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Updated on 05 February 2025 From eXtraBO Outdoor Infopoint
the real extravaganza of the Persiceto Carnival will always remain the "Spillo" (from the dialect word Spéll
a performance ritual in which the floats are transformed through scenic mechanisms
Each float is expected to tell a story and surprise the spectators
by Maria Grazia Masotti /// February 7
A big celebration combining the sacred and the profane
that cheers up young and old with confetti
Carnival in Emilia-Romagna is a serious matter, so much so that the Region has set up a register of historical Carnivals with the aim of enhancing these important events. The list currenly includes 18 Carnivals, unique experiences featuring shows and events of all kinds
Let’s have a look at them one by one
In Fiorenzuola d’Arda (Piacenza) the Mardi Gras celebration is known as Zobia and its tradition dates back to the Middle Ages
The historic Carnival of Zobia owes its uniqueness to the parades of actors who perform engaging shows around the town
often in dialect and strictly without masks
The parade of handcrafted floats ends with the unmissable prize-giving ceremony and a big party
Info
‘Castlein‘ is the typical mask of the Carnival in Castelnovo di Sotto that parades through the streets of this little town close to Reggio Emilia
under the festive gaze of young and old alike
Castlein is the icon of a Carnival whose origins date back to 1885
He is not the only highlight of the festival though
The event includes the traditional parade of floats and the presence of jugglers, clowns, children’s make-up artists, street performers and much more. Also not to be missed is the Carnival Mask Museum
which houses no less than 222 handcrafted masks
Info
Masked parades, theatre shows, lots of games for children, as well as music and good food. That’s the Carnival of the Contrade in San Cesario sul Panaro
San Cesario’s is a rather recent festival compared to other historical carnivals in the region (the first edition was held in 1983)
Masked adults and children gather every year at the Palacarnevale
Info
In addition to being one of the oldest carnivals in Emilia-Romagna, the Historical Carnival of San Giovanni in Persiceto recently submitted its candidature as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
this Carnival certainly has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and special effects
He is a lively and resourceful peasant with brusque manners
inspired by the character of the same name created by the writer Giulio Cesare Croce
who inaugurates the Carnival by reciting a rhyming dialectal composition called zirudèla
However, Bertoldo’s presence is not the only thing that makes the Persiceto Carnival so unique
The floats that line the streets of the town are not traditional ones: their peculiarity is called Spillo and consists in the change of their structure during the event
the floats undergo a carefully devised transformation
There are teen companies competing during the Carnival
but only one receives the coveted final prize from the jury
Info
When it comes to awards, the Carnival of Cento holds the record in the region
Twinned with the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and a candidate for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
the most important event in the town of Ferrara is also one of the longest-lived carnivals in Europe
parades and dances in the streets of the city
Cento boasts a long tradition in the art of papier-mâché cultivated by no less than five carnival associations
The Carnival programme naturally includes an award ceremony for the most impressive work
The beginning and end of the celebrations is marked by the figure of Tasi
the typical local Carnival mask wearing a top hat and a white fox
who is burnt at the end of the event in the Piazzale della Rocca during the traditional rite of the Tasi’s Last Will and Stake
Info
Another historical Carnival in Emilia-Romagna takes place not far from Cento
or Carnevel d’la Piv as it is known in the local dialect
jugglers and children’s make-up artists
the typical Pieve Carnival mask inspired by a real-life character
We need to go back in time to the mid 19th century to find out more about his identity
a gourmand and a member of the society that organised the first Carnivals
the jovial Barbaspein cheers up the festivities along with the colourful floats that travel through the town
Info
The protagonist of San Pietro in Casale’s Carnival
is also inspired by a real-life character with the curious name of Sandròn Spaviròn
who over time has become the official mask of the event
in San Pietro in Casale Carnival ends with the reading of the will and the burning of the mask
a very evocative show that rounds off the cheerful days of celebrations and their dances
parades and other events dedicated to families
Info
In Pianoro
Here in the Bolognese Apennines the creation of allegorical floats has become to all intents and purposes an art form
handed down in schools and celebrated every year during the most colourful festival of all
Much attention is also paid to the creation of the masks inspired by historical characters
you cannot miss the traditional parade of floats
Info
Info
In addition to the parade and prize-giving for the Fantaveicoli
the Imola Carnival includes a parade of fancy-dressed teams and a competition dedicated to children and their bicycles
Info
In Borgo Tossignano (Bologna)
the usual carnival celebrations are combined with good food
two gastronomic festivals are held in memory of a historical event dating back to the 17th century
Today’s “Sagra dei Maccheroni” and “Festa della Polenta” recall the time when Marquis Leonardo di Sermoneta had a plate of polenta distributed to the citizens to celebrate the last day of Carnival
you can watch the parade of floats (also with a culinary theme) and many other shows
Info
The history of the San Lazzaro in Borgo Carnival, held in Borgo Durbecco neighbourhood in Faenza
It is said that two weeks before Easter the inhabitants of the village would bring a gift of sweet tortelli and saba (grape syrup) to the sick in the leper hospital
The sweet tortello with saba still remains the symbol of the Faenza feast
which includes a rich programme of events such as the parade of floats and masked groups
Info
The Carnival in Conselice
has already celebrated its first centenary
the event owes its name to an anecdote with ancient origins
The day dedicated to San Grugnone (“e’ dè d’ Sén Grugnõn”) is said to be Ash Wednesday
A day that was therefore greeted with a grimace of sadness – indeed
a grunt – because of the hardships it brought with it
the puppet of St Grugnone is carried through the streets of the town together with the ever-present floats
Info
Among the Carnival festivals in Emilia-Romagna, the Carnival of Casola Valsenio is the only one that defines itself as ‘serious’
the period in which it takes place is not that preceding Lent
Carnival in Casola dates back to 1891 as the Festa della Mezzaquaresima
a day when pre-Easter rigour was put aside to unleash the joy of dressing up
the floats parading during the Spring Festival – usually made of wood and plaster – are inspired by history
politics and current events rather than carnivalesque satire
Info
Like the Casola Valsenio Carnival, the Cotignola Carnival represents a playful and joyful interlude during the Lenten period
Tradition has it that in 1451 the Duke of Milan Francesco I
son of Muzio Attendolo Sforza of Cotignola
who was then punished by being burnt at the stake
The Duke allowed his subjects to break the rule and celebrate Carnival in the middle of Lent in order to celebrate the happy event
That is why even today at the end of the festivities
people gather in the square for the burning of a big papier-mâché puppet depicting the so-called ‘Old Woman’
Info
Since 1962, this Carnival has taken place against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Romagna, between the cities of Forlì and Cesena. The Historical Carnival of Civitella di Romagna is organised by the Civitella di Romagna Carnival Association in the month of February
featuring parades of disguised groups and travelling shows
more and more attention has been paid to papier-mâché creations
the most commonly used material for the creation of floats
Info
The history of the Forlimpopoli Carnival – again an event held at the beginning of Lent – has its roots in rural civilisation
The historical name ‘Fiera della Segavecchia‘ (Segavecchia Fair)
The ‘old woman’ (vecchia in Italian) was actually a young pregnant woman
In order not to be recognised on the way to the gallows
she would disguise herself as an old woman
the Carnival programme includes a fun fair
as well as parades of floats and masked processions
Info
The list of historical Carnivals in Emilia-Romagna ends with the Carnival of Gambettola (Forlì-Cesena)
celebrations are held on Easter Monday and the following Sunday
dancing and the throwing of sweets for the little ones
the town is decorated with Romagna-themed prints
papier-mâché masks hanging from houses and Carnival flags
since 2009 the town of Gambettola has had a workshop and a school dedicated to this precious material for Carnival celebrations
Info
I was raised in the countryside but I love big cities
by Celestina Paglia /// January 15
by Elisa Mazzini /// January 29
by Walter Manni /// February 4
an email (in Italian) with selected contents and upcoming events
For information, contact us: inemiliaromagna@aptservizi.com
Anna Caretti comes from a family that has been producing high quality cheeses since 1928
This heritage has profoundly influenced her passion for food and wine and led her to develop her skills as a maître and sommelier
recently recognized as Italy's Best Trattoria by 50 Top Italy 2025
she plays a crucial role in hospitality and service
ensuring that each guest has a memorable experience
Her in-depth knowledge of wines and his ability to expertly pair them with the traditional Emilian dishes prepared by chef Franco Cimini contribute greatly to the restaurant's success
One of the eatery's signature dishes is Tortellini with cream of Mirasole outcrop
a unique recipe that reflects Anna's origins and is highly appreciated by both local and international diners
In 2025 she was awarded the title of Maître of the Year - Goeldlin Award by 50 Top Italy
an accolade that recognizes her dedication and professionalism.
