PESARO NAMED ITALIAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2024
Nestled along the Adriatic coast, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Overlooking the sea and crisscrossed by the River Foglia, Pesaro boasts two coastal hills that provide a stunning backdrop to its charm. Recognised by UNESCO as a creative city for Music, Pesaro celebrates its status as the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini.
Italy continues to be a haven for art, music, and history enthusiasts. Here are some exciting events and exhibitions across the country:
ART
EL GRECO EXHIBITION EL GRECO EXHIBITION IN MILAN – PALAZZO REALE until 11th of February
Witness the brilliance of El Greco’s artwork in Milan at Palazzo Reale. Dive into the unique style and emotional depth of this influential painter.
GOYA EXHIBITION GOYA EXHIBITION IN MILAN – PALAZZO REALE until 3rd of March
Continuing the artistic journey, explore the Goya exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Delve into the captivating works of Francisco Goya, a master of the Romantic era.
RE-OPENING OF CINEMA MODERNISSIMO, BOLOGNA
Film enthusiasts rejoice! The iconic Cinema Modernissimo in Bologna has reopened its doors, inviting you to experience the magic of cinematography in a beautifully restored early twentieth-century setting.
MILANO DESIGN WEEK 16th – 21st of April
Once again, in April, Milano the Capital of Design steps under the spotlights of the world of creativity and design with Milano Design Week and the Salone del Mobile: presented from 16th to 21st April at Rho Fiera and throughout the liveliest city districts.
FIDIA, GREATEST GREEK SCULPTOR, MUSEI CAPITOLINI, ROME Fidia | Musei Capitolini until 5th of May
Explore the works of Fidia, the renowned Greek sculptor, at Musei Capitolini in Rome. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and classical mastery of his sculptures.
MUSIC
OPERA SINGING GRANTED UNESCO INTANGIBLE STATUS
Italy’s rich opera tradition has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Celebrate the expressive beauty of this art form, deeply ingrained in Italy’s cultural fabric.
FESTIVAL DI SANREMO 6th – 10th of February
The 74th Italian Song Festival, also known as the Sanremo Festival takes place in the Liguria Region. The event is broadcast live and in Eurovision by Raiuno, RaiPlay and Radio2.
LEONARDO FROM DESIGN TO MACHINES – CORIGLIANO CALABRO, Calabria until 30th of June
Embark on a journey through Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenious designs and machines in Corigliano Calabro, Calabria. Discover the genius of one of history’s greatest minds.
CARNIVALS
CARNIVAL OF VENICE until 13 of February
The vibrant and colourful Venice Carnival is back for a fortnight of costumes, masks and celebrations. During the Carnival celebrations, Venice turns into an even more magical place. Every corner of this fabled city on the water flourishes with shows, music and parades. As in the past, private parties and masquerade balls still happen inside the Serenissima’s grand noble palaces. However, the most spectacular moments of the Venetian carnival – such as the “Flight of the Angel” and the “Festa delle Marie” – will take place at the St Mark’s Square, which becomes the centre of an amazing, open-air party.
CARNIVAL OF FANO 28 Jan, 4th and 11th of February
The Carnival of Fano is one of the oldest Carnival in Italy and the biggest in the Marche Region, featuring floats, masks, music, masquerades, shows and fireworks. However, what really makes this Carnival special is the launch of tons of sweets from the floats to the crowds of spectators.
CARNIVAL OF VIAREGGIO 3rd, 8th, 11th, 13th, 18th and 24th February
Among Italy’s most flamboyant events in Italy, particular mention goes to the Carnival of Viareggio. The floats made of papier-mâché are the stars of this carnival; huge, majestic, and thought-provoking, they are inspired by Italian and international politics and other current events, often represented in satire form, most times with a lot of irreverence. These parades draw thousands of visitors of all ages, who come to participate in the festive air that can be breathed in the town on the days of the masquerade processions. Events include big parties, sports events, slang theatre show and food stalls.
FASHION
MILANO FASHION WEEK 20th – 26th of February
Milano Fashion Week Moda Donna, the key event on the Milano fashion calendar, makes its return to create dreams and aspirations. The biggest names in Fashion Week will enchant a global audience with their Autumn-Winter 2024/2025 collections.
CULINARY DELIGHTS & GASTRONOMIC FESTIVALS
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF GENOESE PESTO – Genoa 23rd of March, Doge’s Palace
The World Championship of Genoese Pesto with Mortar is set to make a triumphant return to Genoa after a four-year hiatus imposed by the pandemic. Witness the culinary prowess of 100 competitors from around the globe as they go head-to-head, using pestles and mortars to create Genoese pesto according to traditional methods and with authentic ingredients. A panel of gastronomes and expert tasters will identify the top 10 finalists, who will compete in the final round in the afternoon. The World Champion of Genoese Pesto with Mortar will be awarded the prestigious “Pestello d’Oro,” an olive wood pestle with a handle wrapped in gold.
