Loano is preparing to experience a magical Christmas full of atmosphere and fun with the “Christmas enchantments”, the jam-packed calendar of events organized by the City Council's Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports to brighten up the holidays for Loano residents and guests.
“After a year of ‘hiatus’ due to the health emergency," says Mayor Luca Lettieri - Loano is ready to dive back into the Christmas atmosphere with a rich calendar of events for all tastes. In addition to events that are now part of our city's tradition such as the ‘Magic Christmas Village’ market and the winter cimento, this year we have also decided to propose an interesting novelty: a large skating rink that will be set up directly in Piazza Italia. Our fellow citizens and guests, therefore, will be able to experience the thrill of gliding on ice against the backdrop of the 18-meter-high Christmas tree of LED lights and just a few steps away from a market that has nothing to envy from those in northern Europe. On behalf of the municipal administration, I would like to thank the offices, associations and all other entities that helped organize this rich calendar of events.”.
L’councillor for tourism, culture and sports Enrica Rocca adds, “The ‘Christmas Enchantments’ calendar is the result of work done in synergy with the associations and realities of our area. After a Christmas in a minor tone, we all worked together to offer Lovanese and tourists a rich calendar of events, able (as always) to please the tastes of families and children. Unfortunately, for reasons that can be easily guessed, we decided not to organize the usual New Year's Eve in the square; however, we are confident that we have come up with one of the best reviews in our area. As always, there will be many good reasons to spend the holiday season here at Loano.”.
The full program is available here.
On Saturday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Loano will officially kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the “A Thousand Lights of the Holidays”, the artistic illuminations that throughout December 2021 and the first days of January 2022 will light up and “warm up” the city streets and squares. The lighting of the illuminations will be a real celebration thanks to the theater, dance and visual performance by the artists of Alfaspettacoli: starting at 4:30 p.m., two knights with their giant luminous unicorns will animate the historic center and accompany the public to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled at 5:15 p.m. in Piazza Italia.
December 4 will also inaugurate the “Magic Christmas Village”, the traditional Christmas market with a Northern European flavor set up inside the San Josemaria Escrivà Gardens. Illuminated by the magical handmade decorations made by the volunteers of the Multipurpose Cultural Center, the little wooden houses will offer many gift ideas such as handmade Christmas items, cribs, candles, collectible toys, souvenir photos and personalized calendars with Santa Claus, jewelry, gifts, games and local products. Not forgetting the street-food delicacies with which to accompany shopping among the little houses and which this year will feature many brand new goodies. Santa Claus will be waiting for children in his cozy little house to take a photo with them and collect their letters. In the center of the fountain pool, a sparkling Santa's sleigh will be available for anyone wishing to take a “selfie” thanks to the free station specially set up. The market will be open from Dec. 4 to 12, Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19, and then daily from Dec. 23 to Jan. 6, 2022 (weekdays and Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). On Sunday, December 5, Santa's sleigh will parade through the historic center. Santa Klaus will stop at 3 p.m. in Massena Square, where he will greet the children present. Escorted by the children and his faithful reindeer (which will be “played” by volunteers from the Old Loano association) he will then move on to the Magic Christmas Village Market.
From December 4, 2021 to January 9, 2022, a large rink which will allow young and old, experienced and inexperienced, to experience the thrill of sliding on ice. The beautiful atmosphere, the proximity to the Christmas tree, the marketplace will give everyone the thrill of living in a fairy tale. The rink will be open daily from 10 am to 11 pm. The entrance fee is 7 euros, to which 3 euros should be added for any skate rental. All information on treninimiletto.it.
On January 1, 2022, the traditional new year's fireworks display. Starting at about 6 p.m. from the Doria Pier near Kursaal Palace original creations with fountain, sphere and rain-effect shapes will intersect in the sky forming a magical play of colorful lights, a crackling scenography will create an enveloping atmosphere. Light, shape, color and rhythm will compose an original and unique show.
It is moved to January 4, 2022 the ’Winter swimming competition”. The traditional plunge will be held at 10 a.m. at Bagni Medusa and, as always, will feature “professional divers” from all over Liguria and northern Italy: the fearless divers will test themselves by facing the winter sea for a swim lasting only a few seconds or, for the most trained, about ten minutes.
