MY DATES TO REMEMBER – Festa della Liberazione – APRIL 25th (1945)

 

Numerous nationwide celebrations marking days of importance take place throughout Italy as well as various regional and local holidays.

April 25th is the official annual date that commemorates the liberation of Italy by Allied troops during the Second World War 1945 – Festa della Liberazione.

This special day honours all fallen soldiers and civilian victims who lost their lives during the bitter Nazi retreat in 1945 as well as to honour the Italian Resistance.

On this day back in 1945 thousands of Italians across the nation rose in protest against the previous ruling fascists and Benito Mussolini was shot three days later.

This date marks the liberation, which began in Milan and Turin and was announced by radio, symbolically starting a historic journey that lead to the referendum (2nd June)

and then formed the Italian Republic.

By the 1st of May, Italy was finally liberated – putting an end to fascist dictatorship and five years of war.

Today, celebrations throughout Italy include public parades, festivals and shows full of Italian flags and with a chorus of the popular song of liberation: “Bella Ciao”.  This day is also commonly used to celebrate peaceful protests including social issues such as gender inequality and environmental issues but it still remains an important date to principally honour all who gave their lives.

© My Country magazine – Naples, Italy

 

DANTEDI’ 2021

700th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING DANTE ALIGHIERI

“FATHER OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE”

DATES TO REMEMBER – MARCH 25th

Year 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri

with an array of commemorative events programmed throughout Italy and beyond.

Today – March 25th – is “The” day – Dantedì – celebrating the medieval philosopher and poet as highlighted last year by My Country magazine when March 25th was approved as a National Day in Italy.

Dante was born in Firenze but travelled and lived in many places including Verona, Roma, Ravenna, Bologna, Forlì, Pisa and Arezzo amongst others. Dante died 700 years ago but in September; as March 25th represents the day recognised as the beginning of the so-called “journey into afterlife” as described in his poetic trilogy La Divina Commedia – the journey through the three realms of the dead – from Inferno (hell)”, Purgatorio (purgatory) to Paradiso (heaven).

This year’s fantastic Dantedì 2021 anniversary programme involves over 100 projects taking place in over 70 towns in Italy – but the programme also extends to many other countries including the U.K. and U.S.

Dantedì will host various events, digital events, exhibitions, readings and in-depth conferences taking place not only today but throughout the year.

MY Highlights

~ 80 rare drawings of Dante’s Divine Comedy La Divina Commedia – created by the 16th-century Renaissance artist Federico Zuccari – online for free by the Uffizi Gallery of Firenze.

~ “Piazza Dante. #Festivalinrete” is just one of the many interesting projects consisting of 41 Festivals regarding Italian culture through literature, poetry, science, videos and unpublished scripts

For full details see: https://beniculturali.it/dantedì   https://dantesettecento.beniculturali.it

The Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Dario Franceschini commented:

“Dante is the unity of Italy.  He represents the Italian language and the very idea of our country.

The celebrations of the seven-hundred years since the death of Dante Alighieri close a three-year period of initiatives made possible by a law specifically intended to commemorate three great personalities of Italian culture: Leonardo, Raphael and, this year, Dante”.

#Dantedì    #Dantedì2021   #Dante700   #Dante2021    #Dantesettecento   #PiazzaDanteFestivalinrete

My Country magazine – My Dates to Remember – March 25th – Dantedì

 

MARCH 09/03/2021   The colour-coded tier system was updated including higher Covid-19 restrictions last February 21st throughout Italy

Many regions changed classification from lower-risk yellow zones to medium-risk orange zones including Campania, Naples.The Campania region is currently classified as a high-risk red zone, together with Basilicata and Molise.

It is predicted that numerous regions will follow – updating from medium-risk orange to red – considered as a high level of risk with a scenario of maximum severity.

Italy’s health minister Roberto Speranza signed the recent order based upon a weekly report provided by the Higher Health Institute (ISS) involving increasing concerns about widespread circulation of new and more transmissible variants.

The latest Dpcm Ministerial Decree was signed by Speranza and the Prime Minister Draghi on March 2nd 2021 to combat and contain the virus emergency – to be respected from March 6th to April 6th 2021.
The new restrictive measures confirm numerous urgent provisions already in force for containment of contagion throughout the national territory and introduce a number of new measures.
The colour-coded tier system classifying Italy into white, yellow, orange and red zones has been confirmed and will be updated according to levels of risk.

