HOLIDAY EVENTS |
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January
Traditionally, the Thaler's Epiphany, drawing inspiration from ancient medieval feasts, takes place in Gemona del Friuli. Ladies and knights parade along at the sound of drums against the backdrop of a medieval procession in via Bini and escort the Mayor up to the Dome of Santa Maria Assunta. The Mass takes place there, whereupon the Civil Community represented by the Mayor offers the Church a golden thaler as evidence of submission of the temporal power to the spiritual power. The ceremony is characterized by ancient rituals that have not changed throughout history. The event grabs the interest of those who love old traditions thanks to the march of the nobles, with rich dresses, the medieval sound of drums and the guards escorting the Mayor. The Spadone Mass is celebrated in the Dome of Cividale in a very solemn context. The Deacon appears, with a helmet decorated with feathers on the head, a sword in his right hand and a precious Evangelistary in the left. The ceremony recalls the invesiture of the master the Patriarch used to receive from the Emperor. Immediately after the Spadone Mass there is an event recalling the arrival of Marquardo von Randeck in Cividale on 6 July 1366. The event is characterized by nobles, ladies, knights, maids, friars and priests in an attempt to revive ancient medieval traditions. Visitors can enjoy here a pleasant day in a small town steeped in history.
FebruaryThe best period to visit Ptuj, Slovenia, is Carnival, when everyday problems are left behind and the spirit of past mingles with the present. Carnival in Ptuj is one of the most important traditional events in Slovenia and Central Europe and dates centuries ago. Officially, the event begins on Saturday with traditional Slovenian Carnival masks. Various artistic performances, including theatre, take place in streets and squares. Carnival Sunday is the culminating point of the event characterized by the typical smell of doughnuts and a cheerful atmosphere. The event is highly recommended for those who want to have a good time.
March
The event known as "Flowers, Waters and Castles" takes place in the Upper and Lower Castles in Strassoldo, placed in a medieval "borgo", thereby giving rise to a combination of medieval and modern atmosphere. A vast array of tasks involving entrepreneurs, gardeners, decorators and press agents is presented. The event has become very famous at international level and attracts, therefore, thousands of visitors from all over the world. The castles are surrounded by two ancient parks and contain large gardens with exotic plants. May
The Marathon known as "Bavisela" in trieste has become a classic event but is also famous at national and international level. The competitive sport event constitutes a great opportunity to have fun, which is why the Marathon has now become popular with families in the whole town. A spring festival contributing to an even more beautiful setting usually takes place in the same period. "Cantine Aperte" is the most important event throughout Italy in terms of wine tasting attracting both tourists and local people. It usually takes place in May on the last Sunday and gives the opportunity to enjoy an event of great cultural interest and human value, characterized by a hilarious atmosphere owing to the presence of young people. A great deal of initiatives are set up by vine farmer in terms of cuisine and art. In Slovenia, the mountains hemming in Jesenice go white once again in May. The landscape is no longer covered with snow, though, but with white daffodils sprouting all over in the fields. Local people celebrate the moment with the Daffodils Festival, which normally takes place in May. Food and drinks will be available in the tent during the whole month and it will be possible to go on panoramic trips by cable car. A beautiful view over Gorejska can, therefore, be enjoyed. June
The event known as "San Daniele Ham Festival" takes place every year in June in the small town San Daniele, in the Italian region Friuli. It is a famous event at international level in terms of culture, tourism and gastronomy dating back to the Middle Ages. The town centre changes into a large tasting room and various stands are scattered across the streets where it is possible to taste ham with the best wines from the region. The event is called "Aria di Festa" and is a special occasion accompanied by other shows during which visitors can take trips on the hills to see the castles around the town. The Spring Herbs Festival takes place in Forni di Sopra and includes work-shop activities devoted to blueberries in association with the University of Trieste. Shows, meetings, small markets and other events will revolve around the same theme, namely aromatic herbs. Outstanding restaurants and hotels offer visitors the most delicious dishes and typical products will come as their surprise when walking past the stands of the local markets. Gailtaler Speckfest is a typical event of the Carinthia region in Austria and is a gastronomic delight as well as a basic element of the Austrian culture. The festival is characterized by both local music shows, dancing performances and wonderful ham dishes. Obviously, ham can be tastedin Carinthia all year round. Yet, it is most appreciated during the festival in June, as the event traces its roots in old local traditions. JulyThe festival known as "Mittelfest" taking place in Cividale is devoted to the countries in the middle of Europe, such as Hungary or others in the Balkans. Remarkable theatrical, musical and modern dance performances are held in the main square of the medieval town. The event shows how the new frontiers of creative expression have differently evolved in each of the countries according to their particular traditions and constitutes an important meeting point for cultures thanks to the universal language of art.
August
Agosto Medievale is an event taking place in Piazza del Ferro and the historic centre of Gemona in August every year. The presentation of the social classes with knights and ladies, one of the important festivals evoking medieval atmospheres, is open to the public. The traditional event is always characterized by a medieval setting, with knights, touring theatre companies, inns, merchants, craftsmen and fire-eaters. A palio, namely a medieval horse race, used to be called during the S. Donato celebration, an event taking place in name of the patron saint of Cividale del Friuli. Archers, crossbowmen and harquebusiers fighting each other in great battles were the main characters involved, along with crowds of nobles and ordinary people. Traditions have been handed down and the same event takes place again today after centuries. Nobles, ladies, knights and warriors parading along are dressed in medieval clothes and the setting is livened up by ancient music. The Bird Festival, a very interesting exhibition of birds, is celebrated in Sacile on the first Sunday after 15 August. Birds are involved in a singing competition at the end of which the winner, which is the best singing bird, is announced. The region around Sacile is mostly characterized by the presence of local thrushes, usually considered the main birds of the event, with respect to the others. The festival, dating back to the Middle Ages, is aimed at keeping a long tradition alive. The annual medieval Erasmus Tournament in Prejdama is based on records and illustrations from the 16th century. The event involves different social classes, including nobles and serfs. Bold knights, archers and swordsmen show off their skills on the battlefield. Predjama seems to return to the Middle Ages and conjures up ancient medieval adventures. A typical feature of the Tournament is the Medieval Banquet, which includes dishes prepared using original medieval recipes and served just as they were hundreds of years ago. The event is much appreciated by children and attracts a great deal of visitors every year.
