2013 EVENTS IN THE EMILIA REGION

Please see below a summary of some of the key events that will be hitting the Emilia Romagna region in 2013. These events range from Verdi festivals to Pink Night to Ski shows. For more details about any of the events described below please use the contact details at the bottom of the document.

All year long Verdi Festival and bicentennial of the Maestro’s birth Parma and surroundings At the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of the Maestro Verdi a full of events calendar is going to be presented (9th of March) in order to celebrate the ever increasing fame of his works, alive and well today as never before on the stages of the entire world. From end of January audiences will already profit from an extraordinary ensemble of outstanding musicians and a wide array of performances of Verdi’s operas scattered in all the Emilia Romagna theatres. During the festival there are also exhibitions, guided tours, seminars, conferences and of course an endless selection of great food and wine http://www.giuseppeverdi.it/Inglese/default.asp

25-28 January 2013 Artefiera – International exhibition of contemporary art Arte Fiera is the major international contemporary art exhibition in . More than 200 art galleries from all over the world will be joining this 37th edition, and along with the parallel city event “Bologna Art first”, will enrich Bologna with art performances, installations, and all sorts of contemporary art expressions, making the all city of Bologna an art museum. www.artefiera.bolognafiere.it

Until 10 February 2013 FLUXUS. 1962-2012 Reggio Emilia - Palazzo Magnani On the occasion of the 50th anniversary from the creation of the "Fluxus" art movement an exhibition will narrate the public the history started in 1962. http://www.palazzomagnani.it/2012/09/women-in-fluxus/

Until 27 January 2013 Changing difference queer politics and shifting identities Modena, Galleria civica This show will examine the work of three influent artists, (PETER HUJAR, MARK MORRISROE, JACK SMITH Three simultaneous solo exhibitions by Lorenzo Fusi) image-makers and underground cultural operators, highlighting parallels and analogies between them, albeit with respect for the individual artistic sensitivities of each of the protagonists.

http://www.comune.modena.it/gall eria

27 January, 10-17-24 February and 3 March 2013 Cento Carnival of Europe - Allegorical floats parade Historic centre Cento (FE) Cento's Carnival which dates back to the 1600s is a celebration of the stars of show business. During the event there are floats with more than 500 people in colourful costumes parading through the town's seventeenth-century streets drawing the public in to the cheerful, festive mood. For centuries, the party remained a very local celebration until the town twinned with the carnival in Rio de Janeiro- the festival has now become known internationally.

7-9 February 2013 Este masquerade Ferrara Would you like to be part of the ancient and sophisticated atmosphere of the Este masquerades? After almost six hundred years, the amazing Carnival of Ferrara Court is organized in Ferrara, the city that is the very heart of Italian Renaissance. The pomp and the splendour of one of the most important court in Europe is brought back with the historical recollection of the Carnival celebrated by the Este Court during the Renaissance with masquerades, events, historical parades, banquets and theatre shows will take place in the city centre and in the Renaissance palaces, while shop windows will be decorated with Carnival themes.

February – March 2013 Crossroads Jazz Festival Across the Emilia Romagna Region An annual celebration of Jazz which travels across the Emilia Romagna region. Holding concerts and events in more than 20 cities, from Modern and Bologna via Ferrara and , visitors can profit from a jazz concert almost every day!

10 March – 9 June 2013 “Lo sguardo di Michelangelo. Antonioni e le arti” Ferrara celebrates Antonioni , Ferrara Michelangelo Antonioni (1912-2007) is worldwide known as one of the fathers of modern cinema. The exhibition traces the creative arc of Antonioni's career, putting his work alongside that of great artists such as De Chirico, Morandi, Rothko and Pollock, and presenting a new and stimulating dialogue between film and painting, literature and photography. http://www.palazzodiamanti.it

