1107 Experiences of Lunigiana

We bought in Lunigiana about 4 years ago and we're still very happy with our decision, but we have not tried to rent out our house (and probably won't be doing so in the near future) so I can't tell you from personal experience how good a business proposition it is. We did meet a British couple, though, who rent theirs out around 26 weeks a year which makes the whole enterprise more than viable for them.

Our decision to buy here rather than Garfagnana or Emilia Romagna (which were the only other areas we looked at) was very affected by the good road systems, proximity to both the coast and skiing and the dramatic mountain views. We considered it to be important to be within easy reach of an airport (serviced by a low cost airline) so that we could come out for weekends if we wanted to. As it turns out we discovered that we are in an even better situation that we imagines being less than an hour from Pisa, a bit more than an hour to Genoa, 2 hours from Bologna, probably 2.5 hours from Milan (although we've not done that one yet) and 3 hours from Nice. That means that a cheap flight should always be possible.

For us our place represents a chance to escape to the country and a bit of peace and quiet without the hassle of negotiating Britain's clogged roads.

We just bought a house in Lunigiana and couldn't be happier. For us, this area represents everything we were looking for when we made the decision to relocate to Italy. The climate is temperate, the scenery breathtaking, the people warm and friendly, and the location is perfect for getting almost everywhere. Living in Florida, as we do now, we especially appreciate Lunigiana's strict growth management policies. Our used-to-be-natural environment is so quickly being paved over and we are just sick of overdevelopment. It is comforting to know that the wooded hills of Lunigiana are going to be there, at least for the rest of our lives.

On the other hand, if you like the pace and excitement of urban life, this is not the place for you. There are no big cities, no massive resorts, no major entertainment venues, ect. You'd have to be content with excellent restaurants, local festas, regional theaters, and participating in the outdoor activities that such an environment makes impossible to resist. There are even public swimming pools and tennis courts and ground has just been broken for an 18-hole golf course. That said, however, you will still be within an hour or so of Pisa and Genoa, 90 minutes from Florence, and less than 3 hours from Milano.

Since we are not going to be renting our house, we haven't really looked at the market in that respect. We are, however, going to be renting a villa in Lunigiana with 10 of our friends next spring. Also, we know there are a number of agencies that specialize in rental properties in the area. You might want to check out [url]www.luniholidays.co.uk[/url] for more rental information.

We can also strongly recommend L'Architrave Immobiliare ([url]www.larachitrave.com)[/url]. This is the agency through which we bought our home and they are incredibly professional and knowledgeable. They also have a huge inventory of properties and work very hard to help you find your perfect house.

Hope this has helped. As you can probably tell, we love Lunigiana!

Diane and Peter

When I was working in Tuscany I took every opportunity to explore the region during my spare time and always enjoyed my visits to the Lunigiana.

This was (and to some extent still is today) an overlooked part of Tuscany. I would say that the area is mainly characterised by lush countryside and wild Apennine valleys steeped in history with its rich garland of castles (there are over one hundred), medieval hamlets (Bagnone, Malgrate, Comano, Castiglione del Terziere and Fivizzano to name but a few) and Romanesque Parish churches such as the Pieve di Santo Stefano a Sorano with its enigmatic Stele statue.

Not to be excluded from this is Pontrémoli tucked away in the most northern part.

An in all, you will not be disappointed, although the area can be bitterly cold during winter.

I would say that your approach is a sensible one. Get to know the area as much as possible and experience it throughout the different seasons.

We have recently (July 2005) purchased a house in Lunigiana, dont have any expereince of renting this property out, but have rented many house in this region.

Will be starting minir building works in October, cant wait to move into our holiday home, we will be renting the hosue out when these works are completed.

Love the area, plenty to do and see, locals very helpfull and very kind..

Dear Kanea,

Where in Lunigiana did you buy? Our house is in Crespiano, between Licciana Nardi and Comano. While we won't be moving until next summer, we will be visiting the area again in late April and early May. Several of our friends are joining us for a two-week stay in a villa in Agnino.

As you can probably tell, we can't say enough good things about the area. For us, at least, it is perfect.

Maybe those of us who have discovered and love Lunigiana can get together when we are all "at home" at the same time.

[QUOTE=Diane and Peter]
Maybe those of us who have discovered and love Lunigiana can get together when we are all "at home" at the same time.[/QUOTE].

