Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year’s Eve in Italy

Author: Groshan Fabiola

Italy is a beautiful country, with rich history, amazing traditions, breathtaking landscapes, good food and great wines. The educated tourist and the ordinary tourist alike will enjoy Italy, as this country has so many unique things and experiences to offer. Visiting Italy can be a unique experience, especially if you go around the time when Italy’s most famous festivals are being held. And with the holidays drawing near, you should definitely include Italy on your list of countries to visit.

If you have your mind set on celebrating New Year’s Eve in Italy, it’s safe to say that you’ve made a very wise choice. The Italians are a very passionate people, and the way they celebrate holidays is lively and entertaining. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve in Italian) coincides with the celebration of La Festa di San Silvestro. Wherever you may choose to spend the Capodanno in Italy, you will certainly be part of some celebration with fireworks. If Rome, Milan or any other big Italian city happens to be your choice, you can also attend the parties that will take place in the squares. There will be music, dancing, and joy, in other words, all the ingredients to properly celebrate Capodanno the Italian way. Any Italian celebration is also an occasion for great food and drinks, and the Capodanno is no exception to this rule.

Everywhere around the world, ending the old year and beginning the new one is reason for celebration, and Italy is no exception. Il Capodanno is a great time for celebration in Italy. Be it with friends or with the family, Italians get together for huge feasts, of which the great food cannot miss. There will be lots of fireworks, both in central squares and also from private parties. If your Italian destination for the Capodanno celebration should happen to be a city or town near a lake or river, or on the coast, you will certainly hear ships blowing their horns at midnight.

There are many beautiful Italian cities that are worth visiting. One of the most popular destinations in Italy is the country’s modern capital, Rome. It is hard to say what Rome is most famous for. Could it be the history that it is so full of everywhere you look? Or is it the museums, medieval churches, ancient monuments and Renaissance palaces? Or, better yet, could it be the fabulous nightlife, the lively squares and streets, and the excellent restaurants that attract so many tourists every year? The answer has to include all of these, because they are all so representative of Rome, and of Italy in general.

Rome is also a great choice to spend New Year’s Eve. We can honestly say that Italians celebrate Capodanno Roma with gusto. Probably the most impressive display of fireworks and the most enchanting concerts take place in Piazza del Popolo on the 31st December. Although contemporary music is mainly played on this occasion, classical music could not be forgotten, as Italy, as you all know, has a very rich classical music heritage. Capodanno Roma is a very good occasion for unparalleled celebration, and all the clubs in the city make the most of this celebration to provide their guests of various forms of entertainment all throughout the parties they give on Capodanno, parties which start in the evening and last till early morning. In other words, if you like clubbing, Rome is definitely worth giving a try, especially for the Capodanno Roma.

For more resources about Capodanno or especially about Capodanno Roma please review this webpage http://notte.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/new-years-eve-in-italy-280897.html

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Murano Glass Jewellery

Author: Amy - Find Jewellery

Murano glass is made on the small island of Murano in the heart of Venice. The tradition of making glass in Italy stretches back a long time, there is evidence to suggest that it has been made since the 7th century and perhaps before. Venice has been an important trade port for centuries. It is positioned on the East coast of Italy and this centralised location has made it one of the most vibrant multicultural cities in Europe. The historical importance of Venice as a melting pot for the expertise and craft of travellers from all over the world cannot be understated. It is from this cacophony of cultural voices that one of their most treasured exports was created.

During turbulent times the glass-makers of Venice were ordered to move their foundries to the island of Murano, in part to protect the mainly wooden city from the danger of fire. Within one hundred years the glass-makers had become the most prominent citizens of Murano and almost half of the islands population were involved in the production of the beautiful glass work. The glass-makers were accepted into the upper echelons of society and found that their talents enabled them to have much greater power and wealth than they could have anticipated.

