Loano is ready to dive into the Christmas atmosphere with the “Christmas enchantments”, the rich calendar of events organized by the City Council's Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports in collaboration with the city's associations to brighten the holidays of Loano residents and guests.
“After two quiet years," declare Loano Mayor Luca Lettieri and the’councillor for tourism, culture and sports Enrica Rocca - our city returns to celebrate Christmas in grand style, with all the events and attractions that have always distinguished us: from the ‘Magical Christmas Village’ to New Year's Eve in the square to the skating rink (which has already entered the hearts of Loano residents and tourists after only one year of operation). In this period of celebrating harmony and brotherhood, and it is in this spirit that the administration, the municipal offices and the many associations that have organized more or less large events and manifestations have worked. To list them all would be complicated, but a special mention certainly deserves the Loanese Committee, which this year prepared an edition of ‘Loano Christmas‘ really very, very rich and varied but always geared to offer our fellow citizens and guests of all ages opportunities for fun and joy for all tastes. Appointment then to December 3 for the lighting ceremony of the Christmas illuminations and then with all the other ‘Christmas Enchantments’.”.
On December 3, 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 2022 and the first days of January 2023 will light up and “warm up” the city streets and squares. The lighting of the illuminations will be a real celebration. At 3 p.m., the girls of Asd Etnica Danza will give life to the “Aerial Circle,” a show that comes from the fusion of dance and aerial acrobatics. At 4 p.m., performance by the group “U Gunbu de Loa-Verzi,” the athletes of Gymnica Loano, followed by the show offered by the “Travelling Lights,” a magical parade of performers, jugglers and acrobats dressed in outfits illuminated by thousands of lights shining in the night. The seven performers of the show “Travelling lights” dance on stilts, twirl light juggling tools and perform elegant aerial acrobatics on a magical traveling moon. The show will enliven the historic city center and accompany the audience to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled at 5:15 p.m. in Italy Square.
Also opening on December 3 will be the “Magic Christmas Village”, the traditional Christmas market with a Northern European flavor set up inside the San Josemaria Escrivà Gardens, which returns this year with a larger and completely renovated configuration. 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. The shopping afternoons will be accompanied by. Musical events and from animations for children (always starting at 4 p.m.). On Dec. 9 and 28 and then again on Jan. 5, 2023, an experimental archaeological workshop will be held with experts from the Toirano Caves; on Dec. 17, baby-dance afternoon; on Dec. 18 and 30 and then again on Jan. 4 and 7, 2023, craft workshops by the masters of the Artigianalmente association; on Dec. 18 show with the flag-wavers and musicians of Borgo San Martino di Saluzzo; on Dec. 23 and 27 and then again on Jan. 2 magic show with Magician Alex; on Dec. 24 Christmas concert for sax, piano and voice with tenor Mattia Pelosi. The market will be open on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4; Wednesday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 11; Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18; and Friday, Dec. 23 to Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 (Monday through Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
From December 3, 2022 to January 8, 2023, 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 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. All information at treninimiletto.it.
On Saturday, Dec. 24, starting at 9 p.m., Italy Square and downtown streets will come alive with the traveling living nativity scene organized by the Old Loano Association in collaboration with the parish of St. John the Baptist, Ctg and the fraternities.
On December 28, the “Winter swimming competition”. The traditional plunge will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Bagni Medusa and, as always, will see the participation of “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.
On Dec. 31, Loano will greet the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 with a vigil of New Year's Eve full of music and fun. Starting at 9 p.m. in Piazza Italia music, dj-set and concert with Roberta Bonanno, former “Amici” contestant and known to the general public for her big hit “A Natale puoi.” At 10 p.m. in Orto Maccagli on the waterfront concert with “Piano B” by the Loanese Committee. The ice rink and markets will remain exceptionally open all evening.
On January 1, 2023, the traditional new year's fireworks display. Starting at about 6:30 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 scenery will create an enveloping atmosphere. Light, shape, color and rhythm will compose an original and unique show.
On Jan. 6 starting at 4 p.m. the celebration of the Befana will be celebrated with an afternoon full of initiatives: starting at 4 p.m. in the center, parade of the Befane (with a goliardic run through the city streets) and election of Miss Befana Loano 2023; all enriched with themed shop windows prepared by the merchants. Organized by Old Loano and the Loanese Committee.
On January 8 at 4 p.m. in Italy Square, the closing party of “Loano Christmas” with music and entertainment by the flag-wavers and musicians of Borgo San Martino di Saluzzo and Gymnica Loano; in closing, the major events of spring/summer 2023 will be launched.