Do you want to discover the latest news and recipes of the most renowned chefs and restaurants in the world
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In the Piazza del Popolo, a statue pays tribute to an orange cat known by the name Re Gino (King Gino), who was the mascot of the city of San Giovanni in Persiceto. Born in June 2009, Gino was a frequent visitor to shops and offices all around town. He developed a large local following, and many were devastated by his untimely passing in 2018. (It is suspected that Gino was hit by a car.) This bronze statue was created by Claudio Nicoli to honor the memory of the little king.
A bronze statue commemorating his royal meowjesty, Toulouse.
No one knows the story behind the mysterious feline perched on this rooftop.
A bronze statue to commemorate an Auckland library's beloved feline resident.
A bronze and stone statue made to recognize the life and career of a Russian aristocrat turned English rugby player.
After the queen of Spain had a dream where these statues fell and crushed her, they were removed from the palace and given new homes around Madrid.
This memorial to a murdered empress took 20 years to design, then spent 30 years hidden away in storage.
This bronze cat looks out over the Linlithgow Canal.
Kissing the ass of this stone lioness has become a rite of passage in the city of Girona.
Home / Events / Celebrations, anniversaries
2024:The burning of Befanas at the stake lights up the countryside around San Matteo della Decima (10 kilometres from San Giovanni in Persiceto) at sunset. About 5-meter high straw puppets representing the “Vècia” (Befana in Bologna dialect) burn around the town in front of a crowd crying “A brùsa la Vècia” (Burn the Befana)!According to tradition
children dressed-up as “fcén” (old men) use to go from house to house to offer gifts and recite “zirudelle” (rhyming poems in Bologna dialect) in exchange for a small culinary consideration. The initiative is made possible thanks to a group of private citizens that hosts the fires in their properties.The origins of Befana
a kindly old woman who visits all the children throughout Italy the night before the Feast of Epiphany to fill their stockings with candies as well as presents
is closely linked with pagan folk traditions: The “Vècia” represents the “old” year because
But right at the moment when the year ends
That’s why people usually say “Epiphany takes all the feasts away”: after 6 January
farmers used to start sowing again in the hope of a good harvest. From this point of view
presents used to be of propitiatory value for the year to come
San Matteo della Decima 40017 San Giovanni in Persiceto
Email: corrado@capponcellimonica.it
Site/minisite/other: http://www.comunepersiceto.it
San Matteo della Decima 40017 San Giovanni in Persiceto
corrado@capponcellimonica.it
http://www.comunepersiceto.it
11 August 2024 – Italy shines at the Paris Games and the Two Towers make a great impression
sixty years ago - but in Japan will compete from 10 to 24 October -
Two in horse riding with a very young and talented Mauro Checcoli
And one in clay shooting with Ennio Mattarelli
capable of making the history of this sport having then become a designer of legendary rifles and manufacturer of clay pigeon shooting machines
The Paris Games close with the splendid medal of Gaia Giovannini
22 years old from San Giovanni in Persiceto
In San Giovanni the mayor Lorenzo Pellegatti is thinking of something special for Gaia
when he won the NBA title - still the only Italian -
because her father Roberto is an authority on volleyball in the town
“Volleyball is my mission - Gaia often repeats - I would like to become the best version of myself"
where she does everything the process from under 12 to under 17
Gaia decides to go to 'volleyball university'
And the volleyball university par excellence is Modena
he perfects himself in Anderlini which is like an academy
All this until Julio Velasco - took home in Monte San Pietro
we can now consider him Bolognese by adoption - he doesn't decide that it's time to experiment with this young girl in blue
And she always wants to be on a special mission when she wears the blue shirt
despite being the last in chronological order
was not the only medal won by the Two Towers
but a present and a future in the Virtus jersey
who had won two silvers (individual and team) in Tokyo
wears the individual bronze around his neck
Among those who surprised there is Federico Nilo Maldini
Federico Nilo: he wins the silver and proposes to his Carlotta to marry him
The tennis doubles queen is also a basketball enthusiast
24 years after Antoine Rigaudeau and the divine Olga Kharlan
individual bronze and gold in the team sabre
What does a Ukrainian girl have to do with it
Olga is not only Gigi Samele's life partner
but for a few seasons she has married the Virtus world
And let's not forget that the coach of the Ukrainian team is our very own Andrea Terenzio
it is impossible to forget all the other boys and girls who shared the burdens and honors in France
who won gold in shooting in London 2012 and who can no longer find the right feeling with the Games
Federico Musolesi in archery (which in reality he takes home a half bronze being the boyfriend of one of the Butterflies
Sara Fantini in the hammer throw and Diego Aldo Pettorossi in the 200
Giovanni Sanguinetti in volleyball and the large group of the Carabinieri Anna Bongiorni (200 and 4x100)
Roberto Rigali (4x100) and Edoardo Scotti (4x400 and mixed)
Robin Srl Company subject to the management and coordination of Monref
by Elisa Mazzini /// January 29
The Carnival celebration in Emilia-Romagna
renews itself every year with the festive cry of “Anything goes!” in many of the splendid regional locations
Below we have selected 5 traditional Carnival events that will allow you and your families to enjoy splendid moments of hilarity and joy in an authentic goliardic spirit
If you have never seen it, you do not know what you have missed: a unique carnival with, instead of floats, allegorical boats parading from the monumental Trepponti bridge along the canals of the picturesque town of Comacchio
The Comacchio Carnival on the water
will be held again this year on the last Sunday of February and the first Sunday of March
with shows and dances in the streets of the old town center
but the highlight of the event is undoubtedly the parade of masked groups and the performance of dance companies to the rhythm of enchanting music on the scenic Trepponti Bridge
Info: carnevalecomacchio.it
The Renaissance city of Ferrara cannot but dedicate its Carnival to the splendors of the Este Family, with a Renaissance Carnival in which the city relives its past with courtiers
and storytellers in the streets of the historic center
in the squares and within the walls of the majestic Castle
The city’s Contradas also open their doors to welcome visitors with banquets and shows inspired by the festivities that took place in the city during the carnivals of the 15th and 16th centuries