La music will brighten the Christmas season in many ways. On Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the parish of St. Mary Immaculate is scheduled for a concert by the band of the St. Mary Immaculate Music Association. On Dec. 24, 2021, and then again on Jan. 6, again starting at 4:30 p.m., the city streets and squares will be enlivened by the notes of the Association's marching band. Also returning between December and January are the traditional musical events at the White Chapels Oratory (Dec. 19 at 9 p.m.) and at the Blue Chapels Oratory (Jan. 5, 2022 at 6 p.m.). On Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Convent concert by the Polyphonic Choir-Loan Music Association. Jan. 4, 2022 at 9 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Palazzo Doria gospel concert with Sherita Duran by Eccoci Eventi. After the forced hiatus of 2020, “Winter Tales,” a musical event of the holiday season organized by the Compagnia dei Curiosi Association with the contribution of the City of Loano as part of the “City of Loano National Award for Italian Traditional Music,” returns on January 5, 2022. In continuity with the past, “Winter Tales” also hosts this year's territorial selection of the Alberto Cesa Award, organized by the historic Friulian festival Folkest. On Wednesday, January 5, at 9 p.m. in the council chamber of Palazzo Doria, three ensembles will take on the musical competition. PassAmontagne duo (folk), Shook Roots (Electroacoustic tribal dance) and Glad Tree (World Progressive) will play on stage. Through territorial selections, artists will be chosen who will be awarded the right to perform during the final nights of Folkest 2022, Admission is free while seats last. Free admission with Green Pass and mask required.
On December 12, a double date with the markets. Like every second Sunday of the month, from 9 am to 7 pm under the arcades of Corso Europa and in the nearby “Bestoso” gardens, the Antiques and Collectibles Market, the event dedicated to antiques and collectibles organized by the Cultural and Recreational Association E20 Free under the patronage of the departments of commerce and tourism of the City of Loano. Dozens of exhibitors will present a selected collection of furniture, silver, paintings, carpets and objects with an antique flavor and full of charm. The market will feature curiosities and “grandma's things,” as well as collectibles and modern antiques. The market will also return on Sunday, January 9. Also on Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Italy Square, “Crafts in the square”, the artisans' and artists' market organized by the association Artigianalmente under the patronage of the Department of Commerce of the City of Loano. Professional craftsmen and skilled artists will display the fruits of their ingenuity and skill. The stalls will feature works of sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking and fine arts as well as painted ceramics, wood-carved objects, painted glass, bags and belts made from leather and art costume jewelry. The artisan market will return on Jan. 6, 2022. The shopping events do not end there. On Sunday, Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Corso Roma and Piazza Mazzini, the traditional St. Andrew's Fair. Instead, on Sunday, January 16, again from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Corso Roma and Mazzini Square, the St. Sebastian Fair. Throughout the two days dozens of stalls will offer the best in men's and women's clothing, underwear, footwear, leather goods, household linens, gifts, toys, food and wine products and more.
From December 1 to 24, the activities of the ’caruggetti orbi“ will bring to life ”Advent in the orb caruggets”. Every day until Christmas Eve, the merchants of Lovran's “alleys” will launch (via social networks) a small public challenge and give a gift to whoever first collects it and wins. All the information is available on the Facebook page “The Advent of the orb caruggetti.”.
December and the holiday season have always been the time of “Books under the tree”, the cultural-literary review of readings and workshops for children and their families promoted by the association #cosavuoichetilegga in collaboration with Cultural House and the Mondadori Bookstore of Loano under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the City of Loano. It begins on Dec. 5 at the civic library “Antonio Arecco” in Kursaal Palace with the first event of “Bibliobimbi”, readings and workshops for children, girls and their families. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a presentation of “Enzo the Tramp” and “Two Hearts and a Barrel.” Participants will meet Elisabetta Saturno, librarian and writer of children's playbooks, and illustrator Lucrezia Giarratana. This will be followed by readings and a pop-up book construction workshop. For children ages 5 and up. Sunday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m. Also at the library, Grandmother Piera Alba Merlo, Celtic bard and storyteller, will entertain children with fairy tales and legends that color Christmas and its anticipation. A merry afternoon in the company of traditions that never wane narrated by the wise voice of Grandma Piera and many surprises. For children ages 5 and up. On Sunday, December 19, also at 4:30 p.m. and also at the library, there will be an afternoon of readings with Kamishibai Theater, followed by a workshop. During the afternoon the story “My Hand” by Fuad Aziz (Artebambini editions) will be read. With my hand I can caress, reserve someone a kind gesture, play, color, create unimaginable works... Hands are instruments of peace. What can your hand do that is special today? After the reading, children with their hands will build a Christmas “gift” for a friend or friend. Read aloud by Monica Maggi, of Casa Cultural and a member of AKI Associazione Kamishibai Italia. For children ages 5 and up.
