair Dolomiti will be a good port of call for you this March.
It's held from the Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th March, an international trade show that has a particular slant towards modern and contemporary art. Galleries and collections of this kind of art will be on display, taking in inspiration from the past, but with a definite look ahead at the future.
Creative artists and art experts will be in attendance at this event, noting the current trends and creative ideas used to form some truly unique works. And it's also a good opportunity for attendees to meet up and compare notes on the art of today and of the future.
Festa Della Donna, Women's Day Festival
Throughout Italy, 8th March 2017
The bright yellow Mimosa flower is a traditional gift to the women of Italy which is given to women by men in the celebration of Women’s Day. The Mimosa flower also symbolises the start of spring.
Women’s Day originates from an event which took place in New York on the 8th March 1857 when garment workers went on strike which successfully formed the 1st women’s Union in America. Russian women followed in 1945 calling for a strike in the name of “Bread & Peace” which originated from the 1st world war and the Russian Revolution in 1917. The Union of Italian Women decided to announce that the 8th March should become a special day in the year to celebrate womanhood in Italy.
Now every year on the 8th March, Italy celebrates Women’s Day (also known as Festa Della Donna). This day is full of love as men show the women in their lives how much they love them, while the rest of the country celebrates the importance of Women and their achievements. The day is marked by music, events and women are given special treatment by being given special deals in restaurants as well as many venues and locations!
Anniversary of Julius Caesar's Death
Rome, 15th March 2017
On the 15th March every year, Rome celebrates and remembers the life & death of one of it’s legends “ Julius Caesar” it was on this day that he met his death in 44 BC.
Many cultural events are held such as a re-enactment of Caesar's death at the place at which he died. At the ruins of Caesar's temple, people come together at the Roman forum to remember and mark the occasion by laying traditional flowers. A special marathon is also held in his honour.
15th - 19th March 2017, Pinarella di Cervia, Ravenna
It's squids in this March as the seaside town of Pinarella di Cervia in Ravenna dedicates five days to the wonders of the squid.
The wonderful thing about this kind of food festival is that it celebrates a particular kind of food with unbridled gusto. So while there's plenty to learn and sample in the world of squid, there are plenty of festivities to keep visitors entertained from morning to night.
There will be plenty of music to whet the appetite of the ears, including good-time Romagna music on the 15th of March and a throwback to the days of disco with Margo 80 the next day. The revival is sure to inspire some Travolta-style pointing from hip to air. Meanwhile on the 17th, Roberta Cappelletti and his orchestra will be providing the tunes, and as this very enjoyable festival closes on the 19th, it will do do by playing out with music and entertainment enjoyed by all.
Irlanda in Festa (St Patrick's Day)
Throughout Italy, 17th March 2017
With St Patrick being toasted throughout Ireland, his special day is marked worldwide, and that includes Italy.
Rimini for example really goes to town in a few days' worth of St Patrick's events and initiatives. These can range from traditional food to traditional music, as well as traditional drinks!
Florence is another good location to be if you want to live it up St Patrick's style. In addition to sampling some Irish food and drink, special concerts, parties and events will also be laid on to celebrate the saint. There will also be a range of Celtic-themed performances at event-space Flog (for the first time in 2017) which encompass music and dance.
It's also worth checking out some of the Irish-themed pubs and bars. Bolzano's Temple Bar up north is worth a look, and it's certainly got pedigree given that it was selected by the Irish Pubs Global Federation as the “most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland”. Bologna's Celtic Druid Irish Pub also lays on a memorable spread on the 17th of March each year, so if you're in the area, why not pop in to raise a glass?
Feast Day of San Giuseppe
Throughout Italy, 19th March 2017
One of the most prominent festivals in March is the marking of San Giuseppe – or St Joseph.
As the father of Jesus and the patron saint of Sicily, St Joseph is honoured all across Italy in various ways. It's a time in which everyone comes together, particularly with a tradition such as the setting of the Table of St Joseph (Tavole di San Giuseppe). Local neighbourhoods band together to create a feast for everyone, and the poor and homeless are also given food and drink as part of this event.
Talking of food, the Feast Day of St Joseph sees a number of special foods and food customs occurring on the 19th. These include Fava beans (the only types of bean to make it through a drought during the Middle Ages in Italy), lemons and breadcrumbs, which represent the sawdust from Joseph's carpentry.
There's also the delicious traditional sweet that is Zeppole, which combines pastry, sugar, custard and the topping cherry. It makes for a tasty way to end any meal eaten on St Joseph's Day!
Meanwhile, fathers are given special gifts by their children, and with all the family, they can attend special events that recreate the scenes from St Joseph's life.