This year the Historical Renaissance Carnival of Ferrara will be held between the end of February and the beginning of March
Info: ferrarainfo.com | paliodiferrara.it/carnevale
The carnival, which has gained international fame since the 1990s thanks to its twinning with the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro
is famous for its huge allegorical papier-mâché floats
which are built throughout the year by the five local carnival associations (Toponi
the associations parade through the streets of the town
involving the public in a colorful and festive atmosphere
while on the two stages – the first in Piazza Guercino and the second in Piazzale della Rocca – musical entertainment and many guests promise days full of shows and surprises
two of the most exciting moments of the whole event will take place: the announcement of the winning float of the 2025 edition and the Testament and Burning of the Tasi
Info: carnevalecento.com
One of the oldest and most famous carnivals in the Bologna area, the Historical Carnival of San Giovanni in Persiceto takes place on Sunday 23 February and Sunday 2 March 2025 under the witty and profane aegis of its typical mask
a character born from the pen of Giulio Cesare Croce in 1600
The true uniqueness of this more than 100-year-old carnival is the “spillo“
the allegorical floats parade through the town center and
the colorful structures suddenly and spectacularly transform
No one knows what is going to happen except the people who build them
because the floats are made entirely by the 10 local carnival societies
who work tirelessly and in absolute secrecy on the theme and features of their creations in the months leading up to the event
On the third and last Sunday of the carnival
the floats are awarded by a jury with a banner depicting Bertoldo and Bertoldino with the donkey
Info: carnevalepersiceto.it
Every Sunday afternoon in February, from 16 February to 9 March 2025, the historic Carnival of Castelnovo di Sotto is back
This is the oldest and most traditional carnival in the province of Reggio Emilia
characterized by parades of giant floats accompanied by masked groups
The king of the Castelnovo di Sotto carnival is the Castlein
the traditional local mask with a cap pulled down over the ears
Info: alcastlein.it
Social Media Manager for @inEmiliaRomagna and full-time mom
by Giulia Delaini /// February 4
by Fede’s Food Blog /// January 27
As a boy in Italy, basketball was my life. All of my friends played soccer, but for me and my older brothers, Umberto and Enrico, basketball was always our game. We grew up in this tiny town in Bologna called San Giovanni in Persiceto. We put up a hoop outside our house on this patch of pavement, and we’d just play one-on-one against each other until the sun went down. That’s really all there was to do.
Oh, yeah — did I mention that Enrico is 10 years older than me? And that Enrico is a pretty big guy?
I couldn’t speak the language. Like, at all.
So there I was in the Summer League in 2007, feeling very nervous. The thing I don’t like about Summer League is that everyone there is trying to get noticed, so it’s a messy game. I thought, How will I stand out? I could understand my teammates some … but I couldn’t speak back to them.
But then I decided, you know what, screw all of that — every time I’m touching it, I’m shooting it. It’s just basketball, right? Everybody understands that.
When I looked up, I had 36 or 37. It’s Summer League, sure, but this showed me that I belonged and could score against NBA players. On the court that day, I didn’t need to speak English — basketball was the language that I knew best. It was almost like it was in my blood.
Now, I’ve been in the NBA for 10 years — which is just unbelievable. But I couldn’t have gotten here without learning the language of basketball from some of the best players in Europe.
Here are the best of those best — the five best European guys I ever competed against.
Like a lot of European players around my age, I got to watch Dirk as a teenager before he became a huge NBA sensation. He was considered an unknown when he got picked in the NBA draft, but we all knew who he was and what he could do.
So, when someone asks me this question, about the best European players I’ve ever played against, Dirk is the first person I think of.
In 2005 or 2006, I played my first game for Italy against the German national team. Everyone knew Dirk could shoot, so when I switched onto him, I pressed up as much as I could to prevent him from getting a shot up. He was only a couple years older than me, I thought I could meet his energy level and stop him.
He drove right past me. He could move like a point guard, and he was so tall that I couldn’t block his shot. What he was doing didn’t look real. He changed basketball in so many ways. Me and my teammates were so amazed by the way he moved, how easily he got baskets. When he came to the NBA, we all knew he would be a big deal even before everyone in the NBA did.
Dirk is one of the five best players of all time, in my opinion. He is amazing.
When I first met Hedo, I’ll admit, I was a little starstruck.
I’d grown up watching him compete for Turkey, and I’d always looked up to his all-around game. Hedo wasn’t really a shooter like most of the European guys at that time, so he always used that to his advantage. Less prepared players would defend him and play him like a shooter because he was European. When he and I both played for Toronto, I’d always try to pair up with him in practice. He took me under his wing.
So, something about me — I could always shoot the basketball. I feel like that’s all I did my entire childhood. When I play basketball, the best feeling for me is getting to play how I want to play as much as possible — I like an open, free-flowing game. But I learned that you’ve got to keep growing as a player to find that zone, and always be practicing and adding new things. Hedo was the best at that, so I had a lot to learn from him.
Hedo is a big body. He was a lot stronger than me, but he was also very quick and very good at the pick and roll so he could be so difficult to guard. He could make a pass and get the ball to guys like me exactly where they needed it on the floor. Remember that one playoffs when Hedo led the Magic to the Finals, driving and passing and setting up Dwight? That’s all you need to see. Hedo just knows basketball.
We’d always play one-on-one in practice, almost every day. I won’t tell you who won more games, but that was a treat for me to watch him. He could just beat me in so many ways, he was so clever.
He still could never touch my shot, though.
Like I told you before, I could always shoot the ball.
Peja was another guy that I had watched in Europe, but I never really got to know him until we both were in New Orleans. But early on during my time there, during a practice, Peja challenged me to a three-point contest. For fun.