The reasons that they were so highly prized by society were that they could make things that others could not. For example they were the only people in Europe who could make glass mirrors and who had the skill to make multi coloured glass. The Republic of Venice recognised the advantage of keeping the glass makers close to home, so they were in fact forbidden from leaving the Republic at risk of having their hands cut off or being assassinated.

The prestige of the island's glass workers grew and grew. Today Murano glass is produced on the island and exported all over the world. Everything is made by these expert craftsmen, including chandeliers, wine glasses and jewellery. Much of the process is still done using traditional methods. The intricate nature of many of the pieces makes the nature of their construction almost incomprehensibly complicated. The different colours of the glass are created by the introduction of other agents into the glass. Copper, gold and cobalt are three examples of the type of colouring substances that are used by Murano glass-makers. The affect that is commonly seen in jewellery is achieved by the blowing of glass over thin layers of gold, silver and copper foil. The iridescent qualities of the metal foil creating an intricate and appealing look which also guarantees that each piece is slightly different to any other.

Murano Glass Jewellery is beautiful, the age old techniques that are used to create it have been perfected over the years. The jewellery is often brightly coloured with different luxurious foils running just beneath the surface creating a desirable, stunning affect that is in keeping with this seasons key trend of vibrant colour drenched jewellery.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/murano-glass-jewellery-1316219.html.
Brought to you by directfromvenice.com

About the Author
If you, like me love Murano Glass Jewellery you can see a beautiful selection at Find Jewellery.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Italian High Fashion Jewelry

Author: Suneva

Images of love, passion and a libertine way of living come to mind when thinking of Italian high fashion jewelry. The universal love of jewelry reflects the emotions of life and love itself. Although many things change, the allure of Italian high fashion jewelry and our passions endures.

The connection between love and jewelry as an expression of this intense emotion dates back as far as the craft of jewelry making itself.  Historically jewelry was used as a means of communication and many of the most famous creations were gifted between lovers.  Jewelry has been used as the medium to convey sentiments of desire, love and affection in times when speaking words alone were not enough or when the words could not be said.  Even today, the sensuous curves and the graceful designs of Italian high fashion jewelry in necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings are often used to remember a passionate moment.

There was a time when jewelry exchanged between lovers did more than express their feelings; some of the beautiful pieces were created as amulets or talismans.  During medieval times, jewelry was used to validate the identity or status of a person; ensuring safe passage for lovers en route to a rendezvous. Jewelry has been given as a symbol of desire: as a prelude to seduction beautiful jewels have often made the invitation to pleasure impossible to resist.

Italian high fashion jewelry or "couture" jewelry is crafted from the finest precious metals and gemstones; platinum, gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies owes much of its elegance to these classical origins. More than one modern designer has been inspired by the jewelry worn by royalty at court.

But those of royal birth are not the only ones who have enjoyed the pleasure of wearing the most beautiful jewelry. When the subject is Italian high fashion jewelry, the name is Bulgari, founded by Soutirios a Greek man from a family of silversmiths who despite his humble beginnings has become Italy's most famous name in jewelry.

From their first store in 1905 on Via Condotti to locations around the world, these artisans have created jewels that have been worn by world famous actresses such as the late Princess Grace and Audrey Hepburn, along with Elizabeth Taylor. At this year's Oscar Award ceremony, a vintage Bulgari necklace adorned the neckline of a Vera Wang dress worn by Keira Knightly, who starred in the film "Pride and Prejudice."

But more often than not, at the root of why we appreciate Italian high fashion jewelry is for love expressed in the craftsmanship and professional attention to detail. Beyond the fact that the jewelry production standards are the highest in the world, the connection between love of country and love of art combine beautifully to produce exquisite creations.

This tradition continues today with Italian high fashion jewelry being crafted by many designers to reflect a libertine sexual expression for men and women, such as the serpentine designs from DiMurano which displays the artistry of combining the Venetian centuries old technique of Murano blown glass with superfine 14 carat vermeil gold to create stunning and exotic look that is truly unique. Along with classic designs lovers of finely crafted jewelry will find bold, distinctive designs with an accent on sensuality. When the motive is to impress the person you love, the beauty of these exquisite pieces is sure to inspire a passionate embrace and loving kiss.