16 March - 14 April 2013 Ciliegi in Fiore - Blooming Cherry Trees Festival Vignola/Modena Vignola - located in the province of Modena - is the beginning of the so-called “Food and Wine Trail” and a Renaissance town in the Po plain, that has been celebrating the production of outstanding cherry trees variety for 40 years. During the Festival the entire town is “blooming-cherry-trees” themed with events, concerts, exhibitions, peculiar Restaurants menus, tasting sessions and related activities to enjoy. The “blossoming chariots” parade, is a real celebration of the blossoming of cherry trees. www.cittacastelliciliegi.it (English version available) 23 March – 9 June 2013 Modena land of motors Modena For motors and vintage cars lover a not to miss event in the cradle of Ferrari. The happening will include historic autos and motorcycles shows, activities and performances on the themes of safe driving, dozens of Ferraris scattered around the city, and moreover special menus on the MotorLand theme at the restaurants and entertainments for kids.The first shows-exchange of Italian vintage cars and motorcycles will take place 25/26 May. http://www.modenaterradimotori.com

April and September 2013 Porcolonga (Spring and Autumn) - Culatello di Zibello’s trail Parma This is an interesting way to discover the area of the musician Verdi and the Culatello Ham. Porcolonga is a bike and boat marathon tour organized twice a year (spring and autumn). Professional guides lead the cycling tours, where you can choose among 9 routes (from 31 km to 50 km long). Some of them run along the charming landscape of Po River’s embankment. In each ride you will stop for visiting important monuments such as Royal Palace in Colorno, the Sanvitale Fortress in Fontanellato, Verdi Theatre and others. Then, there will be at least two tasty stops at farms or restaurants taking part in the “Strada del Culatello di Zibello”. Here you can get back your energies tasting recipes, salted pork meats such as Culatello, Strolghino, Spalla, cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, desserts and wines. Visiting dairy farms and wineries, participants can purchase local products and wines, which will be delivered upon arrival, to avoid weight on the bike on the route.

www.stradadelculatello.it

Easter 2013 Paganello – Frisbee world cup Beaches of Rimini Easter time means time for Paganello, the city's international frisbee event, which attracts athletes from 27 countries and 5 continents to Europe's most famous beach. The Paganello World Beach Ultimate Cup, ultimate frisbee's one of a kind international championship competition, is a spectacular sporting event. But Paganello isn't just about sport, endurance, and competition. Live jazz concerts, funky competitions, entertainment for children, and a thousand other events are organized to coincide with the championship.

7-11 May 2013 50th anniversary of Lamborghini motors Different locations The company's history is one of challenges and uncontested records, set by the ambitious talent of its founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, who decided to create the world's most beautiful - and powerful - super sports cars at Sant'Agata Bolognese . Lamborghini will celebrate its legendary 50th anniversary throughout 2013. The year-long celebrations, held in Italy and abroad, will culminate on May 7 - 11, when 1200 km of Italy's roads will be invaded by hundreds of vintage and modern-day Lamborghinis from every corner of the globe, as they parade through some of the country's most beautiful cities. http://www.lamborghini50.com/en/home.html

19 May 2013 Nove Colli – Nine hills

Cesenatico The Gran Fondo Nove Colli is a cycle race well known across Europe. The race has followed the same route for the past 40 years which takes contestants through the Romagna region and through several different villages such as Casteldelci, , St. Leo, Sant'Agata Feltria and in the Valmarecchia area. www.novecolli.it

09-12 May 2013 Rimini Wellness Rimini fair Fitness, sport and wellness on stage at Rimini Wellness, The top expo for fitness, wellness and sport, organized by Rimini Fiera and being held at the expo centre and on the Rimini Riviera, from Bellaria, to . The event, which for years has been a reference point in the world of wellness and fitness for the general public and for professionals from all over the world, will once again animate the town for the four-days under the banner of amusement and business opportunities. www.riminiwellness.com (English version available)

26 May 2013 Palio di Ferrara Ferrara The Palio of Ferrara is an absolute must-see. It is the world’s oldest palio (annual authentic contest). A thousand locals dress as damsels and knights, men at arms and musicians to take part. After the costume parade, the contrade have to run four races, one for boys (Corsa dei Putti or Palio di San Romano), one for girls (Corsa delle Putte or Palio di San Paolo), one for donkeys (Corsa delle Asine or Palio di San Maurelio) and the last one for horses (Corsa dei Cavalli or Palio di San Giorgio). There are also flag-wavers competitions and musicians that represent the eight dividing streets of Ferrara. www.paliodiferrara.it