I was speechless. I mean, of course I had lost a three-point contest before … but not like this. To start off, he made 40 in a row. It was — excuse my language — fucking amazing. For my money, he’s the best shooter I’ve ever played with, probably the best ever in the NBA. And he is such a professional — he’d get on me to be better, to prepare more and to always be ready. And I needed that at the time.
Years later, I got to work with Peja again in Sacramento, but this time he wasn’t on my team — he was in the front office. And he is just the best person. He has taught me so much about how to be a professional and how to carve out a career in this league. I’m not sure I’d still be playing in the NBA if it weren’t for him.
This is a little bit of a cheat, because Anthony Parker is an American who became one of the best players in Euroleague history.
But I have to tell you what it was like to watch him.
One year, while I was playing with Skipper Bologna, we faced off against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Anthony’s team, in the Euroleague final. And we just got blown out — by 40-plus points. Anthony had 21 and I don’t think he missed a shot, maybe one or two, max. I was 18 or 19 at the time, so I was very impressionable — and Anthony Parker, for Europeans at least, wasn’t just like Jordan.
Anthony was so fast. He could take off from the free-throw line. He could go in between his legs during games, which I don’t think anyone in Europe had ever seen before. He would do those chase-down blocks like LeBron does.
Of course I felt bad that we lost that game but at the same time, as a teenager dreaming of the NBA, I felt lucky to be on the same court as him. It was an honor. Later on, Anthony came to the NBA in Toronto and I got to guard him from time to time. We’d always exchange a smile with each other like, We have been doing this a long time
This is another cheat — Manu is Argentine — but it’s a better one, I think. Manu played on my hometown team, Virtus Bologna, and he was the team’s absolute star. He was a sensation in my town. So when I got called up to the senior club, I was eager to meet him and see what he was really like.
What’s it really like to play with your hero? I thought. I was about to find out.
Something I don’t think people know about Manu is that he is a very positive person. He wants the best for his teammates, and throughout the two years I played with Manu, he was constantly coaching me. He taught me how to move with the ball on the court, which is something I hadn’t done much of at Virtus. I was already pretty good at moving without the ball, so I could find a good shot, but Manu taught me all these new tricks I had never even thought of.
To put it quite simply, Manu is a champion.
Another thing I don’t think people quite understand about Manu is his focus and his attention to detail. I’ll be honest, the coaches and staff give us a lot of information about the team we are about to play, and sometimes that information slips. It happens to most players and it’s fairly common, because there are a lot of players in this league and a lot of things to keep in mind. It’s hard to remember all of it, all the time.
Not for Manu. He remembered everything, like he had been up all night memorizing every possible fact about the other team. When I got to play with Manu again in San Antonio, he took it to another level in the playoffs. One time, I can’t remember who I was guarding, but it was a player from the deep bench who no one expected to get in. We were winning the game, and my man went into the corner and hit a corner three.
I knew I did something wrong, but I could not have told you what.
“Don’t you know that guy has a corner three? Close out!”
He knows everything about everyone, even guys he knows he has no chance of facing. That’s who he is.
That’s Manu. How is he still in the league, you wonder?
“Spoelstra … He Deserve a Jersey for What He Gon’ Have to Do.”Iman Shumpert, Channing FryeWhere the Grass Is GreenerWhen the pandemic started
I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time
This has been a pretty big year for me — tra
Icon / VideoCreated with Sketch.The Fight UnseenJessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background
The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career
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The Catholic Church’s dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues has advanced greatly under Pope Francis
yet whether and how to provide welcome and inclusion continues being discussed and debated
women religious are not waiting to do outreach
Today’s post highlights how some Catholic sisters are forging ahead on LGBTQ+ inclusion
After Pope Francis expressed an openness to blessing same-gender couples, CBS News profiled one sister who already provided such a blessing:
“When [Loretto] Sister Anna Koop blessed a same-sex couple 15 years ago
The couple — one a friend of Koop’s — were very much in love
and ‘Jesus did not say love was confined,’ said Koop
The Roman Catholic nun knew she might face consequences from the church
but went ahead with the private blessing — not a sacramental marriage
She just ‘blessed the love they celebrate.’
spent almost her entire career in Denver focusing on housing and homelessness issues while ministering to the poor
She keeps in touch with the same-sex couple
who are still together and have two children
Koop said she never experienced consequences from the church for her actions.”
a former board member of New Ways Ministry
concluded she had no regrets: “I did it once and I would do it again.”
In Italy, Sister Angela of San Giovanni in Persiceto congratulated a same-gender couple who had just entered a civil union in the town of Reggio Emilia. Quotidiano Nazionale reported (via Google Translate) on the union between Marco Righi and Fabio Valenti
activists in the Italian LGBTQ+ group Arcigay:
during the ceremony celebrated by the city councilor Dario De Lucia
reading the words she had written down on a piece of paper
not knowing in front of which audience I would be speaking – she revealed
originally from the Bolognese area like her cousin-groom –: now I see a heterogeneous and large audience
there are some interesting little books for everyday life
It’s the story of a old Jewish father who has to send his son to a very distant city to recover money and get a bride; then the father provides him with a traveling companion ; who will later turn out to be an angel sent by God’
almost like a blessing for the two esteemed professionals
.’Here today these two brothers begin a journey – concluded Sister Angela – and I
And in an ancient book it is written: it is better to be two than just one
Because they will get better compensation for their effort: in fact
So with all my heart I wish you a good journey together’.”
Women religious’ support for LGBTQ+ people goes back decades. Art and Pepe, a new documentary this year tells the story of a couple, Art Johnston and Pepe Peña, who were gay rights leaders in Chicago, as well as owners of the gay bar, Sidetrack. Speaking to MSNBC about the documentary
Johnston told a story of how Catholic sisters aided their efforts decades ago:
“When we were trying to pass basic laws that you couldn’t fire people or deny them housing because of their sexual orientation
“I am Catholic and I have a Catholic ward
I can’t vote for this.” So we reached out to activist nuns
many of whom had led the civil rights work in the American South
and they had settled in Chicago with women’s shelters
“‘We would seek out a nun from the same order that had taught the alderman when they were in school
“I can’t vote for this because I’m Catholic,” the nun would say
That’s because nuns don’t self promote
Many of the nuns who helped us were later shut down by the Vatican because of their support of gay people
But they made all the difference in Chicago
We were told over and over and over [that] Chicago would never pass gay rights
We proved them wrong with the help of the Catholic nuns.'”
