ALL ABOUT PARMA - IN ENGLISH!

Parma mia! is a blog for ex-pats and English-language speakers in Parma as well as for tourists who want to learn more. We've got lots of tips and tidbits to share: where to buy your foreign foods, favorite restaurants, what's on for kids during the weekends, local agricultural fairs, where you can find a babysitter or chiropractor and hints on how to make it through the bureaucratic maze that is Italy (see tabs below). This forum is for you: please share your ideas/events with us at parmamia@gmail.com or on FB at Parma Mia.

And remember to like Parma Mia on Facebook for weekly updates. Buon divertimento!


December 19, 2012

Wishing All Of You A Very Happy Holiday Season!

For those of you who will be here in Parma for New Year's Eve remember to book your "Cenone di Capodanno (New Year's Dinner with Fixed Menu) at the restaurant of your choice in a timely manner.

Some suggestions for dinners outside the city (in castles etc.) from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day can be found here: http://espresso.repubblica.it/food/agenda/day/2012/12/28/0/a-tavola-nei-castelli-del-ducato:-cenoni-e-veglioni-a-capodanno-2013/2788589

Also, remember that if you're stuck in Parma the first week of January, there's some good news:
sales should begin this year on January 5, 2013:)

And for those of you traveling this holiday season, we wish you a safe journey!

December 15, 2012

Happy birthday, Mr Verdi!

2013 will see the celebration of the bicentenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, Italy's most famous composer.
Three operas will be staged at the Teatro Regio: Un Ballo in Maschera (January) and Nabucco  (March).
It's also the bicentenary of Richard Wagner's birth: Parsifal will be staged in March.
 
Subscriptions for the three shows will be on sale on 15th December (renewals) or 29th December (new subscriptions). Tickets for a single show will be on sale on 3rd January.
 
It's highly advised to buy subscriptions or tickets as soon as available.
 
The Scala in Milan is also celebrating Verdi with seven operas from Falstaff in January to Aida in November.
 
Did you know that it's possible to do a (very interesting) guided tour of the Teatro Regio?  Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-1 pm and 3 pm-6 pm.

November 30, 2012

December in Parma

Update (as of 7th Dec)

I racconti di Natale

Workshops at Biblioteca di Alice

Japanese craft market and the art of wearing a kimono, Saturday next week.

The Galleria Nazionale and Teatro Farnese will nowadays also open on afternoons (2 pm - 7 pm).

Ice skating rink piazza Pellicelli opening on 13th December until mid-February.

You can also check our facebook page for last minute information.


Christmas markets
Ongoing until Sunday at the fiere.
Via d'Azeglio on 2nd December.
Via XXII Luglio on 8th December.
Via Garibaldi on 9th December.
French market at Ghiaia today, Sunday, Monday.

Christmas events
Inauguration of the tree piazza Garibaldi, 8th December
Santa Annunziata, Gospel concert on 23rd December, 3:30 pm
Nativity (presepe) at Santa Annunziata until 6th January.




Music
Concerti Aperitivo, a concert and a drink for EUR 12, Sundays at 11 am at the Teatro Regio.
Parma Jazz Frontiere, 1st-16th December.
Nuove Atmosfere, a series of 20 concerts from November to May 2013.
Cori in Festa, from 1st December to 13th January.
New Year Concert at the auditorium Paganini, tickets on sale at Teatro Regio.
New Year concert at the castle of Sala Baganza, free of charge.
"Almost like Vienna" New Year concert in Salsomaggiore, with Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, Johann Strauss' waltzes, 10:30 am, tickets EUR 20-30.

Cinema
The original ones, movie in original version, Cinema d'Azeglio, December 4th.

Kids
Santa Lucia on 8th December. In Northern Italy Santa Lucia brings toys to children, not Santa Claus. Well, today, children tend to get presents on both occasions...

Workshop at the International Library on 1st December.
Workshop and readings at RosaLimone on 1st December, on 5th December at Libri e formiche.
Cake design at Biblioteca di Alice (Parco Ducale), 5th and 12th Dec. 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm
(info: 0521/031751, alice@comune.parma.it, max 10 kids per workshop, 5-10 years, prior booking necessary, free of charge).


Activities at the Galleria Nazionale (follow the link and click on "allegati" to open programme). Treasure hunt for kids aged 8-12.

Theatro del Vicolo: every Sunday at 3:45 pm.
Teatro delle Briciole
Festival Zona Franca at Teatro al Parco. 23 November-8 December.
Teatro del Cerchio
Europa Teatri: Hansel e Gretel on 2nd December
Festival Vietato ai Maggiori in Fidenza.

Cinema in Collecchio every Sunday from 18th Nov. to 16th Dec. at 4 pm.

Finalmente Domenica at Barilla Center every Sunday afternoon until Xmas.

Ice skating rink at Euro Torri until mid-February.

Activities at the Laboratorio Famiglia al Portico.

How to consult/ subscribe to the newsletter of the Comune.

Art
Reopening of the Chinese arts museum after two years of renovation and modernisation works.

Ongoing:
"Du Tillot, regista delle art nell'età dei Lumi" at Fondazione Cariparma, an exhibition on the minister who transformed Parma from a medieval city to a modern "little Paris" in the eighteenth century.