  • Face masks are obligatory – indoors and outdoors. Children under six years of age are exempt.
  • Social-distancing of at least 1-metre is still in act.
  • The travel ban between regions is confirmed until March 27th 2021. Travel motivated by proven work requirements or health reasons is permitted as is returning to one’s residence.
  • The nationwide night-time curfew from 10 pm to 5 am has also been confirmed.
  • All schools within red zones are now closed.
  • Any form of crowding is prohibited.
  • Visiting relatives or friends or travel to second homes is NOT allowed (even within your own municipality)
  • Throughout orange and red zones catering services are suspended but take-away and delivery is permitted until 10 pm. In all areas Bars and Café’s are available for take-away services until 6 pm only.
  • Throughout red zones any retail/commercial activity is suspended except for necessary foodstuffs and Pharmacies.
  • The national State of Emergency has been extended to April 30th 2021.

Please note: Italian authorities may impose, extend or further tighten any restrictions with little-to-no-notice – in response to developments regarding the Covid-19 strain.

Rules of conduct in case of any symptoms or doubts about health conditions:
If you have any symptoms such as fever (over 37.5°), breathing difficulty or coughing – stay at home and limit all contacts.  Do NOT go to the hospital or Doctor but call your local Guardia Medica or contact the regional or toll-free numbers:
Information line from Italy 1500
From abroad +39 02 32008345/ 02 89619015
Campania region 800 90 96 99
Use the national emergency numbers 112/118 only if strictly necessary

© MY COUNTRY MAGAZINE – NAPLES, ITALY (MARCH 2021)

Latest update 09/03/2021

Latest Covid-19 situation in Italy
*updated: March 15th 2021

As expected, the health minister Speranza has signed the latest decree classifying the regions of Lazio, Lombardia, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Piemonte, Puglia, Marche and the province of Trento as high-risk red zones from today March 15th 2021 (Campania and Molise remain classed as red)
The regions of Abruzzo, Calabria, Tuscania, Liguria, Puglia, Sicilia, Umbria, the Aosta valley and province of Bolzano are now classed as medium-risk orange zones. Sardegna remains categorized as the only lowest-risk white zone.
Current restrictions will remain in place until Easter weekend when the the whole country (except Sardegna) will be classed as high-risk red – even though April 3rd, 4th and 5th will supposedly include the possibility to visit relatives or friends – once per day.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic swept over Italy one year ago, over 100,000 people have died – prompting long lockdowns and forming what may be regarded as the worst recession since WWII. Tightened restrictions in force throughout red zones have also ordered all schools to close and obviously residents have been asked to leave home only for necessary reasons.

Over 6.2 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered throughout Italy as of March 12th 2021. It is important to underline that two doses are necessary for the vaccine to be fully effective. So, basically just 1.9 million people in Italy can now be considered as being fully protected against the virus. Obviously this situation and various solutions with a new vaccine programme are at the top-of-the-list – and hopefully a rapid exit from the pandemic.
If you are interested about vaccine news and so much more – then why not take a look at some real details and interesting views from our friend Susan Levenstein MD – “The straight dope on Italian health and medical care” on her active blog www.stethoscopeonrome.com 

(That’s also the frequently highlighted book – Dottoressa An American Doctor in Rome)

My Country magazine

will be updating any useful current information

… for more details follow our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/paesemiomycountry

#StaySafe

 

 

Over the years, My Country magazine has frequently highlighted the charming isle of Procida.

Procida is the oldest and smallest of the three fascinating isles situated on the Gulf of Naples.

 

Read more

Interview with Mr Mariano Moreno – Borboniqua Napoli

 

Before talking about BorboniQua, could you tell us about your background and shoemaking industry experiences?

I have dealt with the footwear and clothing industries as a representative for central and southern Italy since 1979.  I have managed both positioning and sales throughout these areas with brands including Timberland, American footwear, Levis, Allen Edmond’s, Justine boot, Polo Ralf Laurent, Tommy Hilfigher, Clarks and Filson amongst others.  I have been collaborating with different brands for over 15 years to enhance stylistic choices and for production purposes.  I have recently given life to a much-desired project of creating a collection of footwear and accessories entirely “made in Naples” reaching to international markets – BorboniQua Napoli.

Could you tell us about BorboniQua?

The name of our collection BorboniQua is strongly connected to the territory of Naples and of course the Bourbon period from what was then the Kingdom of Naples.

Our creative philosophy contains elements of tradition but also innovation reflected in the same values.

 

Read more

THE FOOTBALL LEGEND

THE HAND OF GOD

THE KING

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA

As the world mourns following the death of football icon Diego Armando Maradona from heart failure,

for one city in Italy his passing takes on another meaning.

Last Wednesday 25th November 2020, as Neapolitans saw it, it was not only the greatest football player of all time who had died.

In fact, a clear demonstration of the affection and respect for the Argentine champion was thousands of mourners who took to the streets just minutes after the death was announced,

to commemorate their adopted king of Naples.

