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WHAT CHANGES IN ITALY

On the agenda: What’s happening in Italy this week

From freezing weather to the start of Carnival celebrations, here's what to expect in Italy this week.

Masked revellers during Carnival celebrations in Venice
Venice will kick off Carnival celebrations as early as Saturday, February 4th. Photo by Andrea PATTARO / AFP

Monday

Colder weather on the way

Temperatures are expected to drop again in the coming days as a cold air front moves in from the north-east.

Below-zero temperatures are predicted for the north in particular, including in the cities of Milan, Turin and Bologna.

READ ALSO: Ten phrases to talk about cold and wet weather like a true Italian

Forecasts say the Alps and some sections of the Apennines could see snowstorms, while southern regions, including the islands, are expected to be hit by heavy rain.

Tuesday

New anti-waste app launches

There are various apps on the market tracking food waste and Italy is now set to have its own, as the Sprecometro app developed by the Waste Watcher International Observatory together with the University of Bologna will be launched on Tuesday, January 31st.

The free app aims to help reduce food waste, help develop more sustainable eating habits, and raise awareness of environmental impact.

Wednesday

Instalment plans for energy bills

Energy bills are stretching many household budgets in Italy as elsewhere this winter, but it’s possible to pay in instalments..

Energy provider Plenitude, a subsidiary of Italy’s oil giant Eni, offers interest-free payment plans to households and small businesses, and the window to sign up for 2023 opens on Wednesday, February 1st. Find information on Plenitude’s website.

Saturday

Carnival celebrations start in Venice and Viareggio

Though Carnival celebrations will peak in the six-day period between Thursday, February 16th (giovedì grasso) and Tuesday, February 21st (martedì grasso), Carnival-related events will officially start on Saturday, February 4th.

Venice’s famous Carnival will kick off celebrations with a floating parade along the Grand Canal while in Viareggio, Tuscany, the 2023 Carnival opening ceremony will be followed by a fireworks show.

Sunday

Italy faces France in Rome in Six Nations opener

Italy’s national rugby team will start their journey in the historic Six Nations Championship by facing title holders France in Rome on Sunday, February 5th. 

The game will be broadcast on both SkySport Italy and TV8 (channel eight on your TV set).

Those wishing to see the Azzurri in action from up close can get tickets for the Stadio Olimpico matchup here.

Free Museum Sunday

State museums and archaeological sites across Italy will allow free entrance on Sunday, February 5th as part of the monthly Domenica al Museo, known as ‘Free Museum Sundays’ in English, which is held on every first Sunday of the month. Read more here.

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For members

WHAT CHANGES IN ITALY

What changes in Italy in April 2024

From Venice's Biennale Arte to Liberation Day festivities, here's what people living in Italy can expect next month.

What changes in Italy in April 2024

April Fool’s

While April 1st is known as April Fool’s Day in English-speaking countries, the date is known as Pesce d’Aprile (literally, ‘April’s fish’) in Italy.

Though you may think that the expression is in some way related to the act of ‘baiting’ people, it more likely comes from a common prank that involves sticking a drawing of a fish onto the back of an unsuspecting victim and then asking them if they’ve seen ‘April’s fish’.

Pesce d’Aprile also coincides with the Easter Monday public holiday this year, so expect limited public transport services and reduced opening hours for shops and some supermarkets.

READ ALSO: What’s open in Italy over Easter weekend?

Back to school

Schools across most of Italy are set to reopen on Wednesday, April 3rd, having been closed since Maundy Thursday of the week before for the Easter long weekend.

The one exception is the northwestern Aosta Valley region, where pupils are scheduled to return to school on April 2nd – a day earlier than the rest of the country.

Dates may differ for private institutions.

Venice’s 60th Biennale Arte

This year’s major arts event in the floating city is to open on Saturday 20th April, running until Sunday November 24th.

The 2024 Biennale Arte aims to be carbon neutral, and has Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere – as its theme.

In addition to the main exhibits between the Central Pavilion in the Giardini and the Arsenale, there will also be 30 ‘collateral’ events at locations across the city.

Venice’s Arsenale is one of two locations where the Biennale Arte will take place. Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP.

Italy commemorates the fall of Fascism

April 25th is Italy’s Liberation Day (or Festa della Liberazione in Italian), which is the day in which Italians celebrate the fall of the Fascist regime and the end of German occupation.

The annual event marks the day in 1945 when Italy’s National Liberation Committee incited a popular insurrection against Nazifascist forces. The uprising eventually resulted in the liberation of all occupied territories and in the capture and subsequent execution of Fascist leader Benito Mussolini in Milan. 

Liberation Day is a national public holiday in Italy, meaning that public offices, schools and most shops will be closed on the day.

The date is one of Italy’s most heartfelt national observances and is traditionally marked by a number of official ceremonies, including the laying of wreaths in honour of the women and men who fought in the Italian Resistance, as well as marches featuring renditions of the Bella Ciao anthem.

Airbnb rules change

Surveillance cameras will no longer be allowed inside Airbnb rentals from April 30th, according to a new company-wide policy that will affect hosts and customers globally, including in Italy.

Up to now cameras have been allowed in areas such as hallways and entrances provided they were clearly visible and mentioned in the listing, but guests had complained of finding hidden cameras in private spaces.

Hosts will still be able to install cameras outside, but must clearly specify where they are stationed.

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