16-19 May 2013 Mille Miglia Ferrara, Ravenna, Bologna, Modena Hundreds of famous champions and unknown heroes have raced in the Freccia Rossa, helping to write important pages in the history of motor racing, sport and traditions of our country. The Mille Miglia keeps growing! "2013 edition” will open with an important change", declared Alessandro Casali, President of the Mille Miglia, "the return of the Mille Miglia to Ferrara after two years of absence. http://www.1000miglia.eu (English version available)

End of May to September, 2013 Matilda’s Feast Reggio Emilia and surrounding area These charming hills, grand in their simple and severe beauty, spotted by old castles, ancient parishes and historical villages, still flourish of colors and beauties and impressive culinary traditions, memory of the vigorous life animating the area in the Middle ages. But it is just under Matilda - the Great Countess, that these lands got a continental reputation, playing an important role in the quarrel between the Pope and the Emperor. Countess Matilda of Canossa was probably the most popular ruler Reggio Emilia has ever had. This accounts for the several costume events that commemorate the main episodes of her life. The most renowned event is the parade held in Quattro Castella on the last Sunday of May, which re-enacts the day when Matilda was appointed the Emperor’s deputy in Italy (1111). The parade is led by famous personalities dressed as emperor Henry V and Matilda, who, accompanied by several followers, walk down the hill of Bianello up to a playground near the parish church. This is where the real show begins: with medieval games, scenes of everyday life and performances by flag-wavers, drummers and musicians. www.matildedicanossa.it (English version available)

June - December 2013 Ricordanze di Sapori – Remembering old flavours Parma and Piacenza More than 20 renowned castles host culture and food events In an effort to help people discover differing tastes of foods and the value of culture as well as inviting people to explore the castles. www.castellidelducato.it (English version available)

Until 23 June 2013 Under the Tables of the Malatesta , Rocca Malatestiana In the fortress of the Malatestiana family, known by the locals as Rocca Malatestiana, visitors will be treated to a rare glimpse of artefacts found in recent excavations at the fortress. These objects give new insight into everyday life and customs at the fortress during the mid-14th century to the end of the 16th century. Featuring a number of ceramic pieces, including vases and carafes made by the great artists of the day, a number of sewing tools and miscellaneous objects, as well as a bronze seal dating back to the 1300s in fantastic condition. After viewing the artefacts, a walk around the fortress is a must. With the original buildings having been constructed in the 12th Century, the site is an impressive historic landmark. Previously used as a prison the architecture reflects this and also houses a supposedly haunted “corridor of ghosts” in the basement of the central block. A view from the ramparts should cap off a visit nicely, where views as far as the Adriatic can be enjoyed on a clear day.

June 7-17 2013 Biografilm festival Bologna Biografilm is the first international film event entirely devoted to biographies and life tales. The aim of the festival is to show well known and not so well known stories that have influenced and determined world history. 2013 will be the 9th edition. http://www.biografilm.it

15 June 2013 Notte celeste – The blue night Different locations A night to relax and an ideal way to discover the peaceful world of the spa resorts of Emilia Romagna region. Spa resorts will be open all night long with shows and entertainment, wellness activities and charming settings with friendly people.

May-June 2013 Ravenna Festival Ravenna and surrounding areas Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city of Ravenna hosts a summer music festival (with spring preview and a autumn section) each year in its many theatres and churches. The Byzantine basilicas, cloisters and piazzas provide superb backdrops that combine art and architecture with music. Founded in 1990, the Ravenna Festival has become one of the most prestigious musical events in Italy. It attracts some of the finest artists, orchestras and opera companies in the world. The XXIV edition of the festival includes mostly opera and classical music but also dance, jazz musicals, films, conventions and exhibitions. www.ravennafestival.org

June to September 2013 each Tuesday from 9:30 to 12:00 A walk in the past Rimini, historical city centre This is a guided tour through the historic part of Rimini looking at the main monuments (Ponte di Tiberio, Arco d'Augusto, Piazza Cavour, ). There is also the option to visit the City museum and to the House of the Surgeon. English spoken. Free of charge for children up to 7 years old. www.riminiturismo.it (English version available)

