Time to Breathe in Tuscany

On April 27 Earth Day is celebrated. It is a worldwide initiative that is celebrating its 34th year in 2003. It calls for a ban on vehicles in downtown areas to promote active living and help reduce the city's pollution. This coincidentally coincides with Italy's Without Cars Initiative (or 100 Streets to Play On as it was also called). This is a fresh-air festival initiated by the European Union during which cars and motorcycles in most major cities in Europe are prevented from operating in the town centers on Sundays that are locally determined for each month. The purpose is to draw attention to, and to reduce, air pollution. Most of Italy's largest cities participate in this anti-pollution ban including Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Venice. Taxi travel becomes the mode of preferred transport as they are allowed to circulate with unprecedented freedom of movement.
The date the event is held is on April 27th, however, there are variations depending on the local government.

The Feast of Saint George in Puglia

On April 23rd, during the Feast of Saint George there's a race of oxen-pulled carts between the five neighborhoods of the city, two of which are Chieto and Scalo. The preparation for this race begins as far back as October in the previous year. It is treated with the utmost seriousness, such so that the drivers of the carts enter a program of rigorous athletic training. Oxen are also trained for endurance and strength. On the day of the race, there are three drivers in each of the five colourful carts that represent the competing teams. Then each of the carts has a horse and rider on each side to help control the bulls while they are running and three horsemen that follow the cart holding extended reins. The wild bulls drag and bounce these frail wooden carts over dirt roads for approximately three miles seemingly impervious to their fatigue or pain. Needless to say the local residents that pack the town and who have prepared almost five months for this race, go nuts. There is passionate shouting in Italian, and coupled with the mountains of food and wine, the whole day becomes a magical mixture of culture, sweat and good-natured competition. The winner of the race gets to lead the parade into the piazza of the cathedral where there is a benediction and the commencement of the evening celebrations.


Have some Fish from the Sea

In the region of Calabria, especially with Easter fast approaching, the salts of the sea are being mixed in every kitchen. This time of year also marks the Sea Festival. In the city of Paola fish, smoked ham, dried fruit and tomatoes are offered free to all participants. It is something to be savoured and not to be missed.

Good Friday in Catanzaro and around the Country

Good Friday is only a week away and is the beginning of Holy week. In Italy, it begins with the "Processione dei battienti" (Parade of the Self-Beaters). A parade takes place in the city of Catanzaro, but also in many other towns and cities across the nation. The parade is homage to the Madonna that dates back to medieval times. At the beginning of this tradition men would parade down the streets and hit themselves with glass objects. The onlookers wailed and groaned with sympathy, while the main became scarred from their injuries. The tradition continues today with the same rigour of self-mutilation. The event is then followed with food and lots of drinking as the end of Lent has arrived.

Publication Date: 2003-04-13
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2598