Are you upping sticks and moving there lock stock and barrel, or will you use that as a holiday retreat? We can't be too far from you if you're in Crespiano.

We are moving lock, stock and barrel next summer. Actually, we leaving most lock and stock and planning a move with cats, books, pictures, clothes and laptop. That's what we did when we moved from the Washington DC area to Florida 9 years ago and found that the start-from- scratch approach worked out real well. So, we're going to try it again. To be truthful, most of the stuff we have is very appropriate for Florida but probably wouldn't work well at all in Crespiano. I don't know what we'd do with all of our shorts, tees, flipflops, beach towels and pool stuff if we did bring them with us!

Where are you?

Just to back up what everyone else has said, we bought a cottage in Lunigiana almost 3 years ago, and each time I visit, it is harder for me to return to England. For me, it offers a little bit of everything - mountains, stunning scenery, beach (Lerici) is only 25 mins away, fantastic food and drink, very friendly neighbours and local people, and an escape from the "rat-race" of everyday life. I love it!! We "rent" our cottage out to family and friends etc etc :) and so far this year, without advertising, have had rentals for 8 weeks. This is fine, while we're finding our feet. Doing it privately, it is a worry that there will be a problem - so you expect the phone to ring at any time when guests are over there. Renting out via someone like Luniholidays, will take that burden away from you.

I hope you find your home and get as much enjoyment as we have from the area.

I was told once that the population of a whole village in Lunigiana moved to Scotland some years and then moved back later-
and no this conversation didn't take place in a pub-
so did it happen,does anyone know? If so someone should write a book about it.

[QUOTE=Robert]I was told once that the population of a whole village in Lunigiana moved to Scotland some years and then moved back later-
QUOTE]

I wonder if they were thinking of Barga? As far as I understand it there are loads of Italians in Barga who, when they speak english, speak with a scottish accent - or maybe that's some kind of (non) urban myth.

I think it was Barga
Can anyone tell me more about the emigration and the return and how it all happened and do the locals speak Italian with a Scottish accent? It's just an amazing story.

I'm afraid I haven't got time at the moment to go through the website where I think I read about it, but if you have a spare hour or so I recommend [url]www.barganews.com[/url]. It's great fun.

I did, however, find this page on their site, promoting their Scots week festivities: [url]http://www.barganews.com/information/settimana_scozzese/index.html[/url]

I was reading an Italian property guide yesterday and it described the North Tuscany coast, from Carrara down to Livorno, as one long "Industrial sprawl" and the most populous part of Tuscany. For those in the know, would this be a fair comment??

Derek

PS As a Scot, found the Barga website quite amusing.

[QUOTE=derekL]I was reading an Italian property guide yesterday and it described the North Tuscany coast, from Carrara down to Livorno, as one long "Industrial sprawl" and the most populous part of Tuscany. For those in the know, would this be a fair comment??

Derek

PS As a Scot, found the Barga website quite amusing.[/QUOTE]

Not really. Forte dei Marmi and the Versilia is quite an in place to hang out!
You will find most of the industrial sprawl around Livorno.

Thanks everyone for your comments about this wonderful region - it has made interesting reading and we have been encouraged by the positive experiences that everyone has had.

Robert - I have also heard that in the streets of Barga from time to time clear Scottish accents can be heard. However, it appears that these are generally not Scots, but the families of Barghigiani who emigrated to Scotland several generations ago, who have kept their Italian roots and have come back here, either to retire, to work, or simply for a holiday with their families. Some have married Scots and they too have been absorbed into the community of Barghigiani.

The first to leave were itinerant sellers of plaster religious figurines, a speciality of this area. Some of these early traders stopped in Glasgow, others continued on to the US. In Glasgow and the surrounding towns of South West Scotland several opened cafes, ice cream shops and fish and chip restaurants, and as these enterprises flourished they invited cousins, nephews and neices to join them in Scotland. The Scottish/ Barghigiani connection was born and to this day remains strong as Barga families continue the two way traffic.

Glasgow now has the third largest contingent of people from Italian extraction in the UK after London and Manchester. I found a website [url]www.scotsitalian.com/culture[/url] which has further information about this supprising cultural link and the story is also recorded in a book "They Took the Low Road", by Bruno Sereni, published by the Comune di Barga.