La music will be the big star of the Christmas season in many ways. On Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. in the civic library “Antonio Arecco” in Kursaal Palace performance of the usual of the Polyphonic Choir City of Loano. On Dec. 8, the Loanese Committee's ’Snacks and Music with Santa Claus“ initiative will be held: in Piazza Rocca concert by ”U Gunbu de Loa-Verzi“ and in Piazza Massena performance by Dirty Blonde; in the streets of the historic center, instead, traveling show by ”Tribal Delight.“ On Dec. 9 from 9 p.m. in Piazza Italia dj-set by Trenini Miletto. On Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. in Piazza Italia performance by the folk group ”Bailà in riva a u ma“ and the Ferrero folk group from Alba. On Dec. 17 and 18 the historic center will be enlivened by a festive marching band. On Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. in the church of Santa Maria Immacolata concert by the City of Loano Polyphonic Choir and the San Nicola di Bari Choir from Diano Castello; the two groups will return to perform on Jan. 5, 2023 at 9 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Convent. The Sbanday Street Band of the St. Mary Immaculate Music Association will cross the city streets and squares starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 23; the group will return to perform with the New Year, Jan. 3, 2023. On Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. in Piazza Italia gospel concert by the Miletto Trains. On Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. in the oratory of the Cappe Turchine concert with the trio composed of Paola Arecco, Silvia Schiaffino and Mattia Pelosi. On Dec. 29 from 4 p.m. the historic center will be enlivened by ”Waiting for New Year's Eve,“ an afternoon of music promoted by the Loanese Committee with a concert by the group ”U Gunbu de Loa-Verzi“ (in Piazza Rocca) and ”Dirty Blonde“ (in Piazza Massena); the afternoon will be enriched by the performance of Gimnyca Loano and the traveling show of ”Tribal Delight.“ On Dec. 30 in Piazza Italia marching-band concert and award ceremony for the ”Christmas at Loano“ photo contest organized by the Loanese Committee in collaboration with Foto Pieffe.
And more: on Jan. 2 at 4 p.m. in Italy Square performance by students of Asd Modern Jazz Dance and Unitre. On Jan. 3, 2023 at 9 p.m. in the library, “Tales of Winter” returns, 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 Traditional Italian Music.” In continuity with the past, “Tales of Winter” will again this year host the territorial selection of the Alberto Cesa Prize, organized by the historic Friulian festival Folkest. On Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Piazza Italia musical performance with the violin quartet “Effe String Quartet,” the only one in Italy to offer a modern and innovative version of the string quartet. The stage impact is modern and captivating. The sound is soft and charming or bright and energetic thanks to the addition of rhythmic to the sound of string instruments. Without music stands and sheet music, interaction with the audience creates a unique and engaging performance through the most beautiful soundtracks to pop and rock music. On Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oratorio delle Cappe Turchine organ concert with Maestro Bartolomeo Gallizio. Saturday, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. “Tales of Winter” will see Piazza Italia come alive with “Occitan Dances Descend to the Sea” with Lou Dalfin. On Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. in Piazza Italia exhibition of flag-wavers and musicians from Borgo San Martino di Saluzzo and Gimnyca Loano performance by the Loanese Committee.
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 hosted at the civic library “Antonio Arecco” in Palazzo Kursaal and in the council chamber of Palazzo Doria. The 11th edition of the festival will begin on Dec. 2 at 5:15 p.m. with a presentation by Pro Loco Loano of the book “Forming Relationships” by Angelo Lombardo and Giovanni Mori. On Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. appointment with Bibliobimbi, an afternoon dedicated to read alouds and the Christmas-themed workshop “My Little Christmas Tree” by Aps #cosavuoichetilegga. Dec. 9 at 9 p.m. New appointment with the Book Club by #cosavuoichetilegga. On Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. Franco Faggiani will present his book “The Wonders of the Alps. Nature, Culture, Walks and Tales”: the meeting with the author is organized by Cai Loano. On Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. new appointment with Bibliobimbi: read alouds will be accompanied by the workshop ’Santa Claus one of us“ by #cosavuoichetilegga. Also on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. is the presentation of ”Regione Gazzi, ovvero un loanese alla prima crociata“ by Giorgio Genta: curated by #cosavuoicheetilegga. On Dec. 18 at 4:60 p.m. new appointment (curated by #cosavuoichetilegga) with the bard Grandmother Piera Alba Merlo, who will entertain the youngest children with ”Tales and Legends of Christmas.“ Also on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. in Loano Marina's Sala Azzurra Giuseppe Carfagno will present his book ”Il delitto della torre“; this will be followed by Pro Loco Loano's customary ”Festa degli Auguri“ (Greetings Party), which also organized the meeting with the author. Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. Zibba narrates with words and music ”L'altalena,“ the biography of Marco Masini; edited by #cosavuoichetilegga. On Jan. 5, 2023 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Palazzo Doria Stefano Carrara Sutour presents his book ”De taera e de ma. Tastes and Scents. Homage to Ligurian Dialect“; edited by #cosavuoichetilegga. On Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at the library there will be a presentation of the new issue of the magazine ”Two Backpacks and a Camallo.“ On Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Guido Marangoni presents ”Universi di-versi.“ On Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. in the council chamber of City Hall, Gio Evan presents his book ”Living at the Top of His Voice. A Journey to India.“ Curated by #cosavuoichetilegga. Finally, on Jan. 27 new appointment with the Book Club.
