As spring tentatively arrives in Italy, the food and wine festivals also return to centre stage ? plus you can catch jazz music, new art exhibitions, religious days and sporting events in this month?s round-up of the best cultural highlights?
CONSTANTINE EXHIBITION
Until 17 March
Milan, Lombardy
Catch the end of this exhibition at the Palazzo Reale in Milan, which features figurative art, armour, portraits and objects from the era of Emperor Constantine. Entrance is ?9 and the museum is open Monday to Sunday, with late hours on Thursday and Saturday evenings.
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WINE IN THE SPRINGTIME
2-3 March
Rovescala, Lombardy
You can expect this small festival to run every weekend during March in this small town 50 miles southeast of Milan. Celebrate produce and wine with the locals, who made this festival for the region?s famous Bonarda wine, and sample a bottle or two for yourself. It?s a low-key affair, but one that is growing in popularity throughout the region.??
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FESTA DELLA DONNA
8 March
Across Italy
Designed to enhance the appreciation of womenfolk everywhere, this is Italy?s version of International Women?s Day. It is traditional for men to bring yellow mimosa to the women in their lives ? be it their boss, mother, wife or daughter. There are often concerts and localised festivals, too.?
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PITTI IMMAGINE
9-11 March
Florence, Tuscany
Over 250 companies will join hands to celebrate food and drink in this prominent trade fair. It?s held at Stazione Leopolda in Florence and members of the public can attend for ?15 throughout the weekend. See online for more details and daily opening times.?
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DOLOMITI SKI JAZZ
9-17 March
Cavalese, Trentino
The 16th edition of this popular music festival will see an array of musicians take to the stage against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites. All the daytime concerts are free to attend, so you can pop along from the nearby ski resorts after a hard day out enjoying the slopes.?
www.dolomitiskijazz.com
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COMMEMORATION OF CAESAR’S DEATH
Rome, Lazio
Each year there are cultural events in Rome for the almighty Caesar, who crafted the Roman Empire and made Italy what it is today. Most events will take place in the Forum near the famous statue of Caesar.??
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ROME MARATHON
17 March
Rome, Lazio
Track the runners across the streets of Rome and absorb famous landmarks like the Colosseum and ?St Peter?s Basilica. The Roma Fun Run ? a shorter, non-competitive race ? is also organised, along with the Marathon Village, an initiative to put on concerts and shows throughout the city.
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FEAST OF SAN GUISEPPE
19 March
Across Italy
This religious feast is held for Joseph, Mary?s husband, and is also used as Father?s Day across Italy. It is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, pageants and delicious zeppole ? a special doughnut made for the occasion.?
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FESTA DELLA PRIMAVERA
21 March
Florence, Tuscany
This springtime festival is celebrated across the country, but concerts and meals can especially be found in Florence. Lap up the wine and special restaurant menus for the changing of the season.??
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EASTER
29-31 March
The Vatican, Rome
Although the Vatican is packed with religious tourists during Easter, there is a very good reason for this. Experience the buzz and throng of the Catholic church at this special time by paying Rome ?a visit.
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THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART
31 March
Florence, Tuscany
Join the traditional Florentine experience of scoppio del carro, which sees a large, colourfully decorated wagon wheeled through the city centre before arriving at the Basilica di Santa Maria. Then, after mass, the Archbishop ignites the fireworks inside using a dove-shaped rocket. There is also a parade in full medieval costume.??