3 June 2013 Giornata Verde – Green day in the Apenninnes of Emilia-Romagna The Green Day has the aim to promote and to show the most beautiful green areas of the Emilia Romagna region. From Piacenza to Rimini parks, woods and protected area will be opened and will offer events and entertainments mostly for free. Animal watching, trekking, wine and food tasting, a lot of music and more. www.appenninoeverde.org

22-30 June 2013 Festa Artusiana - Artusi’s Celebration Forlimpopoli/Forli-Cesena The desire of seeking tastes is recreated in Forlimpopoli - Artusi’s hometown - every second- last Saturday of June for nine consecutive days during the Artusi Celebration. Organized since 1997, it is a way to quench our curiosity to know the details of that domestic place too often left aside because of our everyday hurrying up. Eavesdropping the words of those ones working among scented vegetables, meats, pans, getting some ideas to surprise our own pleasure to experiment ourselves at the fires. Then, in the magical atmosphere of a town disguised as a cook, catching any perfume to fix it in the memory, finding our past or enriching our future. The program is vast and the opportunities allow everybody to taste what is the most appreciated by his/her own palate, or to dare trying an unknown morsel: kitchen, music, theatre, dance, tasting, markets, Artusi’s prizes, scientific meeting, there are plenty of choices for everybody! There is a dream living inside the feast; Artusi’s House, the starting point of our journey and the final aim to reach. www.pellegrinoartusi.it , www.casartusi.it (English version available)

23June 2013 Palio del Niballo Faenza/Ravenna Seeing the Palio del Niballo is like living and enjoying a day in 14th-century Faenza. The palio, held on the last Sunday of June, attracts an increasing number of visitors every year, thanks to its successful traditional, yet exciting, formula. Flag-wavers, knights, and drummers dressed in the colors of the town's five contending “rioni” (i.e. areas) - White, Yellow, Black, Red and Green - flood the most charming parts of the old town centre, accompanied by the pounding of drums. The palio consists in hitting a revolving dummy with a spear. The dummy is fashioned as a Saracen warrior (called the “Niballo”) and the idea is to get your horse to run past faster than the Niballo turns. In June, before the palio, the rioni warm up with flag-waving and music competitions and the Bigorda d'Oro (a palio for younger racers). And of course, banquets go on for weeks, and visitors are welcome to join in! www.prolocofaenza.it , www.paliodifaenza.it

From June to August 2013 Wellness on the Beach - Summer Festival Beaches This initiative takes place in several lidos. Visitors can experiment wellbeing and relax from dawn to dusk. There will be yoga and tai chi lessons and feldenkreis at the beaches, meetings, tastings, lectures on health, trips by boat and trips by bus to the castles and villages in the Rimini countryside and a lot of activities are for free. www.riminiturismo.it (English version available)

June - August 2013 Concerti all'Alba - Concerts at dawn by the sea Cesenatico/Forli-Cesena and surroundings “Concerts at dawn” is a delightful opportunity, for music lovers to enjoy listening to their favourite bands in the natural scenery of the beach. www..cesenatico.fo.it/turismo (English version available)

5 July 2013 Notte Rosa – Pink night Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna For one night the entire Riviera turns pink. There will be shows, events, theatre sets, and scenery. Each resort will interpret the theme in a creative and original way. The whole Riviera will become an enormous stage where everyone has a part to play. La Notte Rosa will take place all along the coast, from the Lidos of Comacchio to Cattolica, but the heart of the event is the Riviera of Rimini. It is an event that attracts thousands of Italians to head to the Adriatic coast and is fast becoming an international attraction.