Regarding the industrialised coastline, when we drove up from Pisa to Carrera we thought that it looked quite industrialised (although the marble quarrying has created quite a scultural landscape), however we are looking forward to explore this area further and then move further north along the Ligurarian coastline (Cinque Terre, Gulf of Poets etc..) which looks beautiful.

There seems to be so much to see and do in this area that I am sure it will keep us busy for a while!

Cath :)

Dear D&P,
We bought our house in Montifeorie near Casola.
We get the keys in October, cant wait to start some works, new kitchen, bathroom, windows, general decorating.

[QUOTE=Cath] ...Regarding the industrialised coastline, when we drove up from Pisa to Carrera we thought that it looked quite industrialised (although the marble quarrying has created quite a scultural landscape), however we are looking forward to explore this area further and then move further north along the Ligurarian coastline (Cinque Terre, Gulf of Poets etc..) which looks beautiful.
Cath :)[/QUOTE]

I would not have said industrialised so much as heavily populated. There are some factories and distribution depots along the motorway, but also farmland. I would have said that the road through the hills of Garfagnana (i.e.between Lucca and Lunigiana) is much more noticeably industrialised the nearer you get to Lucca. It was partly for that reason that we did not buy in that area, despite its proximity to Pisa.

we moved to Lunigiana and we love it here! i would agree on everything that has been said so far (not sure on the scottish village though!). For about a year we - my boyfriend and I - regularly meet with some other British people just to talk, share experiences... i know that if you are on holiday it's not neccesarily what you want but if you are thinking of moving over here it might be interesting... anyway we meet, maybe, about every 5-6 weeks at a restaurant (different each time) for lunch. let me know if you would like to join us. It would be nice. we always have a nice time, it's also an opportunity to discover the area.
Nath

just checked the site in Barga, interesting! my partner will love it being Scottish -glasgow!
ta
nath

We bought a property in Lunigiana last September and have visited every month since. It is a fabulous place and the drive from Milano is 2 hours 15 minutes. We do not intend to rent it out but will be doing B&B for cyclists from next march. :)

Being Scottish and living in Lunigiana now for almost a year I'm very intrigued to find out there may be a whole village of my fellow countrymen nearby!

As many others have said Lunigiana has beautiful countryside and is also quite close to the coast (Lerici and the cinque terre being particularly gorgeous), major airports, Parma, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Milan, Bologna etc etc.

Nathalie, I've sent you a PM.

Have now just managed to check out Barga's Scottish week. Am more than a little bit worried that the picture representing a week of Scottish culture is a guy in a "see you Jimmy" hat!! Looks like Barga's going to be the place for me for the next week! I'm most intrigued by what the menu Scozzese is going to be - please don't let it be deep fried mars bars! I'll definitely have to check it out.

where is it? and when? because that sounds very interesting!!
Nath

[QUOTE=Nicola]Have now just managed to check out Barga's Scottish week. Am more than a little bit worried that the picture representing a week of Scottish culture is a guy in a "see you Jimmy" hat!! Looks like Barga's going to be the place for me for the next week! I'm most intrigued by what the menu Scozzese is going to be - please don't let it be deep fried mars bars! I'll definitely have to check it out.[/QUOTE]

Hi, it's in Barga - I just clicked on this link that Licciana gave before :

[url]http://www.barganews.com/informatio...zese/index.html[/url]

Nicola

[QUOTE=Robert]I was told once that the population of a whole village in Lunigiana moved to Scotland some years and then moved back later-
and no this conversation didn't take place in a pub-
so did it happen,does anyone know? If so someone should write a book about it.[/QUOTE]

Hi Robert, we have a house in a small village at the top of the garfagnana near the carpinnelli pass. on our trips around the area we have met with many italian/scottish people most of whom live around the Barga/Castelnuovo di Garfagnana area, the story goes that after the war work was in short supply and a mass exodus occured which resulted in many families migrating to scotland only for offspring to return a generation or two later. :)

many thanks to everyone who has posted stuff about the scottish/italian link especially Cath
maybe Fiona will send a reporter to Barga and we will get the whole story

Ciao Cath!
We have just joined the Forum and have read with interest your post requesting info and experiences about Lunigiana. You have probably had lots of replies by now but we just wanted to add ours. We bought a house, about 18 months ago, on the eastern edge of Lunigiana in a little village called Metra. We visit frequently and feel completely at home when we are there. We feel extremely lucky to be in this village because not only do we have all the wonderful things, already mentioned by others, that this area has to offer but also , we only have to turn the car eastward and we are immediately in the beautiful Garfagnana Valley. The best of both worlds! The only disadvantage we have experienced is that the house is so booked up with guests during the summer that we have a job squeezing ourselves in during that time!! We are now in the process of looking for another property,
probably a renovation project, so, sadly, we will be selling this house. If you're interested feel free to contact us through this website. Saluti!

