25 April 2023 Bridge: what to do and where to go in Italy
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2023 offers a lovely long bridge for 25 April: the holiday falls on a Tuesday and, so, together with the weekend, you have a few days of relaxation from work. The important occasion celebrates the liberation of Italy from Nazi-fascist occupation and can be celebrated with a small holiday.
But what to do and where to go? The opportunities are almost endless. We have some of them in Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany, Marche, Lazio and Sicily. Between the ceremony at the Altare della Patria in the capital, the Festa dei Folli in Corinaldo and a tour of the Valle dei Templi, these are days of pure magic.
25 April in Milan with exhibitions and processions. Discover Lombardy
The long weekend starts in Lombardy. Among the events in Milan for 25 April 2023 not to be misses is the historic procession starting at 14:30, from Corso Venezia to Piazza Duomo, passing through San Babila, Corso Matteotti, Piazza Meda, Via Case Rotte, Piazza della Scala, Via Santa Margherita and Via Mengoni. A unique opportunity to visit Milan's centre.
Take the chance to visit the Casa della Memoria, in Via Federico Confalonieri, a monument paying tribute to those who fought against Nazi-Fascism that is also an exhibition space open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.30. The structure was inaugurated on the 70th anniversary of the Liberation to honour those who fought against Nazi-Fascism, the victims of terrorism and the massacres of the second half of the 20th century.
In Venice for the Festa di San Marco and del Bocolo: the Venice to experience
Another destination for 25 April is Venice, where, as well as celebrating the anniversary of the Liberation of Italy, San Marco, the city's patron saint, is also celebrated.
To mark the occasion, a long procession has been organised for centuries from Piazza San Marco to the Basilica, in which the most influential civil and religious authorities took part during the reign of the Serenissima. Even today, the celebrations retain a peculiar custom: to give a red rose bud to one's beloved. Not surprisingly, the anniversary is also known as the Festa del Bocolo (Festival of the Rosebud). Be part of this ancient custom and treat yourself to a romantic gondola ride.
An excursion to the villages of the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany
Another different way to celebrate 25 April could be the twelfth edition of the Orcia Wine Festival, to be held from 22 to 25 April in San Quirico d'Orcia, in the province of Siena.
The event is aimed at all wine enthusiasts and includes themed tastings, wine tours, cellar visits, concerts, theatre and trekking. You will be able to taste the excellence of Orcia DOC and, at the same time, experience the Val d’Orcia toscana, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also plan a stop at the cypress trees of San Quirico, naturalistic and scenic symbol of the whole of Tuscany, located on a small hill overlooking a stretch of the historic Via Cassia from the south.
In Corinaldo for the Festa dei Folli: the beauty of Le Marche
To celebrate Liberation in an original way, take a trip to Corinaldo, in the Marche region, and join in with the Festa dei Folli. With a carnival flavour, the event is to be held from 22 to 25 April and includes handicraft and local produce markets, food stands, concerts and shows.
Or you can also simply stroll through the streets of the medieval village, which is truly a delight. For example, around the city walls or on top of the Scalinata della Polenta, which offers one of the most impressive views of Corinaldo. Halfway up the steps, surrounded by houses and embellished with plants and flowers, you will come across the reconstruction of the ancient Pozzo della Polenta - - hence the name of the staircase - in which, according to legend, polenta was cooked.
Cultural parades and events in Rome to discover Lazio
The Eternal City opens its doors wide to celebrate the 25 April with the customary parata all’Altare della Patria, in which the Head of State lays a laurel wreath at the foot of the monument to the Unknown Soldier. Although this year, there is no traditional passage of the Frecce Tricolori - anticipating the flight in the skies over Rome on 28 March for the Centenary of the Air Force - there is no shortage of important initiatives.
You can, for example, go to the Museo di Roma in Trastevere to admire the exhibition "Armando Trovajoli. A legend in music", an exhibition celebrating the great composer and conductor, soundtrack of the post-war generation (until 14 May, Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00-20.00).
Agrigento and the Valle dei Templi: Sicily waiting to be discovered
Lastly, you can choose to spend 25 April in Sicily, in beautiful Agrigento.
Visit the Valle dei Templi Archaeological Park, for a dive into the Greece of the Hellenic period, or admire the Scala dei Turchi, a stepped white wall overlooking the sea and, weather permitting, take your first dip of the year in the crystal-clear waters of the Agrigento coastline.
The programme is very simple, choose a region and Italy will offer you endless opportunities: even, and especially, on an important and festive day like 25 April.
