John Bensalhia ventures into the Spring season with another selection of events happening this April...
It's now over a year since global lockdown, and while many Italian events continue to be rescheduled, postponed or cancelled, there are still some great things to do this April. With the internet continuing to act as an important conduit for festivals and events, this month alone includes guided tours, art history, vinegar, and seafood dishes.
As usual, keep an eye out for the website links which will keep you posted on any last-minute news or changes to programmes.
Manualmente
April 2021, Lingotto Fiere, Turin
Creativity can take many shapes and forms and one of these is the realm of manual arts.
With that in mind, manual ability fair, Manualmente, is scheduled to take place this April at Turin's Lingotto Fiere. The fair includes a good selection of workshops, talks and showcases in order to inspire and educate people about the world of manual arts. Take your pick from sewing, embroidery, patchwork, painting, writing, cake decorating, and much more!
Creative workshops are especially useful for those looking to take up a new hobby in this field or for those wishing to get a bit more experience and finesse in any of the manual arts.
Live Virtual Tour for Easter from Piazza San Pietro in Rome
3rdApril 2021, Online, 4pm BST
With Easter nearly here, a fitting celebration is being planned online for Saturday 3rd April. Dr Rocky Ruggiero will be your virtual tour guide of St Peter's Basilica. As well as the stunning architecture of the church, online viewers will be able to take in its surroundings and nearby locations including Bernini’s Ponte degli Angeli, fortress Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Via della Conciliazione.
The hour-long event will feature the tour and a lecture as well as a 15 minute question and answer session. Whether you're experiencing the Basilica for the first time or wishing for the next best thing to visiting the real thing, this is a vital Easter event.
Live Virtual Tour of Balsamic Vinegar Making in Modena
10th April 2021, Online, 4.00pm BST
A popular accompaniment to many an Italian dish, Balsamic Vinegar is enjoyed all around the globe. It's a recipe that goes back centuries and for those who want a secret or two behind its creation, a live virtual tour of Balsamic Vinegar making can provide the answers.
The live stream will take place on 10th April from Modena's Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca. The early 17th century location is an ideal match for the centuries-old recipe, and the webinar will take viewers through the secrets, history and traditions of Balsamic Vinegar. The session comprises a 45-minute lecture and a further 15 minutes of Q&A taking.
Rome and Venice For Kids
12th April 2021 (Rome) and 14th April 2021 (Venice), Online, 4pm BST for both
Children looking for something to do this Easter are sure to enjoy these guides to two of Italy's biggest cities. Youngsters around the globe can enjoy these hour-long virtual tours and for those who have never been to Italy, it's a surefire way to get them interested in visiting the country one day!
Anna Targett is the guide who will be showcasing some of the cities' most iconic locations and landmarks from the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps in Rome to the Grand Canal, Doges Palace and dungeons in Venice. As well as the best known sights, Anna will be including some lesser known surprises. And to test the knowledge of your youngsters, there will be a short quiz to round off this highly enjoyable sightseeing online tour!
Ciccioli in piasa
18th April 2021, San Martino
The 18th edition of Ciccioli in Piasa has been pencilled in for 18th April 2021 in which local butchers compete against each other to see which of their ciccioli pork is regarded as the best in the region of Emilia Romagna.
The event traditionally offers other local foods and drinks, both hot and cold, as well as a range of locally made products. It's an event that encompasses a wide range of cultural and local events including tours of the Automobile Museum, the Museum of Agriculture and the Rocca Estense, entertaining all of the family. As ever, check out the official website for any updates that may arise.
Two Michelangelos of Rome with Olga Cuckovic
28thApril 2021, Online, 6.30pm BST
Experienced and licenced tour guide of Rome and the Vatican City, Olga Cuckovic, will be helming a special retrospective of two of Italy's most famous artists.
Both Michelangelos will be instantly known to Italian art history fans, although one of them is better known by another name. The first of these, Michelangelo Buonarotti, is famed for his Renaissance-era sculptures and paintings in locations such as the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Olga will be discussing his most famous projects as well as lesser-talked-about ones such as the conversion of Roman Baths of Diocletian into a church.
The other Michelangelo: Merisi is more familiar as Caravaggio, an artist whose works grace many Roman churches and museums. With religious, and sometimes controversial interpretations of religion, Caravaggio rapidly made a name for himself in the art world.
Olga's online discussion of these two Michelangelos will provide an enlightening and fascinating overview of both artists' careers and how their works are regarded in the modern world.
Bello Mare
29thApril 2021, Online, 4.00pm BST
With Spring in the air, there's no better time to enjoy a tasty Italian seafood dish or two. If you'd like to prepare some classic seafood recipes but don't have the knowhow – don't fret! Help is at hand from executive chef Matteo Boglione, who will be presenting a special online webinar on 29th April.
From the comfort of his own kitchen, Matteo will be preparing two classic dishes: Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams) and Insalata Tiepida di Polpo (Lukewarm Octopus Salad). The 90-minute webinar will feature the cooking class as well as a Q&A. Recipes will be provided in advance of those who sign up – bring the ingredients and sea the results!