70 photographs by Giovanni Amoretti at Palazzo Giordani, until 7th December.

The exhibition dedicated to the British painter Graham Sutherland at the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca, until 9 December.

New:
"Di che pasta sei fatto?", 40 photographs around pasta, by students of the Istituto Italiano di Fotografia. Galleria San Ludovico, Borgo Parmigianino, until 31st January. 

"33 Giornate", collective show in Reggio Emilia. Opens on 30th November.

"Un mondo di carta", Origami show in Bologna opens on 8th Dec. with a display of clothing made in paper. Until 22nd December.



 

Sunday without traffic

Traffic will be blocked on Sunday, 2nd December from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm for cars up to "euro 4" inside the tangenziale area. You can get out of town but can't come back before 6:30 pm if your car is not euro 5. The ticket is EUR 155, so think twice!

Check page 3 of your car's "carta di circolazione" to know if it's euro 3, 4 or 5.

Details here.

October 25, 2012

November in Parma

Music
Baroque music (Vivaldi, Bach, etc) on November 15th with Fabio Bondi at Teatro Due. Beautiful programme, a world class musician playing on a period instrument.
Dvorak at Teatro Due on November 25th.
Nuove Atmosfere, a series of 20 concerts from November to May 2013.

Cinema
The original ones, movies in original version, Cinema d'Azeglio, until December 4th.
Cineclub dei Bambini every Saturday until 1st Dec, Cinema d'Azeglio.

Special events
Halloween party in a castle? Yes we can! Click here.
November Porc: every weekend of November.
The Festa del Tartufo in Calestano takes place every sunday until 11 November.

Visit our 'Time Out' page.

Nature:
Guided visits of natural reserves and parks of the province every second Saturday of the month until September 2013.
Biodiversamente, festival of ecoscience organized by the WWF: October 27th at Borgotaro, October 28th at the acquarium of Mezzani.

Visit our 'Nature' page.

Kids
Workshops at the Museum of Natural History every Thursday afternoon 4-6 pm.
Workshops at the bookshop Libri e Formiche.

Theatro del Vicolo: every Sunday at 3:45 pm. On 18 Nov., a play in English language!
Teatro delle Briciole
Festival Zona Franca at Teatro al Parco. 23 November-8 December.
Teatro del Cerchio
Europa Teatri: 4th November
Festival Vietato ai Maggiori in Fidenza.

 Cinema in Collecchio every Sunday from 18th Nov. to 16th Dec. at 4 pm.

Theater courses: for teenagers at Teatro delle Briciole, for kids aged 6+ at Teatro del Cerchio and at Theatro del Vicolo.

Sunday November 11th "Un Museo al mese", discover one museum every month.
Galleria Nazionale  (Pilotta): at 10:30 am a guided tour like a treasure hunt,  for families and kids aged 8-12, no booking necessary.  
Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Pilotta): from 3 to 6 pm, a workshop for kids aged 4-6 to discover ancient Egypt and hyeroglyphs. Each kid must bring a pack of "Das" paste, drawing paper and paint. Prior booking is necessary : tel. 0521233718  -  0521282787.
Newsletter of the Comune di Parma: click here.

Finalmente Domenica at Barilla Center every Sunday afternoon until Xmas.
Visit our 'Kids' page.


Art:
New:
"Du Tillot, regista delle art nell'età dei Lumi" at Fondazione Cariparma, an exhibition on the minister who transformed Parma from a medieval city to a modern "little Paris" in the eighteenth century.
70 photographs by Giovanni Amoretti at Palazzo Giordani, until 7th December.

Ongoing:
The exhibition dedicated to the British painter Graham Sutherland at the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca, until 9 December.
In Pavia an exhibition dedicated to Renoir until 16 December.
In Milan 200 works by Picasso from the Picasso museum of Paris (currently closed for renovation). Until 6 January, 2013.

In Rome "Vermeer, the golden century of Dutch art", the first public exhibition ever held in Italy of work by the greatest master of the 17th century. Until 20 January, 2013.

October 10, 2012

Fun fact: O' store is offering 5000 great clothing pieces in the ex-Molly store in via Sauro at half-price! Jackets, dresses, shoes and more.

September 27, 2012

October in Parma


Cinema
The original ones, movies in original version, Cinema d'Azeglio.

Music
Festival Verdi 1-28 October. Rigoletto, La battaglia di Legnano and a concert.  Some tickets still available.
Waiting for Verdi on 19 October.
Verdi Day 10 October at Casa della Musica.

Barezzi Live Jazz Festival: 5-21 October.

Concerti a Corte: a series of concerts taking place in different castles of the province. Until December.

Mini concert season in Colorno: 16 September-7 October.

Flamenco on 7 October.

Traiettorie, festival of contemporary music. It needs a public too!

Kids
Workshops at the Museum of Natural History every Thursday afternoon 4-6 pm.
Activities at Libreria delle Formiche.
Teatro del Cerchio, season opening 14 October. Theater courses also available for children aged 6+.

Theatro del Vicolo, season opening 21 October (Sundays at 3:45 pm). Theater courses also available for children.

Teatro delle Briciole, season opening 27 October.

