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 Pumpkin for everyone |
Parrocchia di San Martino Murta Genoa Italy +39 10 557 4236 http://www.comune.genova.it/ |
This tradition dates back to the last century, when on San Martino's day the locals wore a pumpkin flower on their hats as a symbol in support of students. From that tradition came the idea of establishing a festival with the pumpkin as its theme. It takes place every year at the parish of San Martino di Murta (Bolzaneto), on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in November. During the festival you can sample some of the strangest recipes you will ever come across, each with the pumpkin as its main ingredient: from ravioli to risotto, from ice-cream to liqueur. As well as its function as a culinary ingredient, the pumpkin is also the protagonist of many stories, used for decoration and in medicinal remedies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot focaccia |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa Italy |
What is the best known genovese dish? Why focaccia, of course; simple, tasty, soft and chewy at the same time, covered with good olive oil from the Ligurian riviera, and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt. On the fourth Sunday in May, there is a presentation in Recco, and free distribution of the most typical geneovese and Ligurian delicacies, for example: plain focaccia, onion focaccia, focaccia with Recco cheese. This last recipe is the most typical of Recco's gastronomic concoctions, made with a simple flour and olive oil dough, and enriched by the addition of a soft cheese. The bakers are busy baking all day, making dozens and dozens of focaccia which they offer to tourists and visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bangers and fireworks for everyone |
Edge of Padana Valley Near Uscio Genoa, Rapallo Italy |
On the route that linked the edge of the Padana valley to the coast, near Uscio, stands the seventeenth century sanctuary of Our Lady of Suffrage. In the sanctuary a Byzantine statue of the Virgin is conserved, known as the "Madonna del Fuoco" (fire), which is celebrated every year with a great fireworks display. The festivites begin each year before dawn on the 8th September, when every district of Recco fires 21 shots to salute the Madonna of Suffrage. The areas of the city (Verzemma, Liceto, Collodari, Bastia, Ponte and Spiaggia), collect the necessary money throughout the rest of the year (some ask money from shopkeepers, some suddenly develop green fingers and offer their services as gardeners and odd jobbers to the owners of Tigullio villas). In recent years, in light of its great success, the festival has begun on the 7th September, with the raising of the flag at 9am, accompanied by bangers and spectacular pyrotechnical displays. In the evening there are fireworks on the beaches of three out of the six districts. On the 8th September the city wakes at 3.30a, with 21 gun salutes in each district. Throughout the day there is a background rumble of bangs and explosions. At 9p the procession through the city begins: the statue of the Virgin and the magnificent representations of Christ are carried through the city illuminated by thousands of lights. As they pass by, each area pays homage by letting off bangers and explosions. After the procession the three remaining districts of Recco entertain the crowds with a final firework display again over the beach. It is a wild celebration of sound and light! The festival finishes on the 9th at 6p with the lowering of the flag. During the day the streets of Recco are lined with stalls selling all the favourite Genoese delicacies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fry up in the square |
At San Fortunato Genoa, Genoa Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) http://www.sagradelpesce.it/ |
On the second Sunday in May, thousands of guests flock around the giant saucepan, five meters across with a seven-meter handle. For an entire day, the fishermen abandon their nets for sieves, flour, oil and the enormous saucepan with cooks on all sides, surrounded by boys and girls from Camogli who are ready with a smile to distribute the freshly fried fish. The fish is handed out free to those present, so find yourself a prime spot! See their website for event times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The lovers' festival |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa 16032 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
This festival takes place from the 7th-14th February, during which there are audiences with poets taking part in the "Fall in love with poetry" project: this is a cultural project which will see several "poetic installations" in the streets and more romantic piazzas of Camogli. The collection of all the poems read or exhibited will then be published. In addition, there will be a St. Valentine's market on the promenade, selling leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and wooden gifts. There will also be sweets and cakes made by the Camogli bakers specially for the occasion. There will no doubt be special menus on offer at many restaurants, allowing couples to dine at prices especially designed for the ocasion too. Another project is the "Lovers' tiles", on which you can write your own message of love, and a panel of journalists and artists will select the most beautiful and collect them in a book. Clearly, the most romantic way to reach Camogli is by boat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A student on two wheels |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa Italy http://www.trofeofantozzi.it/ |
The "Fantozzi Trophy" is a student race, now in its second decade, reserved for fair weather cyclists and sedentary types frowned on by fortune. The order is calculated according to the time required to finish the course, including the usual stops for mechanical and physical adjustment, romantic encounters etc. The results are calculated in minutes, which are transformed into percentages according to a precise set of rules which portray the cyclists' personal situation. This data is entered into a massive computer program called "fanto-software". To enter, competitors need to fill out a "Defect and Handicap" form which will indicate the relative bonuses they are entitled to. The sum total of all the calculations will result in the "Challenge Selectivity Factor" which automatically adjusts the time of each contestant. The vital prerequisite for this race is, clearly, a sense of humour. Review © 2007, Wcities |