Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has signed the first official decree of the newly-formed government, which will go into effect on March 6 and will last until April 6, two days after Easter, implementing restrictions designed to lower the number of infections and deaths from the virus. GENERAL RULES Italy will continue to be divided in “red,” “orange”, and “yellow” zones, which reflect the severity of Coronavirus contagions in addition to the newly [...]
Black History Month (BHM) began in the United States during the 1970s with the aim to recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Florence began Black History Month Florence (BHMF) in 2016 with a mission to celebrate narratives of African descendent and diasporic communities in Italy. In 2018, Bologna become the second Italian city to provide cross-cultural events during BHM via Black History Month Bologna (BHMB). This year, BHMF will [...]
The Roman poet Virgil once said, “Love conquers all things.” Even in the darkest of times, what gets us through is the love we have for one another. This Valentine’s Day, remind your loved ones just how lucky you are to have them by surprising them with something outside of the box. GIFTS Jane Harman Borgo San Frediano, 131r Celebrate two souls becoming one with a unique work of art. Talented art [...]
This year Florence and Tuscany commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Durante di Alighiero degli Alighieri (1265-1321), commonly known as Dante, and fondly remembered by Italians as Il Sommo Poeta, the Supreme Poet. Right now, this icon of Italian culture can be best experienced in a self-guided walking tour in his hometown. Given the current Covid-19 health emergency, a rich program of more than 50 events is still not completely defined, [...]
Florence will remain a “yellow” zone with relatively mild Covid-19 anti-contagion restrictions until at least January 30. Following the recent reopening of city and a few-state run museums, additional sites and exhibitions are becoming newly accessible from Monday to Friday this week, and beyond, if “yellow” status is maintained. Theatres remain closed; in compensation, a rich program of classical concerts in streaming, by the Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) and the Amici della Musica, is [...]
As we all know, 2020 was the year of the unexpected. The COVID-19 health emergency caused us to alter day to day life, from how we go to work to how we celebrate the holidays. Cultural events were no exception: concerts, museum exhibitions, and film festivals all went virtual after being forced to close their doors to the public. Palazzo Strozzi, however, made the best of this program interruption to strengthen the venue’s [...]
What a difference a year makes! This year Florence residents will not be regaled with their choice of music in the piazzas; no gala three-hour dinners followed by the midnight brindisi of spumante on December 31 and dancing till dawn. No jostling crowds of merrymakers can be seen filling the streets and alleys with cheer and joyful noise. But there is optimism for enjoyment with a calmer celebration. NEW YEAR’S EVE The Municipality, [...]
This Christmas, the Uffizi Galleries The Uffizi will be giving the gift of art to Florentines despite being closed for the holiday season. Starting tomorrow, December 23, and ending on Christmas day, the museum will be hosting an online “Christmas Special” in which selected art works from the Uffizi’s collection will be ‘on view’ through social media. All the events during the ‘Christmas Special’ will be free and accessible to the public [...]
After a difficult year, many are struggling to hang on, but all can look to the Christmas season as a beacon of light during distressing times. In a recent initiative created by mayor Dario Nardella and commerce city councilor Federico Gianassi, the hashtag #ioComproFiorentino (Buying Florentine) raises awareness for the importance of supporting businesses and artisans within the Florence community. Though Italy remains cautious in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, government officials realize [...]
The 20th annual “River to River” Florence Indian Film Festival will take place from December 3 to 8 via Più Compagnia on Mymovies.it, the virtual cinema room of Cinema La Compagnia of Florence. This year’s special edition will be online for the first time, and will welcome activists, actors, and directors who will participate in talks that give insight into the various films screened. With a ticket costing €9.90, the entire program [...]
