It’s only been five weeks that one began to hear the word “Coronavirus” in Italy. More precisely, February 21 was the date that 11 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lodi, in the region of Lombardy. It was the start of when life was to change drastically in the nation, and slowly, slowly, throughout the world. It’s time to take stock and see what the future holds. The decrees mandating closures so that [...]
Nearly everyone is home to combat the spread of Coronavirus also thanks to the latest decree shutting many factories. There are, however, plenty of cultural initiatives and activities for kids to spend the time safely at home. The following is a guide. MOVIES A showcase for international feature length documentaries as well as short films that cover a variety of subjects (with Italian and English subtitles when needed), Florence’s annual Festival dei Popoli is [...]
Right now, Florence and Tuscany are “spellbound,” with streets and squares in a state of suspended animation; nearly everyone is home following the government decree of March 11, in which further restrictions were implemented to combat the spread of Coronavirus. The region’s cultural institutions have organized in the meantime to continue activities for the public in a safe manner, with singing from the balconies, virtual visits of the Uffizi and Pitti’s vast art [...]
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti announced further restrictions on retail establishments and public places amending his March 8 government decree which is valid through April 3; the new constraints will remain in force until March 25. These precautionary measures are being taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus as much as possible. There are currently 364 Coronavirus patients in Tuscany. The March 11 ordinance has shut down cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants except [...]
A new chapter has opened regarding the Coronavirus emergency in Florence and Tuscany. Thanks to a government decree issued on March 8, as a precautionary measure all cultural events have been postponed, museums and churches inaccessible through April 3. Concurrently, American study-abroad campuses have closed to students as have Italian institutes of learning—ranging from elementary, middle and high schools to universities in Florence, Pisa and Siena until April 3—to prevent the spread of [...]
The curtain has risen on Act 2 of the Coronavirus emergency in Florence and Tuscany. In regards to American study-abroad campuses, nearly all of them have closed as have Italian institutes of learning—only through March 15—ranging from primary schools to universities in Florence, Pisa and Siena, to prevent the spread of infection. Many, but not all, cultural events have been postponed. In Tuscany, the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has tripled in the [...]
Regarding Coronavirus, Florence mayor Dario Nardella wrote to the community (in English): “national and local governments have taken measures to prevent spread of the infection…and there are no risks to live and stay [sic] in Italy, and particularly in Florence and Tuscany.” In light of the Coronavirus situation, the city’s civic museums will grant free admission to everyone from March 6 – 8 as part of the municipality’s campaign dubbed cultura contra paura. [...]
Late February and early March in Florence brings good listening throughout the region’s theatres. Throughout the period, a high note is struck by excellent classical music offerings and artists, designed to appeal to all tastes. TEATRO DEL MAGGIO The entertaining comic opera ‘Don Pasquale’ by Gaetano Donizetti, which premiered in 1843 in Paris, will be performed on February 26, 29 and March 4. The old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to [...]
February is the quintessential Carnival month, celebrated with parades, street decorations, masquerade balls, fireworks and general merriment. Carnival, Carnevale in Italian, has origins in the ancient pagan Greek Dionysian and Roman Saturnalia festivals. Today’s Carnevale resembles a month-long party melding ancient traditions and modern-day frivolity. Carnival time brings Italians into the streets for merrymaking like no other time of the year. Expect a grand finale of unrestrained enjoyment leading up to Martedì Grasso (Mardi Gras [...]
At the weekend, both the general public and enologists can be the first to sample some of the most recent regional vintages at Previews (Anteprime) held in Florence and throughout Tuscany. For aficionados and those simply curious, the February anteprime present an opportunity to participate and share in the passion of each wine estate’s desire to create a unique connection with other enthusiasts. The term “Preview” means that the wines are offered for tasting [...]