7 October: Aria Aperta proposes a donkey ride followed by a workshop to learn how to make butter! Near Reggio Emilia, about 40 kms from Parma. We've tested their activites on various occasions and we've become completely addicted to the gentle donkeys!

14 October on the Monte Fuso with Gemma.

Workshops at L'atelier del Borgo.

Activities at the Laboratorio Famiglia: baby cooking (cool, you don't have to clean the kitchen!), etc.

Festival Vietato ai Maggiori in Fidenza.

Special events
Ottobre Africano, a month of cultural events (cinema, literature, exhibitions, music), conferences, kids activities, etc. Programme tba on www.ottobreafricano.org









6-29 October Country focus on India at the International Library.

6-7 October festa del Tortel Dols in Colorno. Much ado about pasta for sure, but you're in Italy!

14 October: Sagra della Castagna (chestnut festival) in Borgotaro.

13-14 October garden fair and plant sale in Colorno.

28 October: Strike Zone Day, a pink ribbon cum fitness event.

Art
Ongoing: the exhibition dedicated to the British painter Graham Sutherland at the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca.

In Bologna late works by Henri Matisse until 21 October.

In Pavia an exhibition dedicated to Renoir until 16 December.

In Milan 200 works by Picasso from the Picasso museum of Paris (currently closed for renovation). Until 6 January, 2013.

In Rome "Vermeer, the golden century of Dutch art", the first public exhibition ever held in Italy of work by the greatest master of the 17th century. Until 20 January, 2013.

Let's call it art too: in Modena, "Origins of the legend" exhibition at the Museo Ferrari.