...........

[QUOTE=budmouthboy]...We are now in the process of looking for another property, probably a renovation project, so, sadly, we will be selling this house. If you're interested feel free to contact us through this website. Saluti![/QUOTE]

I'm going over in a few weeks to view some properties. Can you PM me with details? Thanks.

Derek

Thanks everyone for your comments on this area; we go out to Lunigiana next week to look at some properties so we will take on board all of your views and advice. I can't wait to see the autumn colour and we are also looking forward from taking time out to visit the Cinque Terre for the first time.

If anyone has any tips for places to eat/drink/visit in Lunigiana then this will be useful for our stay. I know I am asking a lot of questions but you guys seem to be the best people to ask.

Meanwhile, it appears that we will miss the Scottish Week in Barga so if anyone can report back I'm sure many of us will find it very interesting (or is it in next months Italy mag?)!

Thanks again.

Cath

[QUOTE=Cath]If anyone has any tips for places to eat/drink/visit in Lunigiana then this will be useful for our stay. I know I am asking a lot of questions but you guys seem to be the best people to ask.[/QUOTE]
........food? Now you're asking :D

Try Galetti in Crespiano (Licciana Nardi) on a Tuesday as their minestrone is to die for(!) or try Pasquino in Aulla as their meat dishes are similarly wonderful.....but I could go on for paragraphs & paragraphs.

Either way, it's just after the vendemmia, so try some local wine as it'll be fresh, fresh, fresh! It'd also suggest you should try some boar (chingiale) as it's a really different regional dish.

This might sound a bit odd but try and eat at lunchtime rather than the evening. My boyfriend often eats in restaurants at lunchtime along with all the other "workers". He comes home and tells me about all these lovely meals he's had which usually cost about 10 euros for 3 courses, wine and coffee. He gets loads of different kinds of pasta dishes, fish dishes, interesting vegetables etc. When we go to these same places in the evening they nearly always serve the same things night after night - antipasti of cold meats and crostini, tagliatelle, ravioli, grilled meats, chips and tiramisu! It's still good quality but can get a bit monotonous. At lunchtime they have regular customers that'll come if not every day then at least a couple of times a week so have to be more varied in what they offer. The evening fare is usually stuff that's quicker and easier to make. (not sure if you'd get the 10 euro price though - that may be just reserved for the workers!).

In Podenzana (the hillside above Aulla) there's a local speciality called panegacci. One of my friends likened it to boiled crumpet (!) which doesn't sound too appetising but is actually very tasty. They serve it with pesto, a tomato mushroom sauce or olive oil and parmesan. They also then do the panegacci on the open fire and they're drier, a bit like small foccaccias and they're eaten with stracchino (a soft cheese) and cold meats. There are 5 restaurants in Podenzana and they all specialise in panegacci (along with the normal pasta dishes and meats). My favourite of them all is Dai Cento if you fancy trying it out (only don't go on a Saturday evening to any of the restaurants without booking as they're nearly always booked out - people come from as far as Milan just to experience panegacci!)

If you want to go to a slightly more expensive seafood restaurant then try "La Quercia da Oscar" just outside of Aulla. We've had some gorgeous meals there - the antipasti are to die for and almost a meal in itself. I can also highly recommend the penne agli scampi.

One final bit of advice - be aware that most restaurants don't have written menus, the waitress will just tell you what's on for that day - usually 3 or 4 dishes for each course.

Enjoy your trip! :)

Thanks for the food tips, I am especially looking forward to trying the boiled crumpet!!!?!

Nicola - how does your boyfriend watch his wasteline with all of those wonderful lunches!

Cath

[QUOTE=Cath]
Nicola - how does your boyfriend watch his wasteline with all of those wonderful lunches!