America, “What LGBT couples might look for in Catholic blessings“
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Social and cultural factors had a critical role in determining the genetic structure of Europe
socially stratified populations may help to focus on specific episodes of European demographic history
we use uniparental markers to analyse the genetic structure of Partecipanza in San Giovanni in Persiceto (Northern Italy)
a peculiar institution whose origins date back to the Middle Ages and whose members form the patrilineal descent of a group of founder families
Partecipanza is genetically homogeneous with the rest of the population
we observed a significant differentiation for Y-chromosomes
by comparing 17 Y-STR profiles with deep-rooted paternal pedigrees
we estimated a Y-STR mutation rate equal to 3.90 * 10−3 mutations per STR per generation and an average generation duration time of 33.38 years
When we used these values for tentative dating
we estimated 1300-600 years ago for the origins of the Partecipanza
together with a peculiar Y-chromosomal composition and historical evidence
suggest that Germanic populations (Lombards in particular) settled in the area during the Migration Period (400–800 AD
approximately) and may have had an important role in the foundation of this community
the members of Partecipanza conserved through the centuries their social and economic identity
potentially together with some of their genetic features
thanks to the wide archival documentation conserved by this institution
it is possible to compare DNA samples with paternal pedigrees for the last four to five centuries
All these features make the Partecipanza an exceptional observatory on the recent genetic history of Italy
we explore the paternal (Y-chromosome) and maternal (mtDNA) genetic variability of Partecipanza of San Giovanni in Persiceto (PAR)
Results are compared with those of a set of ‘control’ individuals sampled in the same place
but not sharing the affiliation to Partecipanza (SGP)
and interpreted considering a wide set of reference populations from Italy and Europe
Our main aims are: (i) to check the genetic effects—if any—of the social-economical separation between PAR and SGP; (ii) to reconstruct the time and the genetic origins of the Partecipanza
as well as their implications for the genetic history of Italy; and (iii) to estimate Y-STR mutation rates and average generation duration time by comparing paternal pedigrees and Y-chromosomal haplotypes
The collection of biological samples was performed during various sessions from 2008 to 2012
a written informed consent was obtained and the Ethics Committees at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi of Bologna (Italy) approved all procedures
The confidentiality of personal information for each participant to the study was assured
The Historic Archive of Consorzio dei Partecipanti kept a record of enrolments (Registri delle Iscrizioni) since the early seventeenth century
The right to participate to the sharing of leased assets (i.e.
to be a Partecipante) was (and still is) based on these registers
Each registration includes the name of the head of the household
his parish/locality of residence and all the additional information needed to qualify him as a Partecipante (e.g.
These registers were compiled in occasion of cavazione
We examined the whole series of the available Registri delle Iscrizioni
at present composed by registers from the years 1606
Information from these registers was used to draw paternal pedigrees for the individuals included in our Partecipanza sample
When two or more individuals were found to share a recent paternal ancestor
Average generation time was obtained starting from the ages and/or years of birth of the individuals included in the reconstructed pedigrees
we calculated the number of years and the number of generations encompassed between its root and leaves
we divided the total number of years for the total number of generations
Confidence Intervals (95%) were calculated by randomly sampling branches of the pedigrees with a bootstrap procedure (1000 replications)
The same software was used to compute pairwise Fst values between PAR and SGP based on Y-chromosome hgs and mtDNA sequences; P-values (following the null hypothesis of no differentiation) were simulated by means of a permutation procedure (1000 replications)
Fisher exact tests were applied to determine if differences in Y-hg frequencies between PAR and SGP were statistically significant
Because population events involving PAR are relatively recent
the biasing effect of STRs saturation through time is negligible and all STRs (minus DYS385a/b) are used for calculations
This method estimates the amount of time needed to evolve the observed STRs variation within the given clusters of haplotypes
This could happen because the most recent common ancestor was not reached by documented pedigrees
Y-STR mutation rates were estimated based on these 15 paternal pedigrees
Because it is highly improbable that three independent mutation events involved the very same locus (in a relatively short amount of time)
we consider it as a single multi-step mutational event
By considering 43 individuals across 15 pedigrees and 17 Y-STRs, we observed 24 mutations within 362 generations (Table 1)
These values give an average mutation rate equal to 3.90 * 10−3 (95% CI: 2.44 * 10−3
Historical non-paternity rate resulted in an estimate of 1.21% (95% CI: 0.4%
Average generation duration time was calculated using all the 31 paternal pedigrees (Table 1)
We observed 604 generations encompassing 20 160 years
These values give an average 33.38 years generation duration time (95% CI: 32.76
Such changes can be interpreted as a demographic increase of the population
which is perfectly in line with what is known for the investigated area for the last two centuries
As for Y-chromosomal hgs (Table 2)
R-U152 is the most represented lineage in both populations
albeit with a significantly (Fisher test: P=0.0363) much higher frequency in SGP (44.26 vs 27.27%)
PAR differentiates itself from SGP primarily because of the high frequency of hg I1-L22 (15.91%)
which in turn is completely absent in SGP (Fisher test: P=0.0004)
is significantly (Fisher test: P=0.0443) more frequent in PAR than in SGP (13.64 vs 3.28%)
we observe a slight but significant differentiation between PAR and SGP (Fst=0.030; P<0.01)
mtDNA variation shows that PAR and SGP are not significantly differentiated from each other (Fst=−0.002
Because PAR appears to be different from SGP only from the paternal point of view
all the following analyses are meant to explore such Y-chromosomal differentiation
To check the position of PAR and SGP within a European Y-chromosomal genetic landscape, we performed an MDS analysis based on Y-STR haplotypes (Figure 1). Results show clearly that both populations, despite being significantly different from each other, fall within the variability spectrum of Italian populations.