September 25, 2012

European Heritage Days 29-30 September

Parma and province

  • La musica spagnola e… oltre
    Busseto, Museo Verdiano di Casa Barezzi, salone
    Concerto - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Nello storico salone del Museo Verdiano di Casa Barezzi, luogo della prima formazione musicale e affettiva del giovane Giuseppe Verdi, un concerto di Martin Münch al pianoforte e Dorothea von ...
  • Tesori d’argento, tesori di carta. Il patrimonio storico-artistico del Monte di Pietà di Busseto, ora della Fondazione Cariparma
    Busseto, Palazzo del Monte di Pietà
    Apertura straordinaria - Il 30 settembre 2012
    Il Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, costruito nel 1681-82, conserva gli arredi originari: mobili, come il monumentale armadio-archivio del Monte (1699); dipinti, tra cui i ritratti dei duchi di Parma, la ...
  • Scoprire Busseto: viaggio nella Terra del Cigno
    Busseto, Teatro Verdi, Museo Casa Barezzi, Chiesa di San Bartolomeo e Convento di Santa Maria degli Angeli
    Visita guidata - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Festeggiate con noi le Giornate Europee del Patrimonio e partite per un’insolita visita lungo le strade e i luoghi frequentati dal Maestro. Regalatevi un pomeriggio nei luoghi verdiani di Busseto, ...
  • Il Medioevo giocando, laboratorio per bambini e visita guidata
    Collecchio, Corte di Giarola
    Attività didattica - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Nella cornice della splendida Corte di Giarola, sede del Parco del Taro, situata lungo la via Francigena, una iniziativa dedicata alle famiglie per scoprire, giocando, la vita nel periodo medievale. ...
  • In campagna ai tempi del boom
    Collecchio, Museo Ettore Guatelli
    Mostra - Il 30 settembre 2012
    Presentazione del volume "Il sole e la neve di Luigi Alfieri. Illustrazioni di Enrico Robusti. 142 microracconti illustrati, narranti la vita di una cascina di campagna degli anni Sessanta ...
  • Colorno e i suoi monumenti. Alla scoperta del Borgo
    Colorno, città di Colorno
    Visita guidata - Il 30 settembre 2012
    A Colorno, tesoro della Bassa Parmense, percorso di visita guidata per le stradine del borgo e, lungo l'argine del Torrente Parma, sulla passeggiata che conduce alla Cappella Ducale di San Liborio. ...
  • Il Museo “Gli Orsanti” apre le porte alla cultura
    Compiano, Museo Gli Orsanti - Ex Chiesa di San Rocco
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Il Museo Gli Orsanti, a Compiano (Pr), nasce con l'intento di diffondere il patrimonio artistico-culturale del territorio parmense e condividere le testimonianze riguardanti la storia degli Orsanti, ...
  • Castello di Torrechiara
    Langhirano, Castello di Torrechiara
    Visita libera - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 14 ottobre 2012
    Il Portaombre è il titolo della mostra, allestita ne i suggestivi spazi del quattrocentesco castello di Torrechiara, nell’ambito delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio 201 2 “L’Italia tesoro ...
  • Museo in Musica
    Noceto, Castello della Musica
    Concerto - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Concerto di musica classica presso il Museo del disco e di Liuteria. Promosso da: Amministrazione comunale di Noceto
  • Museo in Musica
    Noceto, Castello della Musica
    Concerto - Il 29 settembre 2012
    In occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio 2012, l'Amministrazione comunale di Noceto organizza sabato 29 settembre, alle ore 21.00, il concerto "Museo in Musica" presso il Museo del Disco e ...
  • La collezione infinita
    Parma, Abbazia di Valserena
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Lo CSAC presenta un nuovo allestimento di opere d’arte nella chiesa di Paradigna, per l’occasione aperta al pubblico. Si tratta di opere d’arte entrate nelle collezioni negli ultimi anni e mai ...
  • Enrico Benetta. Questione di carattere.
    Parma, Biblioteca Palatina - Museo Bodoniano
    Mostra - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 01 dicembre 2012
    Sabato 29 settembre, alle ore 17.00, sarà inaugurata la mostra Enrico Benetta. Questione di carattere organizzata dalla Fondazione Museo Bodoniano, a cura di Andrea De Pasquale e Isabella de ...
  • Apertura Straordinaria alla Biblioteca Palatina
    Parma, Biblioteca Palatina
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    La Biblioteca Palatina aderisce alla celebrazione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio con l'apertura straordinaria nei pomeriggi di sabato 29 e di domenica 30 settembre 2012 per permettere la ...
  • I Volontari del Patrimonio Culturale alla Camera di San Paolo per le Giornate Europee del Patrimonio
    Parma, Camera di San Paolo
    Apertura straordinaria - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Anche in occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio, sabato 29 settembre i visitatori potranno accedere per delle visite libere allla Camera di San Paolo con orario prolungato dalle ore 8.30 ...
  • Giornate Europee del Patrimonio 2012 alla Casa della Musica di Parma
    Parma, Casa della Musica, Palazzo Cusani
    Visita libera - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    L’Istituzione Casa della Musica di Parma in occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio offre l’ingresso gratuito a: 1. Museo dell’Opera e Casa del Suono, Piazzale San Francesco 1 29 settembre, ...
  • Giornate Europee del Patrimonio
    Parma, Castello dei Burattini
    Visita guidata - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Apertura gratuita del Castello dei Burattini - Museo Giordano Ferrari nelle giornate del 29 e 30 settembre dalle ore 9.00 alle ore 19.00. Sabato 29 ore 10.30 visita guidata al museo ore 15.00 ...
  • Blu come...
    Parma, Galleria Nazionale
    Visita guidata - Il 30 settembre 2012
    Blu come... il colore della bandiera europea. Inizia proprio con questo colore, domenica 30 settembre, in occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio, un percorso dedicato ai ragazzi e alle ...
  • La Tazza d’oro di Montecchio Emilia
    Parma, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Parma
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Esposizione straordinaria della tazza in lamina d’oro risalente al XVIII sec. a. C. (Antica età del Bronzo), rinvenuta a Montecchio Emilia (RE). Come gli altri cinque vasi d'oro trovati in Germania, ...
  • La Vittoria Alata di Veleia dopo il restauro
    Parma, Museo Archeologico Nazionale
    Incontro/presentazione - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Torna nella sua vetrina la statuetta in bronzo di Vittoria Alata ritrovata a Veleia. Le analisi radiografiche e sulla composizione del metallo eseguite sulla statuetta hanno consentito di conoscerla ...
  • Museo Glauco Lombardi: visita guidata e catalogo in omaggio
    Parma, Museo Glauco Lombardi
    Visita guidata - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Sabato 29 settembre, ore 10.30 : “ Conosciamo Maria Luigia attraverso i suoi oggetti personali ”: visita guidata gratuita con biglietto d’ingresso al Museo di € 5,00 Domenica 30 settembre, ore ...
  • Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Parma: apertura straordinaria
    Parma, Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Parma
    Apertura straordinaria - Il 29 settembre 2012
    Il Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Parma aderisce all’iniziativa delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio attraverso l’apertura straordinaria della sede di via Farini 90. In queste sale ...
  • Innovazione tecnologica e accessibilità al patrimonio culturale: Sicar Web una piattaforma per la documentazione dei restauri.
    Parma, Sala Conferenze, Voltoni del Guazzatoio
    Incontro/presentazione - Il 29 settembre 2012
    In occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio sabato 29 settembre 2012 la Soprintendenza per i Beni Storici Artistici ed Etnoantropologici di Parma organizza presso la Sala Conferenze dei ...
  • I Volontari del Patrimonio Culturale al Teatro Farnese per le Giornate Europee del Patrimonio
    Parma, Teatro Farnese
    Apertura straordinaria - Il 29 settembre 2012
    In occasione delle Giornate Europee del Patrimonio i Volontari per il Patrimonio Culturale del Touring Club Italiano promuovono l’apertura straordinaria del Teatro Farnese, ospitato all’interno del ...
  • La Città di Antigone
    Parma, Voltoni del Guazzatoio, Palazzo della Pilotta
    Spettacolo teatrale - Il 30 settembre 2012
    Nata ascoltando e dando voce alle donne, a tutte le donne del mondo, migranti e native, La Città di Antigone è un laboratorio teatrale che invita a ripensare l'idea di cittadinanza e di ...
  • Giornate Europee del Patrimonio: la Pinacoteca G. Stuard e i luoghi d’arte ad essa collegati
    Parma, come sopra indicato
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Apertura gratuita della Pinacoteca G. Stuard e dei luoghi d’arte ad essa collegati secondo il seguente programma e calendario: PINACOTECA G. STUARD in B.go del Parmigianino 2: apertura gratuita il ...
  • A caccia dei tesori di Roccabianca
    Roccabianca, Museo del Mondo piccolo – Arena del Sole
    Attività didattica - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Un’avvincente caccia al tesoro, destinata alle famiglie, che durerà due giorni per riscoprire luoghi e tesori del Mondo piccolo. Partendo dal museo del Mondo piccolo di Fontanelle percorreremo le ...
  • Testimoni della storia, la vita dei patriarchi verdi nel Parco Boschi di Carrega
    Sala Baganza, Centro Parco Casinetto
    Visita guidata - Il 30 settembre 2012
    Una passeggiata nel Parco, alla ricerca dei grandi patriarchi verdi, testimoni del corso della storia nel Parco. Da Maria Amalia di Borbone a Maria Luigia d’Austria, dai Principi Carrega al Parco in ...
  • Il mare antico – Museo Paleontologico di Salsomaggiore Terme: un tuffo nel passato
    Salsomaggiore Terme, Museo Paleontologico
    Apertura straordinaria - Dal 29 settembre 2012 al 30 settembre 2012
    Il Museo Paleontologico di Salsomaggiore è la prima struttura museale di grande importanza scientifica ospitata nella città termale. Al suo interno sono conservati numerosi reperti fossili di ...