Cath[/QUOTE]

He doesn't!! And he has the cheek to say that it's my fault cos he's only started putting on weight since we moved in together!

We can only second Kim and David's recommendation of Galletti's in Crespiano, of course that is the village into which we are moving, so we might be a little prejudiced. In Comano, just a little further up the road, we can also recommend Albergo Ristorante Elisa and Albergo Ristorante Miramonti. We've enjoyed several wonderful meals at both.

Ristorante Gavarini in Moncrone (Villafranca) is also very good, if a little hard to find. Keep looking, it's well worth it.

Albergo Ristorante Da Pasquino in Aulla has terrific food. Pasquino's is also known for its pannegaci although theirs is served more simply than those in Podenzana. (Nicola, we'll have to try the resturants you suggest the next time we're in Italy.) We have also heard some very good reviews of La Quercia da Oscar, although we haven't yet eaten there.

If you have not already done so, visits to Fivizzano, Pontremoli, and Sarzana are well worth it. Of course, you must realize that there is very little about Lunigiana that we don't love and think worth while seeing.

Are you working with an agency in Lunigiana? We can very strongly recommend L'Architrave in Licciana Nardi. Professional, competent, responsive, and friendly and they have a terrific portfolio of properties in all price ranges. What more could you want?

Enjoy your trip. We envy you. It seems that since we bought our house and began making plans for our move, we miss Italy more every day.

Dont forget Testaroli (you can buy it in Pontremoli in the old part. :)

see:

[url]http://italianfood.about.com/od/aboutingredients/a/blr0018a.htm[/url]

I would second all of the restaurant suggestions so far (and thanks for the mention of Albergo Ristorante Elisa and Albergo Ristorante Miramonti, Diane and Peter. 2 more to try out!).

We've also had very good meals at another restaurant/wine bar in Aulla called Per Bacco. It's in the little square behind Pasquino's (Piazza Cavour?). And not too expensive.

I would agree that the food in Lunigiana is wonderful. I am interested to know exactly where La Quercia da Oscar is ? Could someone provide directions ?

One of our favourite restaurants is "Da Remo" in Monzone - fantastic "anti-pasto della casa" - recommended to book, especially at weekends (0585 97933)

Would also support previous comments on "Galleti" in Crespiano, and "Gavarini" in Mocrone - both fantastic food (although I haven't been to Crespiano for a few years).

My favourite pizza ever, is "Pizza Balsamica" at "Il Controvento" in Sericciolo.

Have a great time in Lunigiana, Cath.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I have a feeling that we shall be eating our way through Lunigiana next week!

Cath

[QUOTE=Robert]I was told once that the population of a whole village in Lunigiana moved to Scotland some years and then moved back later-
and no this conversation didn't take place in a pub-
so did it happen,does anyone know? If so someone should write a book about it.[/QUOTE]

[url]http://www.scotsitalian.com/[/url] might be interesting to you

Cheers

David

To answer Kania

There is [url]www.centrolunigiano.com[/url] in Groppoli di Mulazzo - they sell some very fine furniture

To round off this thread I just wanted to report back on our trip to Lunigiana, especially responding to some of the suggestions that were made in relation to food and drink (I know I am in the wrong section but its too late to change).

We went to 'Da Remo' in Monzone as it was close to where we were staying and the "anti-pasto della casa" was indeed excellent (thanks Julie). We especially liked the dish of pearl barley mixed with tomatos and olive oil - so simple but very nice. The service was excellent as well, my Italian is not great but the waitress managed to relay the evenings menu by playing a game of charades!

We also tried a couple more restaurants not mentioned, one I wouldn't recommend and the other was very good but quite expensive. It is in Mezzana and has a large terrace with panoramic views over the valley and I can imagine the atmosphere is great in the summer.

We didn't have the panegacci in Podenzana but sampled it elsewhere - hmmmm I am not sure about it, but I hope it will grow on me.

While in Lunigiana we went to Lerici on the coast, which was beautiful. At about 4.00 in the afternoon all of the fishing boats came in and all of the fish were taken to the market building straight away where all of the Italians were waiting to buy the 'catch of the day'. We went to a restaurant in the evening and there was no menu at all as they just serve you a good selection of what was caught - a bit of a nightmare if you don't like seafood (which thankfully I do)!!! I wish we could buy fresh fish like this in England.

