I Love Italian Travel - May Attractions Of Liguria, Piedmont, And Val D'aosta
Author: Levi Reiss
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The coastal city of Camogli, population about 6 thousand is situated about 12 miles (20 kilometers) east of Genoa. Their annual Sagra del pesce (Fish festival) which takes place on May's second Sunday, celebrates the feast of St. Fortunato who is the patron saint of fishermen. You can't miss the gigantic frying pans (some 12 feet or 4 meters in diameter) used to cook fresh fish the last day of the festival. There is free fried fish for some thirty thousand participants. Make sure that you sample the "Camogliesi" pastry balls filled with rum-flavored custard.
In mid May the city of Asti, Piedmont, population 75 thousand about 35 miles (55 kilometers) east of Turin hosts the Ancient Popular Games that pit one neighborhood against another. In the village of Valmacca, population 1000, located about 45 miles (70 kilometers) east of Turin the end of May is time for the Sagra dell'Asparago Verde (Green Asparagus Festival). In addition to some of the best asparagus you've ever tasted you will enjoy the live music, various and sundry festive activities, and local dry Italian white wine to accompany this marvelous vegetable.
For a change of pace attend the "Roman Fest" in the Piedmont city of Alessandria, population 90 thousand situated about 55 miles (90 kilometers) southeast of Turin. This fest includes a "Slave Auction", gladiator combats, and a chariot race, great meals, and activities for children.
Then we move on to the bilingual (Italian and French) enclave of Val d'Aosta. In early May the small town of Nus, population about 2500, celebrates two local wines Rouge and Malvoisie and specialty wines made from dried grapes. The festival includes folklore performances, a costumed parade, and an outdoor banquet with local food and local new wines. Other events include a free dinner, dancing, and lots of children's activities.
Other May activities include the annual Spring Festival of Donnas, population about 3000. The village of Issime whose population numbers about 400 hosts a Cow Battle. And from mid-May until mid-September the small town of Issogne, population about 1400, hosts a local costume exhibition in its Castle.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/i-love-italian-travel-may-attractions-of-liguria-piedmont-and-val-d039aosta-2180935.html
About the Author
Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French wine with friends. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com featuring a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.