In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=RENEE LUNIGIANA;98099]Could anyone let me know of any X mas craft markets, carol singing events or other Xmas or New Year acitivites in Northern Tuscany, and especially Lunigiana? Thanks, Renee[/quote]
The 'CHRISTMAS' season (sorry, maybe I'm a miserable old s*d, but I just [I]don't[/I] like it being called 'X mas'...) in Italy generally begins to get going much later than in the UK. It is far less commercialised here and to find out about your 'local' activities, fairs etc. some good places to start might be the Information Office, local church or bar and your Comune. But it is highly unlikely that much will be known just yet... give it another month at least!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
There's a very popular Christmas market every year in Florence in Piazza Santo Spirito, it's set up quite early, around 8th/10th December. Although Christmas is still pretty much a family affair, we've noticed in recent years that New Year's Eve is becoming incredibly popular with even the smallest of villages arranging a village bonfire, fireworks even.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
From memory, Bagnone has a Christmas Market, mid-December. I've never been but have seen the signs. I'd also recommend keeping an eye on this site that lists local events, celebrations & feste -> [url=http://www.tdl.it/]TdL.it[/url]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Many of the Christmas festivities start AFTER the festival of Santa Lucia which is 13th December. It is also known as the Festival of Lights... and I believe used to be the official start of preparation for Christmas. I still have (Italian) family who will not put up [U]any[/U] decorations or lights until Santa Lucia!
(It's only the end of September - shoosh Renee. Patience Girl. lol)