As a gift to treasure, it would be difficult to imagine one that can compare: Italian high fashion jewelry delights the eye and stimulates the senses, a subtle reminder of our passion for love and life.

Suneva is a part-time copywriter for Blue Fuss featuring luxury fashion jewelry.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_584514_34.html brought to you by DirectFromVenice.com

About the Author:  Suneva is a part-time copywriter for Blue Fuss featuring luxury fashion jewelry.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Murano Jewelry - Wear a Piece of Venice Close to Your Heart

Murano glass is not merely a commodity like diamonds, silver, or gold. It is an expression of style, beauty, quality craftsmanship, and tradition that can pride itself on long history and unique heritage. Made in Venice from as early as the 7th century and organized as an official craft since the 1200's, Murano glass in its simplest form is born in special furnaces by melting silica with certain minerals till liquid state, shaping them up to form a required object, then cooling it down. The basics of the craft were learnt by Venetians from the ancient Romans as well as the Middle-Eastern cultures after the conquest of Constantinople. But over the years many secrets of the craft were lost and had to be re-discovered, making Murano glass masters not only artisans, but patients researchers, experimenters, chemistry wizards, and artists.  To become worthy of their respected name, the glass makers studied the craft for years working alongside their fathers to perfect the chemistry and timing of the process, be precise with very simple instruments and create beautiful shapes. That is why most Murano glass making firms have been owned and operated by the same families for centuries.

The objects created by Murano glass masters in the early years of the craft were mostly utilitarian yet very expensive and affordable only to successful merchants and nobility.  As the appeal of these objects grew and they became more widespread, Venetian masters started to create other types of objects which were more of a fashion statement than a useful household article. Among vases, figurines, and beautiful table centerpieces, eventually some artisans started to create Murano jewelry.  Some of the earliest mentions of this go back to the late 1700's when famous German poet Goethe who traveled to Venice was surprised to see Murano jewelry available for sale there. However, it was not really until later in the 20th century that Venetian jewelry became readily available on the market. In the 20th century most Murano masters were busy with the attempts to revive the stagnant glass-blowing industry and give it its former luster, and to achieve that they focused on participation in prestigious international exhibitions, where artworks such as vases and decorative tableware were represented.  As the world gradually became re-acquainted with Murano glass and realized it value and uniqueness, jewelry-making started to prosper on Murano as well, presenting a way to own and wear a unique artistic object at a fraction of the cost of museum-worthy Venetian art glass.

Today's fashion with its emphasis on unique, hand-made, colorful accessories serves as a perfect backdrop for wearing Murano jewelry.  At the time when every type of jewelry is available from diamond extravagance to plastic minimalism, traditional and gorgeous Venetian jewelry graces the necks, wrists and ears of both the world's elite and regular people with appreciation of Italian style and Murano tradition.  The great abundance of accessories for every budget and taste makes people that want to stand out look for something artistic, hand-made and one-of-a-kind. Thus, people buy Venetian jewelry not only because of its exquisite hand-made beauty, but also because of the rich history that surrounds Murano glass and the special mood that these accessories create, evoking the magical images of Venetian palazzos, canals, and gondolas.

While authentic Venetian jewelry is popular and well-known these days, it is by no means available on every corner.  However, for those with a desire to buy any of these special pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces, there are options for every style and budget. From small elegant studs to opulent beaded necklaces, from traditional classic shapes to Art Nouveau and minimalistic designs, Murano offers amazing variety of unique and colorful hand-made jewelry. And if you don't plan to visit Venice any time soon, you have a great option of buying authentic Venetian jewelry online from a reputable local importer of these pieces. Whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy your very own piece of Venice for years to come and get many compliments every time you wear it.