Chestnuts and porchini were everywhere, unfortunately I have a nut allergy which I found hard to explain, I get the feeling that Italians think you are the ultimate hypocondriac if eating makes you ill!

We also passed through Barga and some old chap in a bar told me about all the drunken revelry that took place during Scottish Week - lots of kilts, whisky and dancing apparently.

Anyway the house hunting was not sucessful this time, but it gives us a good excuse to return to Lunigiana in the new year and see it in the early spring. We can then try more of your suggestions and hopefully add to the discussion as we get to know the place a little better.

Cath

No longer relevant

Cath,
I have only just found this forum and felt I had to reply!! We bought a house last May in Comano just beyond Crespiano. We bought the house from an estate agent in Aulla called Lunigiana 2000. We cant praise them enough especially Paola who speaks fluent English for her help and also hospitality.
I go along with everything everybody else says about the area and restaurants especially Albergo Elisa, Miramonti and the one in Crespiano.
I also think the restaurant above the bar in Prato is also worth a visit.
I certainly am interested in the lunch time get together- so until then and good luck with your purchase.

Hi Patsy,
Welcome to the forum. Thought I'd better say hi before you start thinking all the Lunigiana people have left!
My wife and I were in Comano last week looking at a property there; just below the village in 'Incomano'. It's a nice little village [except, perhaps, for the communications tower in the village square] with wonderful views and seems to have most essential services, including a public outdoor pool!
In the end, we've decided to go for a property near Bagnone. The process has started and we're hoping it all goes without a hitch.

Regards, Derek

Nice one Derek, that means you should be close at hand to open that bottle you owe me ; )
Glad you've found somewhere, especially near Bagnone, it really is stunning isnt it (and cheap too!). Make sure you keep me posted on how it goes. If you need any help, you know where to come,
take care, Will

Hi Derek L
Thanks for your kind words. Shame that you didn't buy in Immo Comano but if the property was not right for you well so be it!! I know what you mean about the 'tower' but it is still a nice friendly village. Out of curiosity was the house in immo comano right at the bottom quite small with a tiny garden in front of the house?
Good luck with the house in Bagnone hope you will be as happy as we are.

[quote=patsy]Out of curiosity was the house in immo comano right at the bottom quite small with a tiny garden in front of the house?[/quote]

Hi Patsy. Yes it was [in Immo Comano]! White render and a small balcony at the front. Is that where your house is? We thought the village was lovely and we went for a walk on past the house, round the fields and down to the river. We'd been for a look before and one of the neighbours came out for a chat and asked us in for coffee, so we found it very welcoming (she was from La Spezia)! Unfortunately, the house was just too small for us (2 girls and lots of eager friends and relatives!).
Actually, the garden also includes the area just after the footpath next to the field.
I hear, anyway, that an offer has been accepted so you'll have new neighbours soon!
If all goes to plan, we won't be too far away so we might be bringing the girls to the pool in Summer! See you there!

Regards, Derek

[quote=Will Bialey]Nice one Derek, that means you should be close at hand to open that bottle you owe me ; )[/quote]

Bottle? What bottle? Oh yes, got it right here Will. A bottle of best Irish Spring water! :)

I'll be in touch. Cheers.

Derek

[QUOTE=derekL]Hi Patsy. Yes it was [in Immo Comano]! White render and a small balcony at the front. Is that where your house is? We thought the village was lovely and we went for a walk on past the house, round the fields and down to the river. We'd been for a look before and one of the neighbours came out for a chat and asked us in for coffee, so we found it very welcoming (she was from La Spezia)! Unfortunately, the house was just too small for us (2 girls and lots of eager friends and relatives!).
Actually, the garden also includes the area just after the footpath next to the field.
I hear, anyway, that an offer has been accepted so you'll have new neighbours soon!
If all goes to plan, we won't be too far away so we might be bringing the girls to the pool in Summer! See you there!

Regards, Derek[/QUOTE]
:) Hi Derek,
Sorry I have taken so long to reply but been busy working!!
Our house is right at the back of Immo Comano above the road that takes you there. We went to see I think the same house as you at the very beginning of this year. If it is the same one we also felt it was too small. Yes who knows we might see you down by the river. We are going back for New Year.s Eve so I don't know if the Italians celebrate like us, it might be an idea to put that question out to the forum.
Looking forward to seeing you there.