SGP and reference populations based on Y-STR data
DAPC of Y-STR variation in I1-L22 haplotypes from PAR and reference populations
Scatterplot of the first and the second discriminant functions
Symbol size is proportional to the frequency of Y-STR haplotypes
despite being well represented both in Germany and in Italy
we obtained around 3000–5000 years from present
we show that it is possible to shed light on important events of the recent genetic history of a region by carefully selecting the investigated population and the individuals to be sampled
Our PAR and SGP samples not only help to understand poorly known aspects of the genetic history of Italy and Europe
but they also offer important glimpses on issues of more general interest
such as the estimation of essential parameters such as Y-STR mutation rates and average generation duration time
These values are low enough to conclude that they did not substantially affect the Y-chromosomal genetic composition of the Partecipanza over the last centuries
our estimates confirm with what is currently known about the historic origins of Partecipanza
pointing at a period comprised between 1300 and 600 years ago
the upper bound coincides with the Migration Period
and in particular with the settling of Ostrogoths and Lombards in Italy (493 AD and 568 AD
The lower bound might instead correspond to the devastating ‘Black Death’ epidemic of the fourteenth century (∼1350 AD)
a strong bottleneck that may have affected our population
It is worth noting that the geographic distribution of hg I1-L22 and its alleged place of origin are consistent with the alleged route followed by some German peoples—Lombards and Goths in particular—from the Baltic shores to Italy
it seems plausible to relate historical and archaeological information with our molecular results
suggesting that a Lombard component may have had a key role in the foundation of Partecipanza
Our last goal was to estimate Y-STR mutation rates and average generation duration time
relevant literature provides contrasting estimates
such rate is inferred from hg variation in populations whose short-time history is known (foundation events) and is equal to 6.9 * 10−4 per STR per generation
they average to 3.2 * 10−3 mutations per STR per generation
by relying on a total of 274 generations (within 14 pedigrees) and 17 STRs
while dates based on evolutionary rates tend to be older
These facts suggest that Y-STR diversity is generally distributed in pedigrees following the germline rate
the 25-year value often used for time estimates and coalescent simulations does not seem to be a realistic estimate for paternal lineages in European populations
we showed that a well-conceived sampling strategy (population choice
selection of individuals) facilitates the identification of otherwise hidden population events and historical stratifications
we generated relevant information on issues that transcend the regional setting of this study
The first aim of this study was to check if socio-economic stratification within the same population can determine specific genetic structures
Our results show that this is the case for our PAR and SGP samples
whereas mtDNA showed no difference between the two samples
This agrees with the transmission of the shared assets within Partecipanza
as well as with Italian and European populations
we concluded that most of the Partecipanza founders bore Y-chromosome lineages that were already present in the area by a long time
it seems plausible that such nucleus was in some way enriched by a Lombard component that settled here during the eighth century AD and continued to live there even after the defeat of the Lombard kingdom in 776 AD
preserved (and possibly amplified) such a ‘trace’ that went lost in the open population living in the same area
These results have important consequences on currently debated issues
Future developments of our research will further explore some of the most important results of this study
The genetic structure of Partecipanza will be further tested with autosomal markers
we will replicate our experiment by extending our sampling to other similar institutions
Turning instead to Y-chromosome mutation rates
comparisons between Y-haplotypes and genealogies will be extended to a higher number of Y-chromosome markers and paternal pedigrees
Y-chromosome data (17 STRs and hgs) have been submitted to the Dryad Digital Repository: doi:10.5061/dryad.26qn0. HVS-I and HVS-II mtDNA sequences have been submitted to GenBank: accession numbers KM232757—KM232905
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Uniparental markers in Italy reveal a sex-biased genetic structure and different historical strata
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Development of multiplex PCRs for evolutionary and forensic applications of 37 human Y chromosome SNPs
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This research was made possible by grants from the Italian Ministry of Education
University and Research (PRIN projects 2007 and 2009
SS was supported by the European Research Council ERC-2011-AdG 295733 grant (Langelin)
We thank all the volunteers who kindly accepted to participate to this study
We are indebted with the Personnel of the ‘Consorzio dei Partecipanti di San Giovanni in Persiceto’
the Municipality of San Giovanni in Persiceto and the local AVIS (Associazione Volontari Italiani del Sangue) centre for helping us to design the sampling campaign and to collect the archival data
Special thanks are due to Vittorio Cocchi (President of the ‘Consorzio dei Partecipanti’)
Raffaella Scagliarini (Responsible of the Historical Archive of the ‘Consorzio dei Partecipanti’)
Renato Mazzuca (Mayor of San Giovanni in Persiceto) and Sonia Camprini (Council Member of San Giovanni in Persiceto)
we thank Dr Eugenio Bortolini for his valuable comments and suggestions to improve the quality of the manuscript
Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
The authors declare no conflict of interest
Supplementary Information accompanies this paper on Heredity website
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Updated on 30 December 2024 From Bologna Welcome
The "Befana" - the witch-like old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy - is arriving on Epiphany Eve
For art lovers, Bologna offers a wide range of extraordinary exhibitions during the 4-6 January long weekend. At the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the exhibition La favola di Atalanta. Guido Reni and the Poets explores the deep connection between painting and poetry in 17th-century Bologna
Contemporary painting enthusiasts cannot miss the exhibitions dedicated to Antonio Ligabue: one at the evocative Palazzo Pallavicini and the other in the splendid Palazzo Albergati
There are many more temporary exhibitions, however, and you can discover them all on the dedicated page
For those who prefer the outdoors, however, the Apennine mountains offer snowy panoramas and sporting activities such as skiing and snowshoeing: snow is here, enjoy it thanks to eXtraBO's Corno Express special package
On 5 January at 9:00 pm, the Unipol Arena in Bologna hosts Bol on Ice
a spectacular fusion of figure skating and theatre performances
During the Epiphany weekend, Disney movie lovers will be thrilled by Frozen in Concert
where a live orchestra accompanies the images of the famous animated film
Finally, the extraordinary Slava's Snow Show returns to the Duse Theatre
a poetic and visual journey that enchants audiences of all ages
From 2 to 6 January, Grand Tour Italia turns into a place of sweet surprises to celebrate Epiphany in a special way.At the Welcome Desk
you will be given a map that will guide you through the various points where
An experience designed to entertain children and adults alike
The whole territories of the Metropolitan city also come alive with events dedicated to the Epiphany. In San Giovanni in Persiceto, you can finde the traditional burning of the Befana to the public shout ‘A brùsa la Vècia’ (Burn the Old Woman)
An evocative and convivial rite to greet the New Year
In Vidiciatico, on the other hand, on 5 January, the Befana will wait you in front of the cinema handing out sweets just before special screenings designed for the whole family
Alchemist in Copenhagen has been named the best restaurant in Europe by Opinionated About Dining for a second consecutive year
The annual Top 100+ Restaurants in Europe list
which pools the opinions of over 6,000 experienced voters
named Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm
in second place; Etxebarri in Axpe
in third; and Andreas Caminada's Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau
meaning there is no change in ranking from last year's top four
Rasmus Munk's two-Michelin-star restaurant offers a unique dining experience
where an evening takes place in five different settings arranged in acts
where dishes may convey strong political and environmental messages
from plastic pollution to child labour and organ donation.
