Madame Guitar, Tricesimo (Udine)

Any acoustic guitar aficionados out there? If yes, why not check out the nice “Madame Guitar” international acoustic and folk festival located just 12 kms from Udine in the nice little town of Tricesimo?

The festival, which runs for just 3 days, is now at its 4^th edition and this year saw the likes of England’s John Renbourn. Some performances, like Sunday’s, take place in the town’s main square (see pics) and also include some zany performances by some of the artists, such as the duo Walter Tessaris, Maurizio Stefanizzi (and his dog!). Musical tastes range from some raunchy blues (as in the case of Italy’s Mauro Ferrarese), to gypsy-funk (with the Hussy Hicks from Australia) all the way to some fine finger-picking guitar work. More info available at www.folkclubbuttrio.com and info@folkclubbuttrio.com

60th anniversary of the Julia

On September 30th Udine saw the 60th anniversary parade of the glorious “Julia” regiment which with its 30,000 participants meandered through the main streets of the town.

The “Julia” is part of the “Alpini”, the elite mountain division of the Italian Army (formed in 1872, the “Alpini” are the oldest active mountain infantry in the world. Currently, as being some of the best trained and best equipped mountain troops in the world, the “Alpini” are permanently engaged in Afghanistan.). The “Julia” itself was formed way back in 1926 and was given the name “Julia” in 1935. Its soldiers fought and had heavy losses in Greece (1940) and Russia (1942-43) and also Albania. The “Julia” would be used many years later in 1976 during the devastating earthquakes in the Udine area.

The festive occasion was also rather moving as old “Alpini” soldiers, too frail and old to walk alone, were paraded around on military jeeps. The female contingent also got a roaring round of applause by female spectators who lined the streets of Udine!

One of Udine`s main squares also hosted the “Alpini`s” latest military hardware, including anti-mine devices (on in particular, that got blown up in Afghanistan recently, costs 300,000 euros!). And naturally, given that this region of Italy ADORES (more than) one fine glass of vino and great food, it was also a wonderful occasion for many to eat and drink their merry hearts away in the company of old war-time comrades!