The weekend of December 28 and 29, 2024, is packed with cultural events across Northern Italian cities from music festivals to art exhibitions. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy diverse activities marking the festive season.
Cremona: The much-anticipated Risorgiva Fest takes place on December 28 and 29. This brand new festival aims to showcase the rich music culture of the Po Valley, organized by Risorgiva Dischi, highlighting local talent. The festivities kick off on Saturday at 6 PM at Circolo Arcipelago with innovative workshops and culminate with live acoustic performances featuring artists such as f.lli Giordano. The following day, the celebrations continue with Matteo Salzano performing at Babilonia.
For art enthusiasts, Botticino per Cremona, running until May 11, 2025, at Museo Civico Ala Ponzone, celebrates craftsmanship through various exhibits including medieval inscriptions and ancient wooden artifacts, reflecting collaboration with Botticino's Restoration School. Visitors can view historical examples of local heritage.
The Mostra di Presepi, running until January 12, 2024, is another must-see, showcasing nativity scenes at the Church of San Pietro, inviting public interaction with traditional customs.
For those interested in contemporary art, Sorella Acqua at Casa Sperlari features works by various local artists, reflecting water's artistic symbolism and running until January 7, 2025.
Another art display, Capolavori da Collezione, at Museo Diocesano extends to January 12, 2025, featuring select masterpieces from private collections aiming for future integration within the museum’s permanent collection.
Mantova: Over the weekend, the vibrant city of Mantova will host Mentore, running from December 27 to 30 at Museo Virgilio, where visitors can immerse themselves in unique storytelling experiences centered around the works of the poet Virgilio.
Theatrical performances of Fedra, Seneca’s tragic masterpiece, will entertain audiences at Teatro Minimo on December 28 and 29, promising engaging performances throughout its run until January 19, 2025.
Art lovers can also explore the Il Colore del Silenzio exhibition by Enos Rizzi at Palazzo Menghini, offering insights through unique visual narratives, available for viewing until February 16, 2025.
Art connoisseurs must not miss Picasso at Palazzo Te, presenting renowned works until January 6, 2025. The exhibition features around 50 pieces, including some never showcased before, providing insight derivatives from the relationship between Ovid’s poetry and the building's architecture.
Pavia: The Galleria L2ARTE presents This Not by artist Pitmarels, showcasing innovative use of everyday adhesive materials until January 7, 2025. The exhibit articulates the transformation of ordinary items to artistic expressions.
On the historical front, Il Monte di Pietà di Pavia exhibition at Biblioteca Universitaria, focusing on historical documents, runs until March 1, 2025. It outlines the significant role of this institution from its inception to modern times, contextualizing its impact on Pavia’s society.
The Broletto is set to host Sandra Tenconi. Montagne until January 26, 2025, displaying over ninety works depicting scenic mountain landscapes, inviting visitors to appreciate local artistry.
Visitors to the Kosmos Museum can engage with the Piante Guerriere exhibit until March 2, 2025, which uncovers the extraordinary survival strategies of plants, combining visual experiences and educational insights.
Vigevano: For those seeking outdoor activities, the ice skating rink at the historic Castello Visconteo is open until January 6, 2025, offering holiday fun amid the castle's picturesque backdrop. Also, those interested can view Presepi in Castello, showcasing extravagant nativity scenes until January 12, 2025.
The historical exhibition, Vigevano 1494, provides insights related to the Renaissance period and runs until February 23, 2025, enhancing public knowledge of the city’s transformative history.
Lastly, don't miss the Presepe Vivente happening on December 29 in Zavattarello, reviving traditional nativity scenes within the charm of the medieval village setting, promising engaging community participation.
These weekend events across Cremona, Mantova, Pavia, and Vigevano highlight the rich cultural offerings during this festive period, giving residents and visitors various ways to celebrate local traditions and arts.