Fans flocked from the Quartieri Spagnoli to the immense Piazza del Plebiscito

and to the stadium Stadio San Paolo – to the Curva B entrance…

which has become an open-air shrine adorned with flowers, candles, scarves, T-shirts, posters, photographs, written tributes and dedications…

 

Read more

BREXIT TRANSITION: TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Yes, time is running out so make sure you are ready

Your business, family, personal and travel circumstances will be affected by the Brexit transition.

The Withdrawal Agreement set a transition period lasting until 31 December 2020.

The British Embassy in Rome and the British Consulate General Milan are currently holding online meetings across Italy to update British citizens working and living in the country and answering their questions regarding Britain’s departure from the European Union. There are new rules (and requirements) for businesses and UK citizens from 1 January 2021

Changes for businesses and citizens

You need to act NOW if you’re:

* importing goods from the EU * exporting goods to the EU * moving goods to or from Northern Ireland *

travelling to the EU * living and working in the EU * staying in the UK if you’re an EU citizen

GUIDE ON RESIDENCY: Under the Withdrawal Agreement ratified by the European Union and the United Kingdom,

European rules on free movement will continue to apply to UK nationals and their family members through the transitional period until 31 December 2020.

The registration office (anagrafe) at the local town hall (comune) remains the competent authority for registering UK nationals.

Residency   If you are resident in Italy before the transition period ends on 31st December 2020, you will be able to stay.  You must register as an Italian resident (in Italian) if you want to stay in Italy for more than 3 months. You will get one of the following from the local town hall or comune:  an attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica or attestazione di soggiorno permanente (if resident for 5 years or more)

Read more

MY LUCKY TRADITIONS

TRADITIONS SYMBOLS SUPERSTITIONS LUCK

The lucky horn

O’curniciell

amulet of Naples

“tuosto, stuorto e cu ‘a ponta”

Naples is a magical city full of miracles, mysteries and superstitions

– many of which have legends to tell from hundreds of years ago.

From Saints to throwing salt over your shoulder

– if you have been to Naples then you must have seen the red horn somewhere.

So, what’s it all about?

THE ORIGINS   The red horn – commonly known as o’curniciell – corniciello or simply corno – resembles a hot pepper and is an important symbol and renowned amulet of Naples – regarding both tradition and superstition – with antique origins dating back to the Middle Ages when primitives associated the physical power of animals with the emblematic size of their horns… and to when populations of hunters hang bloody horns of large prey at the entrance of their homes to ward off enemies…

Well, there’s just a few of many explanations.

Read more

GETTING AROUND NAPLES

The Linea 3M minibus runs daily circular routes – 7 am to 8.05 pm

  Ticket Fees: ANM one-way Urban-zone tickets cost 1.10 euro

  Major info: www.anm.it

Linea 3M – Three Museum Bus line connects:

  Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte – Catacombe San Gennaro – Museo Archeologico MANN 

(ACTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER 12th 2020)

  Circular Route:  Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte (stops: Porta Miano & Porta Piccola)

– via Capodimonte – Catacombe San Gennaro – corso Amedeo di Savoia – via S. Teresa degli Scalzi –  via Pessina – via Conte di Ruvo – via Costantinopoli – MANN (P.za Museo Archeologico Nazionale)

Daily departures:

07:00 – 07:15 – 07:30 – 07:45

08:00 – 08:15 – 08:30 – 08:45

09:00 – 09:15 – 09:30 – 09:45

10:00 – 10:15 – 10:30 – 10:45

11:00 – 11:15 – 11:30 – 11:45

12:00 – 12:15 – 12:30 – 12:45

13:00 – 13:20 – 13:45

14:05 – 14:30 – 14:50

15:15 – 15:35

16:00 – 16:20 – 16:45

17:05 – 17:30 – 17:50

18:15 – 18:35

19:00 – 19:20

* 20:05

* FINAL RUN FROM From Real Bosco di Capodimonte to piazza Museo Archeologico Nazionale MANN

CONTACT CENTRE ANM CALL:  800-639525

 

Source © My Country magazine – Naples, Italy

October 2020 – page 14

 

Rosa Parks

VISIT NAPLES

Palazzo Reale di Napoli

@ PALAZZO REALE DI NAPOLI

The magnificent Royal Palace Palazzo Reale di Napoli is situated within the heart of Naples and has been frequently highlighted by My Country magazine.

