ItalyUpdate

The town of Urbania (Marche) brings in the New Year with a five-day magical childrens party (2-6 January 2011) in honour of the Befana, the old witch who traditionally brings Italian children presents on Epiphany, 6 th January.

 Every good wish for a peaceful and happy festive 

to all our readers. Well be back in 2011!!

Manhattan, New York, is  showcasing  Italian furniture design up till the 8 th February 2011. The calendar of events involves a circuit of 20 showrooms of the companies participating in the âtalian Design Street Walking project, which is celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the prestigious Milan Furniture Fair.

The picturesque cavern town of Matera (Basilicata), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is to put on the worlds biggest living nativity representation on the 28 th and 29 th December 2010, with almost a thousand actors and extras taking part.

From the 18 th December 2010 to the 16 th January 2011, visitors to the town of Isola di Grado (Gorizia in Fruili Venezia Giulia) will be able to participate in free conducted tours round the island to see the exceptional display of 150 Christmas cribs, including many with a sea theme.

The Campania region and Sicily are launching an interesting culinary event at Sorrento centred on the cuisine of the Reign of the Two Sicilies.

The town of Soncino, near Cremona (Lombardia), has prepared a magical Christmas especially for children (and their parents) where elves, gnomes,  pixies and other fairytale personages lead visitors round  the Enchanted Village set up in the 17 th century spinning mill La Filanda and the grounds of the castle.

Milans famous La Scala opera house opens the new 2011 season with Richard Wagner Die Walkure, conducted by Daniel Barenboim and with a glittering cast of top world Wagner singers.

55,000 visitors participated in the 2 nd edition of the event Musei in Musica (Music in Museums) held in Rome on the 20 th November 2010 between 8pm and 2am.

Prize for the best cocktail in the 61 st AIBES National Contest for Italian barmen was won this year by a barlady.