Amandola's Many Festivals ...

Amandola Festival 24th - 30th July 2008

In summer, this is one of the most prestigious events of this kind nationally. Extremely high quality performances are held in Amandola, which is becoming a real hub in cultural life not only in the National Park of Monti Sibillini but also within Italy. In the amazing stage set of the mountains, the whole town lives the magic of an experience in the ‘Community play’: Nationally and Internationally famous artists, with music and dance performances take turns on the historic theatre ‘La Fenice’, the ‘sala Rococò’ and also in the small hamlets and villages, country houses, in the piazzas and in the most atmospheric corners in the town. A unique experience for all involved. www.itifestival.org

Perpianosolo Meeting August

"Fregnaccia" Festival July

The beer festival is an opportunity to taste a variety of quality beers whilst being entertained by musical rock performances. The ‘Sagra della Fregnaccia’ which concludes the festive period, celebrates a traditional farmers’ dish consisting of layers of egg pasta with a rich meat and tomato sauce or with "pecorino" (goat cheese) and black pepper.

"Carnevale de li Paniccià" February 2008

In the historical center of Amandola, since 3 o’clock pm, the 18th edition of the famous ‘Carnevale de li Paniccià' is held, that traditionally takes place on Carnival Sundays. The event takes its name from "panniccià", an ancient Italian epithet standing for ‘dyer’, since the people from Amandola were famous in the past for being cloths’ ‘dyers’, especially of woollen fabrics and cloths. That day, they are all competitors: all the residents in the surrounding mountain area of the Sibillini mountains gather in the square of the Old Railway Station and walk around the historic centre in a grandiose parade of masked groups and allegorical fleet. At the end of the event the most original, creative and clever masked group will be awarded by authorities. The demonstration culminates then in the evening, with a lottery drawing, musical bands playing and the final big fire of "King Carnival" in Piazza Risorgimento. Infos: 0736/848706 or www.prolocoamandola.org.

Epiphany Celebrations 6 January

“Befane” (disguised old ladies bringing gifts to children on 6th of January) come down through the fireplace, in Piazza Risorgimento.

Festa della Madonna della Pace August

Celebrations for the Virgin of Peace, with exhibition of the mountain choir "La Ginestra".

Festa della Parrocchia di Santa Maria alla Meta September

Celebrations in the Santa Maria alla Meta parish, in Frazione Taccarelli.

Festa e Fiera di San Ruffino August

Celebrations and market around the famous and beautiful XIth century Abbey of Saints Ruffino and Vitale, today commonly named of "San Ruffino".

Procession of the "Canestrelle" August

Parade of people dressed in historic costumes in honour to the Blessed Anthony of the Wheat. The procession is marked above all by the “Canestrelle”, young women in country costume that make offers bringing small baskets (that is the ‘canestrelle’), filled with blond wheat and little crops from the sunny fields. It is almost a pagan rite, that reminds of the importance of earth and country roots for those areas, together with the respect of Nature and the sharing of Mother Earth’s wealth, that must be 'socialized' through a full communication between the members of the whole society and the divinity. The young woman is a bearer of life, and therefore an emissary to the Saint from the whole community.

White Truffle Festival November

It’s a show-market of the white truffle and the typical products of the area, which is already very well known, by now, outside of the local area. It is also an excellent occasion to purchase the perfumed jewels directly from the producers. A display of the White Truffle is also organized. Info: Town hall 0736/84071.

OTHER EVENTS:

29 Feb 2008: Conference Auditorium dei Sibillini: “Inquietudine e gioia del vivere insieme”.

1 Mar 2008: Theatre La Fenice - "La Nuova"

15 Mar 2008: Theatre La Fenice - "Gli Indimenticabili"

Canestrelle, August

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