September
Friuli DOC is an event not to be missed, one of the greatest occasions held in one of the most beautiful times of the year. As it provides the opportunity to get back in touch with the natural rhythms of life and evokes a magical atmosphere, it certainly comes to be a jubilant celebration of the history, culture and traditions of Friuli region. Old values are preserved here and handed down from generation to generation. Ribnica, one of the oldest places in Slovenia, boasts a rich historical heritage whose richness is showed by numeous legends and cultural, popular or tourist events. The Ribnica Fair of woodenware and pottery taking place every first Sunday in September is one of the best examples thereof. The Fair revolves around the free trade of handmade ware, an activity which has been important for centuries. The Käsefestival, too, is one of the most particular events taking place in Carinthia combining a pleasant atmosphere of fun with culinary delights. It is mainly characterized by traditional masks, typical dresses of the region and choirs. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to taste the most delicious cheese and children children will come into closer contact with sheep, goats, dunkeys, bunnies and other animals characteristic of the region. The Cow Dance is another typical event in Bohini, Slovenia, celebrated insofar as cows are usually herded to make them descend the grazing lands in this time of the year and summer is coming to an end. Cows are crowned with floral wreaths and local musicians as well as groups hold typical performances. An important cultural event harking back to the Middle Ages is held in Valvasone. The particular medieval lifestyle is recalled in historical centre of the town and ancient traditions are thoroughlly kept alive. Visitors will have the opportunity to become absorbed in medieval backgrounds for three days and walk past craftsmen's workshops. A medieval supper is also provided in a cloister every year within a charming atmosphere for those who wish more. Jugglers, minstrels, jesters, warriors and fire-eaters will show off their skills during the event. October
The sailing boat known as Barcolana is a famous sailing boat race taking place on the second Sunday every year. The event is famous at international level and turns on the charm of the town. Over two thousand sailing boats crewed by more than twenty thousand people take part in the event. The race usually lasts ten days and is of such beauty as to evoke the old local sailing traditions. The event involving Friuli, Slovenia and Croatia, too, can be enjoyed alongside the promenade in Barcola or from the Karst. The Pumpkin Festival is a unique event owing to its somewhat goliardic manner of interpreting the old events concerning Venzone. The main theme of the event is the punkpkin. Pumpkins are everywhere, in the village square, in shop windows, in restaurants and inns, on stands: pumpins in all sizes and shapes, served in every sauce, satisfying the taste of the most demanding. Pumpkins can be also found in a contest-exhibition. The Festival continues until the sun sets and when darkness falls, night lends nothing more than great charm to the occasion. The Polenta Festival is a famous autumn event taking place in Nötsch where the combination of culinary delight with a warm, homely atmosphere plays a key role. Polenta is an Italian thick maize porrige served with meat or cheese. A dizzy array of over 50 dishes is offered every year, ranging from soups to lasagne or tarts. Local music bands and choirs liven up the event with songs and performances, thereby making the Polenta Festival one of the most beautiful events in Carinthia. NovemberThose who love cheese can enjoy the opportunity to become involved in an event that takes place in Gemona and lasts a whole weekend. The historical centre of the town is the setting of the event, celebrated to stress the importance of the local cheese production on the Thanksgiving Day. It is usually organized by farmers after harvest. Other activities include visits to sheds and folds, shows, exhibitions, musical entertainment and games for children. DecemberThose who know little about traditions in the mountains will be surprised to see a white-bearded Saint wearing a Bishop's hat, along with other sacred objects, but at the same time surrounded by screaming demons called Krampus and the eerie knell of the bells they wear on clothes. The image is just the beginning of the traditional St. Nikolaus Fest, celebrated on 5 December in the Valcanale region around Tarvisio every year. The celebration, whose origins stem from old sets of beliefs, myths and traditions, takes various forms according to the zone in the area. The appearance of the Perchten in Villach, imaginary evil spirits, contribute to a frightening atmosphere to be found in the villages of the Carinthia region. People wear wooden face masks as well as ruffled curly wigs and go round small towns to scare local inhabitants. In addition, those interested in the event can visit the first Krampusmuseum in Austria in Sütschach, Rosental Valley. Visitors can also find over 100 exhibitions of the Holy Crib, some of which live, in more than 70 municipalities in the Friuli Venetia Julia region. They will be displayed inside churches, houses, in squares or streets. Tourists' itineraries are usually divided according to the four provinces, namely Udine, Gorizia, Trieste and Pordenone and will provide an opportunity to rediscover local traditions and enjoy tasting typical products in restaurants having an arrangement with other institutions in charge of the event.
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A great deal of significant events tracing their roots in old traditions take place in Alps Adria every month. They are offered in a dizzy array and always attract thousands of tourists who are interested in discovering the typical customs of a country.