Venetian Jewelry | Hand-crafted Murano Glass Jewelry and Accessories imported directly from Venice, Italy. We offer Murano Jewelry, vases, pendants, rings, art glass, chandeliers and so much more.

Author: healthsourse87
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1238687_47.html

Friday, December 10, 2010

Experience The Real Essence Of Italy During Italian Carnivals!

Author: Steve Perillo

Steve Perillo's, Perillo Tours, a pioneer in Italy vacations has exclusive Italy vacation packages, which offer utmost customer satisfaction. Perillo Tours make touring to Italy a pleasurable experience by taking the responsibility of planning your travel from scratch. Perillo not only makes sure to give an explicit experience of the scenery and delicacies of Italy but also introduces the tourist to the real essence of Italian carnivals.  The very thought of Italian carnival would remind you of Mardi Grass. The pre-Lenten celebration involves merry-making, procession of masked people, jugglers, magicians, music, dance, and much more, which will take your breath away!  Big and elaborate carnivals held in Venice, Viareggio, and Cento will take you into a world of fun and party The Venice's Carnival is one in a millionth experience that you'll not want to miss. The Vaireggio carnival's grandeur and the parade of giant paper-mach figures during Shrove Tuesday are just incredible.  When talking about having fun, you are sure to realize what it means to be a part of the Ivrea orange throwing carnival. The highlight of the carnival is the colourful parade and the extraordinary orange-throwing battle, which will give you an experience that is simply out of the world!  Who would not love to be in a flowery carnival, the carnival in Acireale is the perfect choice for this. The carnival takes place in Sicily and it brings out the beauty of life with parades of flower and paper-mach complemented with music and a grand fire-work finale! The Albanian carnival in Calabria is certainly worth mentioning. The carnival of Pollino in Castrovillari is funny to watch as men dress-up in women's costumes during the parade.  Italy, a world by itself known for fun, joy, and wonders is sure to give any tourist a blissful vacation time. Perillo Tours makes sure that they provide their customers with the most delightful and luxurious Italy vacations not only in terms of food, lodging, and travelling, but also the carnivals of Italy, which are certainly the essence of real Italy.

About the Author Hello this is steve perillo, owner of perillo tours For 65 Years, the best in fully escorted trips to Italy and Hawaii. Please visit the talk show.  Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/experience-the-real-essence-of-italy-during-italian-carnivals-2117715.html

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Carnival Of Venice

Author: Elena Bernardi

Imagine, for the entire carnival the streets are filled with celebrants dressed in luxurious, festive garb; experiencing Venice during the Carnival is like stepping back in time, with no modern buildings to spoil the illusion.  One can wander the streets, taking in the myriad costumes and street performances, or purchase tickets to an evening party in one of the palaces or hotels accustomed to hosting royalty.  All of an evening you might experience walking up the stairs of a candlelit palace, expecting Casanova to make his advances; enjoying cocktails over the Gran Canal like visiting royalty, abandoning your senses to pleasure; all while fully costumed and masked, only revealing your true identity to carefully chosen intimates.  After all this extravagance perhaps your night is completed by a mysterious, romantic, moonlight tryst, leaving you entranced and breathless, ready to meet the whole experience again the following day.Venice is a magical city, and at no time is this more true than during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, when the historical city celebrates the Carnival of Venice, a tradition first recorded over 700 years ago.  Ordinary Venice is exciting, but Venice during the Carnival is spellbinding, with a historically rich mixture of performance and dining, and, of course the magnificent costumes, including the extravagant masks for which Venice is so famous.  If you have never had a romantic encounter in Venice, perhaps you will have an opportunity to learn why countless generations of impassioned lovers have exclaimed that sex in Venice is the best sex there is.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-carnival-of-venice-1859371.html

About the Author Elena Bernardi is a native Italian and yoga instructor. Her company, Cultural Italy, specializes in travel to Italy's most appealing locations.