August 28, 2012

September in Parma

Welcome back, dear readers!

Here is our selection of events for September.

Tutti matti per Colorno: 30-31 August- 1 September. Circus and street theater festival, activities for children and adults. Particularly recomended is the show of David Dimitri 'L'Homme Cirque'. 

Giornata Europea della Cultura Ebraica (European day of Jewish culture): 2 September. In Parma, possibility to visit the sinagogue (10 am - 1 pm).  In Soragna, concert of Khezmer music at 4:30 pm.

Festival del Prosciutto: 7-16 September. A rare opportunity to visit a prosciutto factory!

Opening on 8 September, an exhibition dedicated to the British painter Graham Sutherland at the Fondazione Magnani-Rocca.

Museo Guatelli: 9 September. Several events including guided tours of the museum, workshop for children.

Grape harvest for kids at Parco Boschi di Carrega: 16 September.
Palio di Parma: medieval festival taking place on 15-16 September. The clou is the donkey race at 5 pm on 16 September!

Mini concert season in Colorno: 16 September-7 October.

Giornate Europee del Patrimonio (European Heritage Days): 29-30 September. Guided visits in monuments, events, kids activities, concerts, to discover the national monuments: Teatro Farnese, Galleria Nazionale, etc.
Early Music Festival: 14-23 September. Even if you're not fan of Renaissance and Baroque music, the festival is a great opportunity to discover little known instruments (Baroque guitar, theorbo, etc) during the 'mostra di luteria' on Sat. 22 September.

Time to book tickets for the Festival Verdi (booking will open on 17 September).

The Parco Monte Fuso proposes activities every Sunday for kids and adults: archery, visit to the deer precinct (Bambi!), etc. The park has a picnic area WC, a bar, everything to spend a full day in nature.

May 29, 2012

Earthquake: what to do

Just in  case... here are a couple suggestions for the next few days:

Make sure there is nothing heavy in bedrooms that can fall on you or your kids during the night including picture frames.
Have petrol / gas in car, extra water in house, an emergency bag ready in case of evacuation including any necessary medicines.
Read thoroughly a website which explains what to do during earthquakes.
In English: http://earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/
En français: http://www.planseisme.fr/Que-faire-en-cas-de-seisme.html
Make sure any babysitters are prepared as well.

Unless you are in danger, DO NOT USE THE PHONE after an earthquake, leave the lines open for those who REALLY need them.

How you can help:

The Italian Red Cross is collecting donations (tax deductible):
http://cri.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/13244

The bank Cariparma will match any donation done through its website: http://www.cariparma.it/ (not tax deductible).
Cariparma sostiene i territori colpiti dal sisma con l'apertura di un conto corrente speciale:
Emergenza Terremoto - IT87U0623012700000036931013
Dai il tuo contributo, noi raddoppieremo l'importo raccolto.


Some Parmigiano producers hit by the earthquakes are selling their cheese at discounted prices.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/parmigiano-reggiano/terremoto-aggiornamenti-sulla-situazione/204716639552975
As mentioned in the post, you have to contact them directly. Parmigiano can be kept up to 6 months in the fridge.

April 28, 2012

May in Parma

Our selection for May:

1st May "Vieni a giocare con noi" a Sala Baganza, a full day dedicated to kids, free activities and games in the castle park and in the city streets that will be closed to traffic on this occasion. Possibility to picnic on site.

5-6 May De Gustibus

Workshop at the Archeological Museum on 6 May.

13 and 20 May fattorie aperte: farms open their doors to the public. We recommend cheese farms (early morning...) to see the making of Parmigiano.

9-13 May Festa dell'Europa. A rich programme of events including La Festa dell'Orto Botanico, one full day of activities in the botanical garden on 13 May.


4-10 May Cibus in Città: events for the general public will take place downtown. Visit the website for updates.

Giornata nazionale "Bimbimbici" (national day of "kids on bikes"): visit the website of FIAB-Bicinsieme to know more about specific activities in Parma. Due to bad weather, has been postponed to June 2.

17-20 May: Salone del Cavallo Americano in Reggio Emilia, a fun idea for the weekend.