Munk said: “To receive this honour for the second year proves to me that our ambition to constantly develop the restaurant has borne fruit
It also shows that it is possible to merge the worlds of gastronomy and art
Spain boasts the highest number of entries this year, with nearly 40, while Italy has 20, France 16 and Denmark 15 in total. See the top ten restaurants listed below, and for the full Top 100+ Restaurants Europe 2022 visit OAD
See below the top ten rankings of the other OAD 2022 lists for Europe: Top Europe Casual, Europe Classical and Europe Top Cheap Eats
2 Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm - Sweden
4 Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau - Switzerland
7 Restaurant Quique Dacosta, Dénia - Spain
9 Kadeau Bornholm, Bornholm - Denmark
9 Antica Osteria del Mirasole, San Giovanni in Persiceto
by Elisa Mazzini /// May 13
a town in the heart of the Bolognese countryside that has preserved all the charm of a country village
cosy shops and bars: the whole town has a calm and relaxing atmosphere
San Giovanni in Persiceto is the ideal place for a trip outside Bologna
to discover the Bolognese countryside and perhaps take a break in one of the local restaurants
But there is more: there is a corner of San Giovanni in Persiceto that perhaps not everyone knows about and that is linked to Hollywood
also known as Piazzetta degli Inganni (Little square of Deceptions)
and now we will tell you why it has such a strange name
Don’t expect a large square, because the name itself indicates that it is a small, intimate square. On its walls, there are the drawings of Gino Pellegrini
a famous Italian set designer who emigrated to the United States at a young age and ended up painting sets for Hollywood greats such as Hitchcock and Kubrick
oversized vegetables and farm animals drawn in a fanciful way
to evoke the rural life of the area: these are the protagonists of the Piazzetta’s street art walls
The history of Piazzetta Betlemme as a cultural venue began in 1980 when it was chosen to host a summer film festival dedicated to comic cinema
the comedy film festival was transformed into something more: on a small stage placed under the screen
singers and entertainers performed; in the stalls
In 1990 the small square was redecorated with a trompe l’oeil of painted scaffolding supporting real doors and windows with ropes
All this in a rural setting of rustic walls and cultivated fields in the Po Valley
In 1996 Pellegrini created a new game of deception
enriching the drawings with oversized vegetables and fantastic animals: giant cabbages and cauliflowers
which we can still admire today when we stroll around the Piazzetta
Gino Pellegrini was born in Lugo di Vicenza in 1941
where he obtained a master’s degree in fine arts from the Art Center School in Los Angeles
After starting out as an advertising poster painter
Pellegrini entered the American film and television industry
where he began his career as a set designer
passing through the various stages of set design: sketch artist
including Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey
and even Disney animated films such as The Sword in the Stone
Gino Pellegrini returned to Italy and settled in Bologna
he created the first version of the ‘Piazzetta degli Inganni’ as the setting for a comedy film festival
Around 1990 his artistic production turned towards naturalistic ideas and themes
one of the most representative examples of which is the second tromp l’oeil project in Piazzetta Betlemme
Gino Pellegrini died on 20 December 2014 in San Giovanni in Persiceto
Non distante da San Giovanni in Persiceto c’è anche l’area di riequilibrio ecologico La Bora
una zona umida boschiva dove è possibile fare attività di birdwatching nei quattro punti di osservazione
Diverse specie di avifauna utilizzano infatti l’area protetta per riprodursi
riposare durante i passi migratori e alimentarsi
Inoltre qui è possibile osservare da vicino farfalle
che qui trovano un’area favorevole per la riproduzione
Not far from San Giovanni in Persiceto there is La Bora ecological restoration area
a wooded wetland where birdwatching is possible in the four observation points
Various species of birds use the protected area to breed
praying mantises and dragonflies can also be seen at close quarters
which find a favourable breeding environment here
by Maria Grazia Masotti /// February 29
by Davide Marino /// March 7
by Elisa Mazzini /// February 6
Updated on 17 February 2025 From Bologna Welcome
while the city dresses up to prepare for the most playful time of the year
is an unmissable experience to enjoy with family or friends
The period from 16 February to 4 March 2025 is packed with events: from Shrove Thursday on 27 February to Shrove Tuesday
the centre of Bologna comes alive with colourful costumes
You can find stands dedicated to traditional sweets and handcrafted products
ready to make the occasion even more special
On Saturday 1 March and Sunday 2 March, the 8cento APS and Palazzo Pepoli bring the magic of Carnival to the heart of Bologna with two days full of special events: the protagonist is the Great Masquerade Ball in Piazza Minghetti
an opportunity to immerse oneself in the dances and atmospheres of yesteryear
puppet shows and theatrical visits inside the Museum of the History of Bologna
A weekend of celebration and wonder for all ages
On Thursday 27 February, Piazza Lucio Dalla will come alive with a festive afternoon organised by the Casa di Quartiere Katia Bertasi
workshops and music will involve adults and children alike: from entertainment by Fantateatro and Circo SottoSopra to inflatable games and Afro-Brazilian rhythms with Numa Boa
drinks until 11 pm at the Casa di Quartiere
Sunday 23 February and Sunday 2 March sees the return of the 151st edition of the Persicetano Carnival
a centuries-old tradition that fascinates with its spectacular animated floats
curated by historical local associations of San Giovanni in Persiceto
it is certainly an unmissable event for all those who love carnival culture
Only 30 km from Bologna, in San Pietro in Casale, on 23 February and 2 March, the Carnival Parade is held with floats
shows for children and the characteristic reading of the will of ‘Sandron’
From Imola's fame for the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, comes to life The Carnival of Fantavehicles
scheduled for Sunday 2 March 2025: an extraordinary event celebrating creativity with an eclectic parade that will amaze and enchant audiences of all ages
The absolute stars of the day are unique and original vehicles
wheelbarrows and other objects in a colourful and surprising way
the streets of the town will come alive with colourful allegorical floats and a festive procession of masked children
Carnival is preparing to conquer young and old with festivities
"Sfrappole" are the traditional sweet crisp pastry
Gaia, let's start from the beginning: did you expect to be at the Games? "I am very happy and excited for this experience, the first in the national team on the most prestigious stage. And no, I never imagined I would have this opportunity, but now I am here with my teammates and we are all trying to give our best."
"We have big goals, we are full of adrenaline and ready for our challenges. But let's play one match at a time and see what we can achieve."
In the meantime, you have become the third spiker, could you have room?
"Whether I play will be seen from game to game. For me it is still a dream to be at the Games and have the respect of my coaches. I try to enjoy every moment then it is obvious that we hope to reach a good goal, an opportunity that not everyone gets the years that of the Olympics and in which all the opportunities that arise must be seized". Tell us a little about his career…
"I started playing in San Giovanni in Persiceto when I was very young, at 6 years old, and then I moved to Idea Volley, also in the Bologna area to start my career in the youth team".
"At the Anderlini volleyball school I did the last two years of youth, a great training ground for me. Then I went to Serie A2 in Montale, my debut in Serie A. Unfortunately there was Covid, but it was a great experience, then I landed in A1".
And that's where he began his journey towards the national team?
"Yes, first in Cuneo and then in Novara and finally in Vallefoglia in the province of Pesaro where I will also remain for the next season".
