It should have swollen eyes, if you prod it the flesh should be as compact as a hardened muscle, and it should have a tang of the sea about it. When cooked but not too much it should be just as firm, and its freshness...
Just a few days before it took over the EU presidency, the Italian government had a difficult situation on its hands. The concentrated arrival in Sicily of migrants heading north from Africa in the first three weeks of J...
15-19 July 2003. To mark the 60th anniversary of the bombing of S. Lorenzo, the documentation centre at Verano cemetery will be open to the public for a few days. The centre, near the Portico Monumentale entrance, includ...
24 July-11 Aug 2003. This year this festival has chosen the theme of unhappy loves, portrayed through the operas Proserpine by Giovanni Paisiello (24 and 26 July), Werther by Jules Massenet (27 and 29 July) and Siberi...
21-23 July 2003. Three evenings of popular Roman songs, with artistic direction by Nicola Piovani, the Italian composer behind scores for films including Roberto Benigni's "La vita e bella". The songs have been arranged...
Balletto del Teatro alla Scala. 12 July 2003. In Omaggio a Rota, choreography by Mauro Bigonzetti; Annonciation, choreography by Angelin Prejlocaj; and Now and Then, choreography by John Neumeier. Kirov Ballet from the M...
Rome's taxi drivers have announced they will hold a 24-hour strike on Monday 14 July in protest at illegal cabs, taxis from other provinces and regions which pick up passengers in the capital, and concessions at airports...
The Golden Gala athletics meeting takes place in Rome 11 July and looks set to attract many of the biggest stars of track and field. The meeting is one of six single-day events that are held over the summer and make up t...
The Axum obelisk in Piazza Porta Capena outside the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is due to be returned to Ethiopia in September or early October at the latest. Restoration of the 2...
Canadian singer Alanis Morisette will be headlining a free concert in Piazza del Popolo on 12 July, which will also see performances by Britain's Craig David and Will Young and Italian stars Velvet and Nicol Fabi. The mu...
July is the month for fashion collections, and as well as the shows presented by AltaRoma (see article Rome's High Fashion) and individual couturiers, the city is preparing for the impact of the annual spectacle known as...
Think of Rome and the ancient monuments, the priceless art, the timeless history come to mind. At the other end of the scale, perhaps you visualise a good plate of pasta served up in your favourite trattoria or, if you w...
19 July-13 Aug 2003. The biggest names in opera come to the mediaeval town of Macerata in the Marche region year upon year to perform in one of the most unusual and challenging settings in the world: the oval-shaped, col...
19-27 July 2003. One of the most delightful summer events, and full of Tuscan charm, this chamber music festival directed by Antonio Lysy takes place in courtyards and farmhouses in the hills around Siena. In addition to...
9-26 July 2003. This festival is dedicated to Portuguese culture and music, with emphasis on artists and music from former Portuguese colonies such as Cape Verde. One of the big events is a concert by Antonella Ruggiero...
A beach party featuring music from the 1970s and 1980s, played by DJ Faber Cucchetti. Entrance is 10 and proceeds go to Arch, a support group for HIV+ children and their families. 22.00. Booking is essential.
12-26 July 2003. The new name of the Bolzano Dance Festival reflects its self-image of a train travelling across borders and cultures. The rich programme features artists from Russia, Spain, Hungary, Germany, Austria and...
22 June-4 Aug 2003. The 32nd edition of Rome Festival takes place in the courtyard of Palazzo Sora, and has a programme that includes opera, poetry, ballet and music. Concerts and ballet performances take place at 20.45,...