19 and 20 May: the rescue center for wild animals of Salsomaggiore will exceptionally open its doors to the public. A rare opportunity to approach owls, deers, etc.

19 and 20 May: Festa delle Maschere, a festival dedicated to the traditional art of masks.

19 May Notte dei Musei (museums open till late): Casa della Musica, Museo archeologico (Pilotta), etc.

20 May festa delle Oasi WWF: in the provincia of Parma, it will take place at the Oasi dei Ghirardi, Borgotaro. Guided tours at 10 am and 4:30 pm, live music at 1:30 pm, theater show at 3 pm.

May 27: Casa dei Bimbi is back piazza Garibaldi.

27 May Cantine Aperte, vineyards open their doors... and their cellars. Visit the website for updates.

New activities at Laboratorio Famiglia located strada Quarta: art on Tuesday and Wednesday (ooooh noooo, we want cooking classes for the kiddos back!) and special events (follow link).

Bibliomondo is collecting used (but still usable) toys and books in order to support the library Baia del Re.
For information tel. 3334505309 e-mail bibliomondopr@gmail.com
They can pick up the stuff at your home (please call to arrange appointment).


Visit the "April in Parma" post for ongoing events, as well as our "Tourism", "Kids" and "Nature" pages for suggestions.

April 20, 2012

Summer camps / schools

If you consider staying part of the summer in Parma, here are a few proposals to keep your children busy while you enjoy the swimming pool (or your air-conditioned flat...).

Different structures offer summer camps or classes. Enrollment will open in May for most of these structures.

Club Mary Poppins offer summer school for kids up to 12. Open 11 June-27 July and then from 20 August, provided 20 kids have been enrolled for each period. Weekly cost from Eur 80 to 130 according to kid's age and number of hours per day.  Enrollment already open.

Leitmotiv language school propose intensive courses of English, French and German. Enrollment already open, deadline 31st May.

The city of Parma has published a guide with summer camps available for kids aged 6-14. Enrollment will start in May for summer camps "in città".

Biblioteca Ilaria Alpi propose activities in English and Spanish for kids aged 8+. Only in the morning, though.

Different didactic farms also offer activities. Google "centro estivo".

The WWF also offer summer camps for kids and teenagers. Usually one week long.

After having booked the kids' activities, visit our 'Me time' page for suggestions of outdoor swimming pools!

April 18, 2012

Whale watching

If you're looking for an unusual experience, you should consider the whale watching mini-cruises proposed by the acquarium of Genova and the WWF.

Every Saturday, 1 pm-6 pm, in July and August every Tuesday and Saturday.

Cost Eur 42 for adults and Eur 21 for children aged 4-12 including entrance ticket to the acquarium of Genova.

Booking information:  Incoming Liguria, tel. 010/2345.666 or http://www.acquariodigenova.it/   in this section “Prenota e acquista”.

PS: the presence of whales or dolphins is not guaranteed! This is not a show, but a cruise to approach wild and free animals.

April 13, 2012

Mary Poppins Club

Currently considering opening a class (nursery school/scuola materna) taught entirely in English...you can contact them at info@clubmarypoppins.com if you want to learn more.

Will also offer summer school for kids up to 12. Open all July and August.
Weekly cost from Eur 80 to 130 according to kid's age and number of hours per day.

March 30, 2012

April in Parma

Check out our Facebook page for updates! And click 'Like' on the page to receive updates on your wall!





Special events:
Kids:
  • April 22 at 10:30 am at the Spezieria di San Giovanni (old pharmacy): guided tour for families. Borgo Pipa.
  • Casa dei Bimbi is back piazza Garibaldi on April 22 and May 27.
  • Every Friday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, readings for kids aged 3-10 at Libreria Giunti al Punto via Garibaldi 22/I. Free of charge, no booking necessary.
  • Activities at Libri e Formiche, RosaLimone, Atelier del Borgo.
  • After school activities for children aged 5-11 at parco Bizzozero run by volunteers of Legambiente (environmentalist non-profit organization). Monday-Friday 2 pm-7 pm.
  • EuropaTeatri: the last show of the season.
    Biblioteca di Alice in Parco Ducale organizes workshops. Pick up the programme at the library or click here.
  • Aria Aperta is an organization based in Reggio Emilia that offers donkey riding activities for children! The ride of April 25 takes place in Gattatico, only 20 kms far from Parma. The donkeys are particularly quiet and adapted to small children.

  • New: Every Thursday until June 14 the Museum of Natural History (via Università 12) is offering laboratories of observation of insects with a microscope.
    Booking is ab-so-lu-tel-ly necessary with one week prior notice: tel 0521.033430 or stefano.bulla@unipr.it (leave a phone number to enable the museum to confirm availability).


Music:
  • Festival Internazionale della Chitarra at Teatro Regio and Teatro del Cinghio. Classic guitar festival.
  • Casa della Musica: "Cadeau", a series of 6 free concerts on the occasion of the 10th birthday of Casa della Musica, until May 12. Aperitivi until May 20 and Concerti until April 23 with a season dedicated to Claude Debussy.