April - October 2013 Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna Riviera Beach Games Games on the beach takes place on the 110 km of the Adriatic Coast. Up to 300.000 professionals and amateurs of different beach sports will meet here to play and compete in beach volley, beach soccer, beach tennis, foot volley, beach hockey, frisbee, regattas, "pedalonghe" (spectacular games with pedalò) and swimming. Other events on the program include golf (especially for children), dance, martial arts and activities for the disabled. There are going to be 23 sports on the program and some vintage games such as “cheecoting”, foosball, sandcastle building, tug of war and darts, are returning. Many events can be enjoyed during the evenings on the beach and there are also many sports open to children and adults who after cheering on their favourite star can then try out their beach games skills. www.rivierabeachgames.it

23 August to 1 September 2013 Ferrara Buskers festival The Ferrara Buskers Festival attracts 800.000 spectators a year and is one of the biggest events in the world dedicated to busking. It was founded in 1988 to promote the works of street artists and there are now 200 similar events held each year in Italy. With its world famous Ferrara landscape as the backdrop, the festival offers attendees a fantastic way of appreciating the 200,000 sq meters of music from 35 different nations. The festival has become the most impressive world event for street music in Italy, and one of the best known folk festivals in Europe. http://www.ferrarabuskers.com/en/

September 2013 Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Rimini, international circuit of Misano The magic atmosphere of the MotoGP World Championship explodes during the week of official events that accompany the Grand Prix. Meetings, exhibitions, and events will take place in San Marino and Riviera di Rimini. www.motogpsanmarinorivieradirimini.com www.motorvalley.com/circuits-racing-tracks/international-circuit-santamonica-of-misano- adriatico.html (English version)

September 2013 Sagra Musicale Malatestiana Rimini 2013 is the 64th Anniversary of the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana, one of the most ancient events in Italy. Its birth dates back to the summer of 1950 when Carlo Alberto Cappelli, supervisor of Bologna’s Teatro Comunale, was asked by the Tourist Bureau to design and organise a series of symphonic concerts with the aim of extending Rimini’s tourist season. Since then, the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana has hosted the most prestigious conductors, soloists and orchestra’s firmament of international music and is one of the most precious cultural and civic heritages as well as a prestigious cultural event, among the most long- lived in Italy. www.sagramusicalemalatestiana.it (English version available)

September 2013 Artelibro Bologna An entire weekend of events celebrating the ninth Artelibro Art Book Festival which takes place in Bologna. The halls of Palazzo Re Enzo e del Podestà, in the heart of the town centre of Bologna, will be open its doors to host a large exhibition-market of antique booksellers, publishers of fine art books and specialized magazines. http://www.artelibro.it/en/

November 2013 The Italian autumn jazz festival Bologna Bologna is traditionally tied to jazz because it held the very first jazz festival in Italy in 1958. The city has welcomed important jazz players such as Chet Baker, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Keith Jarrett, Jerry Mullingan and Miles Davis. The annual festival will be taking place in November and there will be a full programme of performances taking place in Bologna’s theatres, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

November 2013 The skipass show

Modena The most important winter sports and tourism show will this year be held in Modena. It offers people from Italy and around the world an opportunity to arrange and book winter holidays, buy winter sportswear, find out about new equipment and also talk to industry specialists such as ski lift operators and ski instructors. All of the ski resorts in Italy participate as well as the main resorts in the Alps of France and Slovenia. At Skipass you can also watch demos, exhibitions and contests of a large variety of freestyle sports like snowboarding, freestyle skiing, skateboarding, inline skating and motocross.

December 2013 The Motor show Bologna The 38th Bologna International Motor Show will take place at BolognaFiere in December 2013. This is the only Italian expo dedicated to the international automotive market. It is committed to highlighting the most topical themes in the auto industry. http://www.motorshow.it

31December 2013 New year’s eve Ferrara If you are looking for a special way to spend New Year`s Eve, Ferrara will host one of the most spectacular event. Every year thousands of people gather in the heart of the city to enjoy the "fire" of the castle, an exciting show of fireworks and music.

For more information on the Emilia Romagna Region, please visit: www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it

How to get there: Emilia Romagna is in the North of Italy, just over the Appenine Mountains from Tuscany. There are four international airports, two of them with connections from the UK and rest of the world:

• Bologna – British Airways to London Heathrow, Easyjet to London Gatwick, Ryanair to London Stansted • Parma – Ryanair to London Stansted

For further details on Emilia Romagna Region, images or possible press trip opportunities, please contact:

Claudia Valentini Emilia Romagna Region Tourist Board Ph. +39 0541 430138 [email protected]