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Back to School on 13th September

Ready for their first day at school13 September 2007 is the first day back at school for many after the long, long summer holidays. Pupils will probably see it as unlucky thirteen as they struggle out of bed after months of sleeping in, and prepare their bags for the first morning of classes. I expect there will be a few last minute hurried pages of homework too.

Edison Bookstore Opening in Livorno's old Teatro Lazzeri

Teatro Lazzeri during restoration earlier this year27 Nov 08 When the Edison Bookstore - an Italian chain - opens in Livorno next week, there will no doubt be mixed feelings. On the one hand, it will be making good use of the lovely old Lazzeri Theatre, abandoned for many years and now back in good shape after months of renovation work. On the other, the new shop will be stiff competition for Livorno's long-established local bookshops like Belforte (already forced to reduce its shop space and see an electronic game shop open next door), and Gaia Scienza, among others.

It's hot in Livorno, but you should try Florence!

1 August 2009, Cat Seeking Shade in the Wheel of a Truck, Port of Livorno: Photo by Sarah Thompson, Livorno Now24 July 2009 It is VERY hot at the moment. You could say we are having a bit of a heatwave, with temperatures here in Livorno still at 30°C even at 7pm today. However, having been to Florence yesterday, we can be truly thankful for our Livornese coastal climate, because Florence is sweltering in temperatures of over 40°C at the moment.

Livorno Chosen as Venue for the Italia Wave Festival 2008

International Line-up includes The Verve, The Chemical Brothers, The Wombats, and Gnarls Barkely

Scene from the 2007 Italia Wave FestivalThis year's important Italia Wave Festival will take place here in Livorno from 16th to 19th July. In previous years this annual festival of music and culture has taken place in Arezzo and in Florence, but this year the city of Livorno has been chosen as the venue because of its lively summer seaside atmosphere.

Livorno's Little Venice Comes to Life for Effetto Venezia 2008

Effetto Venezia 2007Once again this year Livorno’s old Venezia district will host the annual Effetto Venezia festival that, since it began twenty three years ago , has built up a reputation for the high standards of its events and organisation. The festival takes place over a period of ten days and this year it all begins on 1st August.

Ramona's Restoration Project: From Lazaretto to B&B

The Old Lazaretto Ready to be Plastered (18th January 2008)In Livorno at the moment there are lots of building sites, but there is one in particular which deserves special attention: a project involving the renovation of an unusual old building that is now reaching its final phases. It is found in a tranquil spot away from the busy town centre, near Villa Corridi, in an enviable position overlooking the whole of the city and the sea beyond.

Sagra di Suvereto - Wild Boar and Lots More in a Medieval Town

The Medieval Streets of SuveretoThe Sagra di Suvereto, otherwise known as the Sagra del Cinghiale or wild boar fete, is held every year in December in the medieval town of Suvereto which is about an hour's drive south of Livorno. This year is the 40th anniversary of the Sagra and many special events are being held to celebrate.

Summer may be over, but this is bliss!

Glorious October skies12th October 2007. There I was just a couple of weeks ago announcing the end of the summer as the private beaches in Livorno closed down, making it sound as if we were about to slide suddenly into gloomy winter weather. It is true that the following week we had weather reminiscent of a British November, but since then the situation has changed dramatically and conditions, I believe, are perfect! Alright, so the temperature has dropped and the early mornings and evenings are even rather chilly, but the weather we are getting during the day is absolutely glorious: cloudless blue skies, warm sunshine with just a slight breeze, and a maximum temperature of a very comfortable 23-24°C. This is my kind of season, a time when I can rush about without dripping with sweat, sit in the sunshine without gasping for shade, and feel smug about living on the Mediterranean in Livorno, while those in more northerly locations have already reached for their winter woollies.

The Port of Livorno Opens to the Public

The Port of LivornoApril 2008. The Port of Livorno has launched a series of events to enable the population of Livorno to visit areas usually off-limits and to get a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in the port which plays such an important role in the city of Livorno. It will also give people a chance to see all the new developments currently underway in the port.

Venezia district wins 2009 Coppa dei Risiatori

14 June 2009
The Venezia team, rowing for victory, 14 June 2009This year's Coppa dei Risiatori - one of the most important rowing races in Livorno's rowing season - was won today by the Venezia team. The ten man team in their red 'gozza' was clearly the strongest of the eight teams from early in the race, quickly leaving behind the Ovo Sodo team, which came second.