Art:  
  • Fondazione Magnani-Rocca: an exhibition dedicated to Dante's Divine Comedy until July 1st. And of course, the worth-seeing permanent collections and the gorgeous park.
  • Opening on April 14 at the Palazzo del Governatore, "Storia d'Italia in mille scatti", the history of Italy in 1000 pictures.
  • In Reggio Emilia, an exhibition dedicated to Andy Warhol's Last Supper (inspired by the fresco of Leoanrdo da Vinci) until April 15.
  • Mostra Pixar Mantova, a behind-the-scenes exhibition dedicated to studio Pixar, the creators of Toy Story, Monsters & Co, Nemo, etc. An opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Mantua, an hour or so far from Parma.
  • In Ferrara, an exhibition dedicated to Joaquin Sorolla located in the palazzo dei Diamanti. Ferrara is also a very beautiful city!

Sagre - Local Festivals
  • http://www.monterossofestival.it/index.shtml
    If it doesn't downpour April 22nd, it might be interesting to check out the Monterosso Val d'Arda Wine Festival. Located in and near Castell Arquato - a beautiful village a little more than halfway between Parma & Piacenza (site in English).

    March 8, 2012

    March in Parma

    Spring at last!

    It's time to visit our 'Nature' page to get ideas for your coming weekends and holidays!










    What's up? Our selection:


    Kids:
    New: Every Friday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, readings for kids aged 3-10 at Libreria Giunti al Punto via Garibaldi 22/I. Free of charge, no booking necessary.

    New:  After school activities for children aged 5-11 at parco Bizzozero run by volunteers of Legambiente (environmentalist non-profit organization). Monday-Friday 2 pm-7 pm.

    Biblioteca Ilaria Alpi organizes a workshop about the Chinese year of the dragon on March 3.

    Workshop at the Archaeological Museum on March 21.

    Teatro delle BricioleEuropaTeatri, Theatro del Vicolo, offer shows for kids.

    Activities at Libri e FormicheL'Atelier del Borgo, Rosalimone.

    Minimondi, a children books festival organized by Libreria Fiaccadori, 17 March-1 April. The bookstore opens on March 10 piazza Garibaldi with a selection of foreign language books.

    Children's Corner at Casa della Musica, Sunday concerts for children. Highly recommended.

    Biblioteca di Alice in Parco Ducale organizes workshops for kids starting March 15. Pick up the programme at the library or
    click here.






































    It's spring, go green!
    On March 11, Parco Boschi di Carrega proposes a guided tour of the park (well, yes, in Italian..) to discover spring flowers that are bloooooooming right now!  

    It's Earth Hour on March 31. Join WWF's global event and switch off the light from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. WWF Parma will welcome you and your kids at Centro Torri and Eurosia for a fun workshop and information about how to save energy... and our planet!

    Parma Color Viola starting March 31.

    Festa dei Fiori piazzale Lubiana 9 am - 7 pm on March 31 and April 1st.

    Aria Aperta is an organization based in Reggio Emilia that offers donkey riding activities for children! The ride of April 25 takes place in Taneto, only 15 kms far from Parma. The donkeys are particularly quiet and adpated to small children.

    Cinema:
    The original ones at
    Cinema D'Azeglio, Via D'Azeglio, 33 (movies in English with Italian subtitles).

    Music:

    The Festival Internazionale della Chitarra (classic guitar festival) will take place in April, but tickets for the opening concert with early music super stars Jordi Savall and Rolf Lislevand should be bought now (still a few left)!!
    New: "Cadeau", a series of 6 free concerts on the occasion of the 10th birthday of Casa della Musica. From March 31 to May 12.
    On going:
    Aperitivi alla Casa della Musica until May 2012 and Concerti until April with a season dedicated to Claude Debussy.
    Nuove Atmosfere, a series of 13 concerts until May 2012.
    Teatro Regio: Stiffelio and concert season: a few tickets are still available!
    Estri Armonici 2012 season at Teatro al Parco.
    Tutti per uno XL at Auditorium Paganini (no concert in March but time to buy tickets).

    Art:
    Until March 18 in the monastery of San Giovanni,
    beautiful still lifes by Paolo Pasini.

    Until March 30 at Palazzo Giordani, 150 years of fashion.


    Fondazione Magnani-Rocca will reopen on March 31 with an exhibition dedicated to Dante's Divine Comedy.

    On March 24-25 the Fondo Ambiente Italiano will exceptionally open the doors of two monuments usually closed to visits: on Saturday, the recently restored Collegio delle Orsoline (convent) and on Sunday, the Certosa di Paradigna (this big church on the road to Ikea...).

    An idea for a weekend out of town:
    On March 11, the enchanting Parco Giardino Sigurtà located in Valeggio sul Mincio will reopen its gates, an opportunity to admire one million (yes, one million!) flowers: tulips, hyacinths, and narcissus. Close by: Garda lake, Verona.

    In Modena on March 10, la "Notte dei Motori", or A Night in Motorland, an event for all the automobile aficionados.

    March 7, 2012

    Last minute: free Skipass in Schia tomorrow!

    Tomorrow 8 of March, Schia ski resort offers the Skipass to all the ladies on occasion of International Women's Day.
    This might be one of the last opportunities to enjoy skiing this year!