Updated on 03 February 2025 From Bologna Welcome
The ART CITY Bologna 2025 programme in the metropolitan area is animated by many events taking place in the municipalities of Budrio
Before leaving the city walls, pay a visit to the eXtraBO information point in Piazza del Nettuno 1/ab where Andrea Baruffi's solo exhibition will be hosted from 7 to 8 February 2025
An artist who has managed to combine creativity and depth in each of his works
The exhibition will consist of four works that will focus attention on the artist's home territory
In the spaces of the former Marzabotto paper mill building site in Lama di Reno
generated by the de-construction and re-modulation of some furnishing elements recovered in the spaces of the former offices during the first reconnaissance survey
The group exhibition displays selected works by well-known painters and sculptors who are members of the Lions Club
The exhibition revolves around the theme of rituality and is the result of multifaceted research
capturing various aspects that emerge in the contemporary world
The exhibition revolves around the theme of intuition
the key that opens the door of the Great Mystery to the human being and the starting point of the transcendental art project
Roberto Cerè recounts the course of the seasons through an exhibition of 16 images that do not allow themselves to be seen from a landscape view
but portray details and details caught in naturalistic contexts
during walks or strolls in the world around them
Prologis has decided to set up an Urban Art Museum at the Bologna Freight Village
It houses 22 works by some of the most renowned urban art artists working today
The works on display are a tribute to the artist's relationship with the figure of Graziano Campanini
a tireless promoter of culture in Pieve di Cento
to whom the Art Gallery is dedicated and with whom Peretti Poggi had a deep relationship of esteem
Budrio too is taking part with a week of events
guided tours and workshops to discover the artistic and cultural heritage kept within its walls
Solo exhibition of cartoonist and illustrator Edo Massa
the artist author of the strips on the Generation Without a Future responds with a nihilism that merges with co-creation
leaving the public to complete his stories as they see fit
The exhibition is an unprecedented journey into the world of radio design and technology
More than 50 models from the private collection of Davide Vercelli
from the first valve models to the most modern devices
First solo exhibition of German artist Ulrich Erben
presents six new square canvases created in close relationship with the architecture of the space
an artist who created a series of works inspired by specific pieces from the jazz repertoire of Louis Armstrong or white big band composers such as: George Gershwin or Irving Berlin
Dove was interested in the concept of synesthesia and the relationship between colour
will have the Circus as a performing art and Futurist aesthetics as their leitmotif
presenting personalities who in their lives have studied and been active in both spheres
An exhibition project involving two exhibitions set up in the Letizia Gelli Gallery in the former Fornace Roncaglia
an industrial archaeology space located in Via Roncaglio 11/12 in Bologna
Updated on 05 July 2022 From Bologna Welcome
is undoubtedly the best season to explore the nature while leaving behind the city’s gloom in search of the most “Insta-worthy” spots
or even on the bus, Casalecchio di Reno, near Villa Toiano along Via Porrettana
is the ideal place to start your expedition in search of the golden expanses
the sunflower fields can be reached in 30’ minutes by car or by bus (tper 89)
The landscape reaches its beauty peak during the summer
when the rolling hills teem with austere and luxuriant stalks
Running along the Sun Route
head towards Via Cento in San Giovanni in Persiceto (26km from Bologna
15 min by bike from the train station of San Giovanni in Persiceto) to behold the sightly golden fields while unwinding in the sun after a tiring ride.
consider stopping off in Mezzolara and Budrio
but also in via Giovannini 116 in Baricella, to admire the sweeping expanses of blooming fields (26 min by bike
stop for a while near the Montenegro Storehouse in via Forella (Ozzano dell'Emilia: 12km from Bologna
Don't forget to pull over carefully if you want to take pictures!
And why not take advantage of the nearby Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (40 km from Bologna
local train connections Bologna Centrale-Imola)
make sure you don't miss the blooming meadows between Castel Guelfo and Medicina
1h30' by bike (local train connections Bologna Centrale-Imola
Please note: the fields' blossoming is subject to seasonal changes
Updated on 27 August 2021 From eXtraBO Outdoor Infopoint
Every two years Dozza lends itself
to the creative flair of national and international artists.
on the occasion of the opening of the Rocca Sforzesca to the public
an artists' competition called the "Painted Wall" was organised
The event was so successful in its first edition that it became a regular event: "The Biennial of the Painted Wall"
the event lost its connotation of a "competition" in favour of highlighting the essence of the artists
it is still possible to admire them live at work and interact with them as they conceive their creations
The walls of the houses come to life with spectacular works of art
converting this precious village into a timeless art gallery without borders or boundaries.
like "The Angel of Dozza": a majestic angelic figure that lies on the ground leaning against a doorway
almost as a sign of protection for the house he eternally watches over.
Stroll through the streets of Dozza and be yourself the protagonist of this perpetual work of art....
The "Porretta Street Art" project arose in the wake of the success of the Porretta Soul Festival
an event set up in 1988 and now considered the most important European celebration in the field of rhythm and blues
started out with the idea of establishing a festival dedicated to Otis Redding
but then the event grew to become a real link between Italy and the most important soul and blues artists (Swamp Dogg
the Porretta Soul celebrations have been enriched with a "section" dedicated to murals
a walk through the streets of Porretta becomes an incredible experience
brought together in a union dedicated to the warm notes of the blues
Perhaps the most emblematic mural of the project is "Soul Men" by Antonio Cotecchia
which pays homage to four great performers: Solomon Burke (his final song in "The Blues Brothers")
Wilson Pickett (one of the main exponents of R&B)
James Carr (he was a guest at Porretta Soul in 1992) and Eddie Hinton (his only European performance was at the Soul Festival in 1991)
We definitely encourage you to visit this small international town set in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and to discover all its tributes to music and art
by Elisa Mazzini /// February 14
It starts with the exhibitions proposed by Linea di Confine per la Fotografia Contemporanea (as part of the Fotografia Europea 2021 Festival) and reaches the Astronomical and Naturalistic Area, which is part of the Museo del Cielo e della Terra
Within this very area there are also the Giorgio Abetti Municipal Astronomical Observatory and the Municipal Planetarium
who investigated some local photographic collections in the context of a doctoral project at Plymouth University
dealing with four photographic series (dating from 19th to 20th century)
developing from some courtyards in the Lugo area and the surrounding countryside in different historical moments and part of a research on the social landscape of the lowlands
All the way around, two hectares full of green, a botanical garden with the spontaneous flora of Emilia Romagna. It’s a place to visit during the day and on starry nights too. In fact, on the occasion of special events, the Gruppo Astrofili Persicetani offers astronomical photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy “guided tours” of celestial phenomena
projections on the dome of the planetarium and explanations for visitors
who can observe the celestial vault (or place a tripod and a camera) lounging on the lawn
by Elisa Mazzini /// January 18
by Giulia Delaini /// February 12
by Lo Staff /// December 17
by Paola Sammartano /// June 21
by Paola Sammartano /// February 1
A family quarrel almost turned into a tragedy in Somma Vesuviana
where a 20-year-old stabs older sister six times in the abdomen for a seemingly trivial reason: one makeup remover
who intervened in an apartment in the town north of Naples
they were arguing heatedly because the eldest would used without permission the product of the younger sister
The situation degenerated when the 20-year-old grabbed a kitchen knife and hit his sister with six stabs to the abdomen
the weapon still stained with blood was seized
The victim was immediately transported to theNola hospital
where she was discharged with a 30 day prognosis
The young woman was arrested for aggravated personal injury and is now in prison at the disposal of the judicial authorities
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Como, 39-year-old arrested for drug dealing. He had changed his surname to hide his criminal record
Modena: Technology and female inclusion with “Women techmakers”