December 29, 2021 and January 2, 2022 at 9 p.m. in the library double special meeting with authors. Two special appointments in order to have a dialogue with those who have made writing their profession and discover the secrets hidden in books. It begins Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. with the presentation of “All the Sky You Need” by Franco Faggiani (Fazi Publisher). The presentation is held in collaboration with Cai Loano. Readings aloud by Susy Minutoli of #cosavuoichetilegga. On Jan. 2, 2022 at 9 p.m. it will be the turn of “In the Wrong Time. Bacci Pagano and the Irresistible Art of Escape” by Bruno Morchio (Garzanti). The Conduce Graziella Frasca Gallo. Also as part of “Books Under the Tree,” Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 9:30 pm in the Council Chamber of Palazzo Doria returns “Words Notes Live”, a dialogue between poetry, music, and images. At 9:30 p.m. “What we are” will kick off, a selection of readings enhanced by music and images curated by Maurizio Rossato (Radio Deejay) with the participation of Giancarlo Cattaneo (Radio Montecarlo). “What we are” explores the seasons of life through an intense selection of readings enhanced by music and images. Thoughts, poems, letters, speeches; the most beautiful pages of all times are made even more engaging by the unique interpretation. “Parole Note Live” is an innovative and surprising show that delivers strong emotions. Admission is free with a Green Pass requirement. It is possible to reserve a place by contacting 347.5031329 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. or by going to the civic library during public opening hours.
Christmas is the perfect time to go exploring the area and its treasures. A nature hike in the hinterland by Serinus is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 27, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Departure from the sanctuary of Mount Carmel. A new hike, departing from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Verzi, will be held on Monday, Dec. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the holiday season, the Museum of the Sea, operated by the Lodanum Association, will also be open. In addition to tours inside the Kursaal Palace Museum Complex, Lodanum will also organize guided tours of the Loano monumental and religious monuments. On Jan. 3, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber is scheduled the presentation of “Loano, not conventional experiences,” a magazine-guide edited by the association “Two Backpacks and a Camel.” Finally, every penultimate and last Sunday in December and January, the Catholic Templars will make it possible to open the church of St. Augustine.
At Loano the “International day against violence against women” which falls on Nov. 25 will be celebrated with a week of initiatives in which Falcone Institute students will also participate. Thursday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. is scheduled for the “unveiling” of a new “Red Bench” against violence against women donated by Conad and placed near the Giovanna Fountain, next to the town hall in Palazzo Doria. The new bench was donated in memory of Jessica Novaro, a 30-year-old employee of the supermarket chain who was killed by her mother's partner last December. The City Hall building will in turn be “illuminated” in red, a color that has always symbolized campaigns against gender-based violence. Following this, representatives of the municipal administration will go to the other Red Bench placed in the area of the Giardini Caduti di Nassiryia, next to Kursaal Palace. Later on, some classes from the Sistema Moda address will return to Loano's Piazza Italia and initiate the flash-mob against violence against women organized under the patronage of Loano City Council and the collaboration of the Artemisia Gentileschi Anti-Violence Center. Also on Thursday, November 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the “Vittorino” in Corso Roma, an evening entitled “Respect against indifference,” an awareness-raising event for the “International Day Against Violence Against Women” with fundraising in favor of the Artemisia Gentileschi Anti-Violence Center (minimum bid €5) organized by “Quelle del Cappotto,” a group of friends formed by Alessia Cepollina, Giulia Tassara, Valentina De Francesco, Serena Traverso, Natalia Facciolo, and Vittoria Franchi: “On the International Day, dedicated to this sensitive topic, we decided to organize a charity and awareness-raising evening to spread even more the message that ‘none of us should be alone.’ Music, dance and acting we believe are the right vehicles to engage and raise awareness, keeping us together. Collaborating with us have been the Centro Antiviolenza Artemisia Gentileschi the dancers of Studio ProArt, who with their choreography convey the feelings that are too often silenced by those who suffer such violence, and the readers/actresses of #cosavuoichetilegga, who bring in their voices the emotions of those moments. We will be hosted by a woman, Barbara, Vittorino's hostess at Loano, an entrepreneur who did not hesitate a second to embrace our idea.” Participants are asked to wear a red garment of their choice. On Monday, November 29, at 10 a.m., a representation of Falcone Institute students will travel to the Council Chamber of City Hall to participate in the conference “A Story Like Many. Reflections on gender violence: physical, moral and economic” starting with the short story “Anna and Marco” by Silvia Calzolaro. The event, which is not open to the public, is organized by the Falcone Institute with the sponsorship of the City Council and the Fidapa Foundation and the Fidapa Bpw Italy Riviera delle Palme section of Loano and the collaboration of Global Thinking Foundation. Also on the occasion of the “International Day Against Violence Against Women,” the video clip of “27 Roses,” a song born from an idea by Sara Basso with lyrics by Monica Caccia, music by Davide Redegalli and arrangements are by 4sixtyfive, will be presented on the social channels of the City of Loano.