    In the afternoon, the spa "Normena" in Schia offers one hour of spa time.
    More information: 348-2446531 or http://www.normena.it/



     
     
    And if Schia is too far away, you can still enjoy Parma's museums.
    Tomorrow no entrance fee for ladies at Galleria Nazionale and Teatro Farnese (Pilotta), Camera di San Paolo (via Melloni), Storica Spezieria di San Giovanni Evangelista (borgo Pipa), from 8:30 am to 2 pm. Then from 8 pm to 11 pm with free guided tours for all (in Italian) at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

    March 1, 2012

    Cartarte

    With Cartarte card you can get a reduced or free entrance fee in various sites of these five cities: Parma, Cremona, Mantova, Verona and La Spezia/Cinque Terre.

    The card is free of charge and available at the tourist office via Melloni. It's aimed at tourists and therefore also available for your family and friends!


    February 16, 2012

    February in Parma

    February... The most terrible month of the year!! Grey, cold, humid, and with 29 days this year... as if winter wasn't already long enough!

    Well, fortunately there is still a bit of life in town and in the mountain, and hot chocolate in all the cafés. And Valentine's day...

    Kids will enjoy the Carnevale. Saturday 18 at 2:30 pm from piazza Duomo to Cittadella.
    Teatro delle Briciole, Teatro del Cerchio, EuropaTeatri, Theatro del Vicolo, offer shows for kids.
    Activities at Libri e Formiche, RosaLimone (11, 18, 25 Feb.)
    Laboratorio Famiglia al Portico offers cooking workshops every Tuesday at 3:30/4:00 pm. The place isn't very central but the atmosphere is really friendly (and the patience of the staff... endless). On Feb. 5 at 4 pm, special event: Hansel & Gretel, story and cookies.
    Children's Corner at Casa della Musica, 4 Sunday concerts for children.

    NEW:  Biblioteca di Alice has reopened in Parco Ducale, in the greenhouse (near Palazzo Ducale). Dedicated to children and teenagers, it offers a vast choice of books, including some in foreign languages, and DVDs. The place is very pleasant and unlike other libraries, children can make (reasonable) noise! On Feb. 29 at 4 pm, a party (show + snacks) will be offered to children and families.

    Cinema:
    The original ones at Cinema D'Azeglio, Via D'Azeglio, 33
    Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar", in English.
    "Les émotifs anonymes" en français le 14 février.

    Music:
    Cori di Cuore Feb. 4
    Aperitivi alla Casa della Musica until May 212 and Concerti until April with a season dedicated to Claude Debussy.
    Nuove Atmosfere, a series of 13 concerts until May 2012.
    Teatro Regio: lyric season (Aida and Stiffelio) and concert season: a few tickets are still available!
    Estri Armonici 2012 season at Teatro al Parco.
    Tutti per uno XL opening on Jan. 30 at Auditorium Paganini.

    The Festival Internazionale della Chitarra (classic guitar festival) will take place in April, but tickets for the opening concert with early music super stars Jordi Savall and Rolf Lislevand should be bought now (still a few left)!!

    Art:
    Last days!! Very interesting exhibition: "Parma: immagini della città dal Ducato all’Unità d’Italia" at Fondazione Cariparma until Feb. 19.

    Let it snow:
    Schia is Parma's nice little ski resort. Schia ski school can be found on facebook.
    Check, or rather, double check weather and road conditions before driving up the mountain!

    February 15, 2012

    Carnevale!

    Carnevale is a long awaited appointment for all lovers of fun, exuberance and noise!

    The parade will take place on Saturday 18 at 2:30 pm, leaving from Piazza Duomo and walking to Cittadella. Don't forget to buy a bag of 'coriandoli' and a few rolls of 'stelle filanti' for the kids. And of course a beautiful and colourful costume!

    The city also organizes activities for kids:
    - at Laboratorio Famiglie Al Portico on Sunday 19 for kids under 3 and on Tuesday 21 for kids aged 3 and more,
    - at Laboratorio Famiglie in Oltretorrente on Friday 17.

    These activities are free of charge and booking is not necessary.

    Some activities are also proposed for the first time at Ghiaia market.

    In the province, Busseto and Borgo Val di Taro are famous for their Carnevale.

    If you're looking for a crazy parade, go to Imola (province of Bologna) for the Carnevale dei fantaveicoli to take place on Feb. 19.

    February 5, 2012

    Parma Mia! introduces ExpatWomen.com

    In order to be listed in ExpatWomen.com directory, we have to put their link on our homepage. This is fair enough!

    http://www.expatwomen.com/

    This gave us the opportunity to discover that Parma Mia! is the only expat blog for expats in Parma!

    January 23, 2012

    Let's vote!

    Parma will elect a new mayor some time in May.

    Few people actually know it but UE citizens living in Italy can vote to elect the mayor of their city of residence as well as European Parliament members. So if you want to feel a real "parmigiano", you need to get a "tessera elettorale" to be able to vote. The request must be done at the DUC at the latest 40 days before the election, i.e. more or less now!

    We were told at the DUC that once you've done the "residency", you should receive your "tessera elettorale" at home "automatically". But after due verification, UE citizens DO NOT receive their card automatically (this is true only for Italian citizens), they have to request it with a specific form that can be found here. So we'll go back to the DUC... 

    To be continued....