Well, we are back again this month with some latest updates

The Royal Palace houses the national library Biblioteca di Napoli – transferred here in 1925, but seriously damaged due to WWII bombings and the subsequent military occupation. The library holds a fascinating collection of documents including a large collection of papyrus scrolls from the ancient Roman archaeological site of Herculaneum – Ercolano (Villa dei Pisoni destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and original documents written by Alfonso d’Aragona (1455); the composer Giuseppe Verdi and major 19th century composers including Gioachino Rossini.

  • The beautiful halls and historic apartments and studio’s with paintings and tapestries… a blast from the past.

The statues dominating the external western side of the palace facing the main square of Piazza del Plebiscito portray the rulers of the Kingdom of Naples dating from the 10th-century and are positioned in chronological order. The Palace was enriched by Murat and his wife Caroline Bonaparte with rich Neoclassic decor and furnishings during the Napoleonic occupation. It is notable that no statue along the façade of the royal palace Palazzo Reale refers to the Bourbon reign – not even Carlo di Borbone, engraved as Carlo III – Charles III the King of Spain.

  • LATEST INFORMATION for visitors:
  • All visitors are obliged to follow indicated routes, to be equipped with masks and to maintain a safety distance of at least 1.2 metres from others. Current anti-Covid 19 entrance methods are placing groups of up to 8 visitors a time for a maximum of 50 visitors per hour.
  • Admission tickets are available directly at the ticket-office/info-point – but why not avoid the crowds! Reserve your tickets without added costs online here  https:// www.coopculture.it/
  • The garden “Giardino Romantico” and the “Cortili” Courtyards are open to the public without charge from 9 am to 7 pm except Wednesdays.
  • The Guided Tours of the garden “Giardini Pensili” (as highlighted last March) are temporarily suspended until further notice. Bag storage and the use of audio guides are also temporarily suspended.

Fees: Standard admission – Euro 6,00; Reduced Euro 3,00; 18 – 25 yrs Euro 2,00; Under 18’s – Free    Opening times: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm except Wednesdays. Last admission by 7 pm.   Info: +39 081 580 8255

APP “ENJOY ALL PALAZZO REALE”

TOUR the MAIN WORKS: of Palazzo Reale, the library Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli “Vittorio Emanuele III”, the theatre Teatro San Carlo and the castle Maschio Angioino/Castel Nuovo

by Smartphone or Tablet – So,  scan the QR-code and Buon Viaggio!

ALMOST HOME – THE ROSA PARKS HOUSE PROJECT – RYAN MENDOZA

SEPTEMBER 15th 2020 to JANUARY 6th 2021

@ PALAZZO REALE DI NAPOLI   1, Piazza del Plebiscito

Rosa Parks

The royal palace of Naples Palazzo Reale di Napoli is currently hosting the free installation within the central courtyard – “Almost Home – The Rosa Parks House Project” created by the US artist Ryan Mendoza.

So, who was Rosa Parks?  Rosa Parks was an Afro-American activist who became an important symbol during the struggle for civil rights in the USA during the 1950’s.  She refused to give her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Alabama in 1955 and was arrested for civil disobedience.  The incident led to a one-year long bus boycott throughout the city.

After her famous act, Parks became known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” whilst losing her job and enduring death threats for years to come.  She passed away in Detroit October 2005 – aged 92.

Rosa Parks house was originally located in the city of Detroit and was saved from demolition after her niece Rhea McCauley bought it from Detroit city authorities.  She then tried to raise funds to renovate the then long-abandoned structure. She approached Mendoza on 2016 after struggling to find institutional support.  Mendoza purchased and transported the house to his back-garden in Berlin in the same year.

Ryan Mendoza was born in New York in 1971 and created the projects “The White House” (2015), “The Invitation” (2016) and the renowned “The Rosa Parks House Project” (2017).

His art projects and paintings have been displayed in numerous museums and galleries throughout Europe, including – White Cube/ London, Galerie Lelong, Paris / New York, and Museo Madre/Italy Naples.

The 2017 award-winning documentary directed by Mendoza’s wife Fabia “The White house” offers an ample insight regarding Mendoza’s artistic activities and tells the story of The Rosa Parks House Project.

The Rosa Parks House Project may be considered as keeping alive not only the memory of Rosa Parks, but of all of those who lived there – during a dramatically conflictual historical moment of American history – with an identity unfortunately still under discussion today…

Entrance to the installation is without charge – on display until January 6th 2021

“Almost Home – The Rosa Parks House Project” is promoted by: Fondazione Morra Greco, Regione Campania, Direzione regionale Musei Campania

INFO: +39 081 19349740    info@fondazionemorragreco.com    http://www.fondazionemorragreco.com

The Rosa Parks House Project at Palazzo Reale di Napoli

© My Country magazine

OCTOBER 2020 – pages 12-13

My Country magazine - October 2020 - page 12