Also this year, the City of Loano has decided to join the “Santa's Grandchildren”, the project of the nonprofit association “Un sorriso in più” that allows people to turn into Santa Klaus and grant the wish of the elderly guests of protected residences throughout Italy. The “grandparents” of Ramella will be the protagonists. The initiative is very simple, but of great impact: the elderly of the Ramella were interviewed by the staff of the protected residence and made a small wish; their “Christmas letter” was then published on the “Santa's Grandchildren” website. By logging on to the portal www.nipotidibabbonatale.it anyone can make a guest's dream come true, becoming “Santa's Grandchild” for a day and thus giving a grandparent a smile.
From December 3 to 5, the “Christmas stars” and the “Chocolate stars” that help the search for Ail, the Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.
On Saturday, Dec. 18, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., the Latin Rascal Hall in Marina of Loano will hold the “Feast of Best Wishes” by Pro Loco Loano., with the presentation of the book “The King of Glory” by Ugo Moriano and the screening of the short film “Martina can swim” by Giorgio Molteni.
From Dec. 15 to Dec. 31 at the Mosaic Hall of Palazzo Doria, the “Rosso Nebiolo to Loano” exhibition.”, painting and sculpture exhibition curated by Giuseppe Rosso and Mario Nebiolo. Free admission with Green Pass requirement.
From December 28 to 30 at PalaGarassini, the Christmas soccer tournaments for the “Little Friends” and “First Kicks” categories organized by Asd St. Francis Loano.
On Jan. 6, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the streets of the historic center and Italy Square “Here comes the Epiphany”, an initiative by Old Loano.
With the arrival of the holiday season at churches and oratories in Loano, numerous traditional nativities. Each recreation of the Nativity play is set in a scenic landscape. Alongside the canonical characters of the nativity scene are figures of popular characters and scenes of everyday life. Sometimes there are mechanical scenes. Traditional nativity scenes have been set up at the oratory of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary or “dei Turchini” in Italy Square (Dec. 8, 2021 to Jan. 30, 2022); in the parish of St. Pius X on Bergamo Street (Dec. 24, 2021 to Feb. 2, 2022); in the parish of St. Mary Immaculate on Gazzi Street (Dec. 24, 2021 to Feb. 2, 2022); in the Oratory of St. John the Baptist or ’dei Bianchi“ on Boragine Street (from Dec. 8, 2021 to Jan. 30, 2022); in the parish of St. John the Baptist (from Dec. 24, 2021 to Feb. 2, 2022); at the convent of Mount Carmel on Costino di Monte Carmelo Street (open year-round); in addition to these is the one set up by Vecchia Loano in the window of the Kursaal Palace on Corso Roma (from Dec. 4, 2021 to Jan. 6, 2022). Another nativity scene has also been set up by the Vecchia Loano association on the premises of the former Iat office in Kursaal Palace and can be seen through the window overlooking the Pollin playground. Vecchia Loano's nativity scene will be on display from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 6, 2021. By visiting the Nativity reconstructions set up in the city's parishes, chapels and oratories, it will be possible to trace a real itinerary to discover the architectural-religious riches of Loano.