In addition to the “Magic Christmas Village,” there will be many opportunities to take a stroll among the stalls of the markets. On Dec. 7 in Piazza Italia market of Loano schools with entertainment by ... Santa Claus and the show “Dancing under the tree” by Lorella Brondo's “Attimo Danza” Civic School. On Dec. 11, double date with the markets. As every second Sunday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. under the arcades of Corso Europa and in the nearby ’Bestoso“ gardens, the Antiques and Collectibles Market returns, 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 8, 2023. Also on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Massena Square, ”Craftsmen in the Square’ returns, the artisans“ and artists” market organized by the association Artigianalmente under the patronage of the City of Loano's Department of Commerce. 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. 5, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. also in Massena Square. The shopping events do not end there. On Sunday, November 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Corso Roma and Piazza Mazzini, the traditional St. Andrew's Fair returns. Conversely, on Sunday, January 15, 2023, again from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Corso Roma and Piazza Mazzini, the St. Sebastian Fair returns. Throughout the two days dozens of stalls will offer the best men's and women's clothing, underwear, footwear, leather goods, household linens, gifts, toys, food and wine products and much 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.” The event may (surprisingly) have an extension until January 6, 2023.
Christmas is the perfect time to go exploring the area and its treasures. On Thursday, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, the events of “Loano not only sea,” the program curated by the Loano section of the Cai with the sponsorship of the Tourism, Culture and Sports Department of the Loano Municipality, return.The program aims to promote hiking as an opportunity for socialization, personal well-being, knowledge and appreciation of the area. The Museum of the Sea, run by the Lodanum Association, will also be open during the holiday season. Finally, every penultimate and last Sunday in December and January, the Catholic Templars will make it possible to open St. Augustine's Church.
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.
On December 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the council chamber of Palazzo Doria, a Educational conference on hydrogeological instability and natural disasters sponsored by the Association of Engineers of Savona and aimed precisely at engineers and geologists.
From December 8 to 11, the ’Christmas stars” and the “Chocolate stars” that help the research of Ail, the Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.
On December 10 starting at 10 a.m. on the seaside promenade will be held the “Santa Claus Race” sponsored by Asd Maremontana, Runners Loano and Run for Autism.
Dec. 12 to 30 in the Mosaic Room of the Palazzo Doria exhibition of pupils' drawings and artifacts of Loano and Francheville schools organized by the Twinning Committee.
On December 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., PalaGarassini will host “Pinocchio”, an end-of-year essay by Asd Arteginnastica. From Jan. 2 to 5, 2023, on the other hand, again at PalaGarassini from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the 6th edition of “Loano in dance” will be held, organized by Asd Promozione Danza Liguria.
Jan. 2 and 3 at 10 a.m. on littoral two days dedicated to horseback riding organized by the Loanese Committee with Asd Equestre Gaviano Beach in Calizzano and Bagni Marini in Loano: with “saddle christening” and horseback riding.
As a tradition during the holiday season, in the afternoons on December 30 and January 5, 2023, members of the Alpine Group of Loano will be in Rocca Square for the usual distribution of mulled wine and hot chocolate to all Loano residents and guests. A “warm embrace” to better celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year and to concretely support one of the most important health care realities of our region: the donations collected during the two days, in fact, will be destined to the Gaslini Children's Hospital in Genoa.
December 17 and 18 double date with two symbols of “Italian engines”: on December 17 at 10 am on the waterfront gathering of Fiat 500s by the 500 Club of Garlenda, while at 2 p.m. in Piazza Rocca. Vespa rally by the Vespa Club of Pietra Ligure. The next day, Dec. 18, Loano will provide the backdrop for the motor rally promoted by the Domina Moto Club (at 10 a.m. in Rocca Square) and at the sports car rally to be held at the waterfront, Manzoni Street and Marina of Loano.
On December 18 from 4 p.m. in the Blue Room of Marina di Loano will hold the “Feast of Wishes” by Pro Loco Loano, with the presentation of the book “The Tower Crime” by Giuseppe Carfagno.
From December 28 to 30 at PalaGarassini, the Christmas soccer tournaments for the “Little Friends” 2016 and “First Kicks” 2014 and 2015 categories organized by Asd St. Francis 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. 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. Traditional nativity scenes have been set up at the oratory of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary or “dei Turchini” in Piazza Italia (from Dec. 8, 2022 to Jan. 29, 2023); in the parish of St. Pius X on Via Bergamo (from Dec. 24, 2022 to Feb. 2, 2023); in the parish of St. Mary Immaculate on Via dei Gazzi (from Dec. 24, 2022 to Feb. 2, 2023); in the Oratory of St. John the Baptist or ’dei Bianchi“ on Boragine Street (from Dec. 8, 2022 to Jan. 29, 2023); in the Parish of St. John the Baptist (from Dec. 24, 2022 to Feb. 2, 2023); at the Convent of Mount Carmel on Costino di Monte Carmelo Street (open year-round).
