In the continuation of the first part of the post Where to go in Italy in 2012: 5 ideas for an interesting vacation, Blogoitaliano continues its journey by Italy, paying attention to interesting and sometimes little-known events of this year, which, nevertheless, are very worthy of attention. Who knows, maybe this will help you better navigate the plans for the upcoming vacation, making it even more vivid and memorable.
The ancient city of Ferrara is often called the pearl of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Ferrara
The transit location of the city on the way from Venice to Bologna, combined with the rich cultural heritage, especially distinguish it as a goal for an independent trip.
The first mention of Ferrara dates back to the VIII century, from the XIII century Ferrara became the Signoria of the Marquises d'Este. The main attractions of Ferrara are the Romanesque Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Lion Tower (Torre dei Leoni), the medieval palaces Palazzo Turchi di Bagno, the Diamond Palace (Palazzo dei Diamanti) and the Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati.
But not only architectural ensembles glorified the city. Far beyond Italy, Ferrara is known for the horse racing Palio di San Giorgio, which has been held since 1259 in the last week of May.
In summer, the streets of the city turn into an open-air theater, and since July it hosts a delightful music festival, which will be a pleasant addition to trips to the many museums of Ferrara. Significantly reduces the cost of biglietto cumulativo, which can be purchased at any of the museums.
Ferrara's most famous landmark is the castle of d'Este, open to visitors. One of its towers offers panoramic views of the city, but you can truly enjoy a bird's eye view of the historic center and the picturesque surroundings by visiting the Ferrara Balloons Festival, the Balloon Festival in Ferrara.
The festival has been held in the park of Giorgio Bassani since 2005, and since 2007 it has acquired international status. Traditionally, the holiday lasts 10 days.
Giorgio Bassani Park Balloon Festival
The extraordinary aerial show is especially magnificent in the evening and at night. Balloons paint the sky over Ferrara with bright lights, turning it into a colorful illumination. Gliders and airplanes, professional parachutists participate in the show. The program of the Festival is very dependent on weather conditions, but is traditionally arranged on Friday, preceding the last week of September.
Sardinia
Many travelers have a question where to go in Italy arises, perhaps, only from the wealth of choice. Is there a place in Italy that personifies in the modern sense the prototype of the earthly paradise? There is also this Sardinia. Paradise island, on a small area of which magnificent villas, parks, shops, cozy restaurants, beaches, an abundance of all kinds of entertainment are concentrated, will not let anyone get bored - everyone will find here something interesting for themselves.
On the penultimate Sunday of May, Cavalcada Sarda is celebrated in the town of Sassari. The Sardinian cavalcade is often called the trump card of the island’s tourism business. It was first arranged during a visit to the island by the King of Italy, Umberto I. The holiday, distinguished by the pomp of celebration, - decorated streets, colorful costumes of the Sardinians and skillfully dressed horses - was a resounding success. After that, the procession began to meet all the distinguished guests of Sardinia, and since 1951 the Cavalcade of Sardis became a festivities and won the hearts of tourists. Sardinia it is revealed in the program of the holiday in all its diversity: there are folk concerts and colorful performances.
In 2012, a paradise was chosen as the venue for bright summer jazz events. The first festival - Il Festival Internazionale Jazz - will be held in Cagliari 05/30/2013 with the participation of Jan Garbarek - a jazz saxophonist from Norway - and the band Sud Sound System, famous for its Mediterranean rhythms.
On July 27-29, the opening of a new festival will take place - Festival Internazionale Cala Gonone Jazz in Villa Ticca Park. Among its members are the groups The Yellow Jackets, Antonio Ciacca Quintet, and the Landscape trio.
Cavalcade of Sard is called the trump card of the island
Another interesting summer event in Sardinia in 2012 will be the Sciampitta Folk Festival, which takes place in the town of Quartu Sant'Elena. The name of the festival comes from an ancient religious dance that tells about love. Since 1985, folklore groups from all over the world have been invited to Sciampitta: in 2012, guests from Serbia, Russia, Cuba, Ecuador, Brazil, and India will come to Quartu Sant'Elena to participate in the celebration. The festival will be held from July 14 to 18.
In August, the famous Fish Festival enjoys the interest of tourists in Sardinia, and in September the Festa dell'uva e del vino will take place - a real wine festival made from excellent local grape varieties.