FOCACCIA FESTIVAL OF RECCO – Genoa 26th of May, Recco
Join the celebration of the iconic gastronomic symbol of Recco at the Focaccia Festival. Established in 1955 and organized by the Consorzio della Focaccia di Recco col formaggio and the Municipality of Recco since 2006, this event pays homage to the beloved focaccia. Experience the culinary tradition with the free distribution of both classic and onion-flavoured focaccia in the morning, followed by the afternoon delight of Focaccia di Recco with IGP cheese. Immerse yourself in the flavours of this cherished gastronomic heritage.
EUROCHOCOLATE – Perugia 18 – 27th of October
Indulge your sweet tooth at Eurochocolate in Perugia, where chocolate lovers converge to experience a delightful celebration of all thing’s cocoa. In its 30th year, the event promises captivating cooking demonstrations, intricate chocolate sculptures and the opportunity to savour and purchase a variety of chocolate specialties at the chocolate market and expo. Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate artistry and craftsmanship.
TERRA MADRE SALONE DEL GUSTO Turin 26 – 30th of September
Terra Madre Salone del Gusto is Slow Food’s flagship international festival. Hosted every other year in Turin, Italy, this event is the best food conference you’ve ever been to, combined with a huge food marketplace, workshops, networking, music and the flavours of the world.
SPORTS
EMILIA ROMAGNA REGION – CYCLE LIKE A PRO | Emilia Romagna Tourism 29th of June 2024
In 2024, the iconic Tour de France Grand Départ will pass through Emilia Romagna, offering cyclists breath-taking routes through Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Piacenza. For the 111th edition of the iconic Tour de France, the race will depart from Florence.
HIKE OR CYCLE THE ‘DUCHIES TRAIL’ FROM EMILIA ROMAGNA TO TUSCANY | Sentiero dei Ducati
Discover the Sentiero dei Ducati, an ancient pilgrimage route from Emilia Romagna to Tuscany. Hikers and mountain bikers will traverse picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, castles, and ancient churches.
MOTORING AND BOATING
EMILIA ROMAGNA REGION – FOLLOW ENZO FERRARI | Motor Valley
To celebrate the film release of the Ferrari, the biopic of Enzo Ferrari’s. Visitors to Emilia Romagna can follow in Enzo’s footsteps and enjoy a test drive at Imola racetrack.
LIGURIA REGION – GENOA BOAT SHOW 19th to the 24th of September
Experience the pinnacle of Italian refinement at the 67th edition of the Genoa Boat Show, an event that showcases the best of Made in Italy brands. Located at the stunning Waterfront Marina in Genoa, the show offers a remarkable opportunity for both industry experts and enthusiasts to indulge in over 200,000 square metres of display space on land and water.
NEW FLIGHTS
ITA AIRWAYS
ITA Airways is launching a new nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and London City Airport (LCY) starting 1st April 2024. Operated with the new Airbus A220-100, this route will feature 12 weekly flights, catering to the significant demand from leisure and business travellers. Additionally, ITA Airways is introducing a fifth roundtrip flight from Milan Linate to London City, with service beginning on 10th April 2024 and increasing the weekly frequencies between Milan and London City to 31 flights.
JET2.COM
Jet2.com is set to expand its offerings for summer 2024 with exciting new routes:
Edinburgh – Rome: Twice weekly flights from 8th March 2024, as part of Jet2’s major expansion at Edinburgh Airport.
East Midlands – Naples: Weekly flights starting from 24th May 2024.
Glasgow – Verona: Weekly flights starting from 8th May 2024.
For summer 2025, Jet2.com introduces:
Edinburgh – Catania: Twice weekly flights from 7th May to 22nd October 2025.
In addition, Jet2.com will provide additional frequencies for the 2024 Six Nations Rugby Tournament, with extra flights to Rome during February and March 2024. Route increases for summer 2024 include expanded services from Edinburgh to Naples, Edinburgh to Verona, Birmingham to Catania, and Manchester to Olbia.
RYANAIR
Ryanair introduces two new flights:
Luton to Treviso: Twice a week, starting from October 2023.
London Stansted to Genoa: Winter 2023-2024 season.
NEW HOTELS
COLLINA LUXURY RELAIS in Clusone near Bergamo, Lombardy
Discover the elegance and luxury of Collina Luxury Relais, a 5-star hotel in Clusone near Bergamo, Lombardy. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and indulge in a world-class hospitality experience.
HILTON EUR LA LAMA in Rome, near La Nuvola convention centre
Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience at Hilton Eur La Lama in Rome, located near the La Nuvola convention centre. Enjoy world-class amenities and exceptional service at this exquisite hotel in the heart of the Eternal City.Top of Form
CARUSO NUOVO BISTROT – New restaurant at the Gran Hotel et de Milan
A new name, a new image, a new interior project by Dimorestudio, and a new team headed by chef Gennaro Esposito and the executive chef Francesco Potenza. The menu features dishes from both the Neapolitan and Milanese tradition, with courses guests can share in a pleasantly entertaining atmosphere.
