Monthly Archives: October 2015
October in Italy ~ Gina
Our guys are coming to L.A., New York and D.C. YAY!
We hope they get a chance to relax during their brief time off. Maybe they will attend some of these fun Italian events Gina found.
October Festivals and Food Fairs in Italy
Italian Festivals, Food Fairs, and Special Events in October
Matera During the October Balloon Festival. © by Matera Balloon Festival
October is a great month for Italian food festivals, especially mushrooms, chestnuts, chocolate, and truffles. On October weekends, you’ll find fall food festivals and wine harvest celebrations all over Italy. Slow Food’s big International Food Event is in October and World Pasta Day is the fourth Sunday in October.
Although Halloween is not such a big celebration in Italy, it’s becoming more 
popular and you may find Halloween or All Saints Eve events, especially in the larger cities. Halloween in Italy
Here are some of Italy’s top October festivals and Truffle Fairs.
Alba White Truffle Festival takes place on weekends throughout October in the Piedmont town of Alba (Piedmont map). This is one of the biggest truffle festivals in Italy.
One of the events is a donkey race. Read about Alba’s Truffle Festival on about’s Italian Cuisine site.
Fall Truffle Fairs in Italy – Some of the biggest truffle festivals in Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and Emilia Romagna regions during October and November.
Boccaccesca – A gastronomic fair the first two weekends of October is held in Certaldo Alto, Tuscany. (See pictures of the red brick hill town of Certaldo Alto)
Look for other truffle and chestnut festivals in small towns in October and November, especially in northern and central Italy.
A week-long Potato Festival is held the first week of Bologna, a top culinary city.
Bologna’s potatoes are considered to be amongst the best in Italy. Potato Festival | Bologna Travel Guide
Maschera di Ferro, a festival that celebrates the legend of the man in the iron mask, takes place in the Piedmont region the first weekend of October. Take a look at the Maschera di Ferro, Iron 
Mask festival in Pinerolo, and get the details.
Barcolana Regatta in Trieste is the largest gathering of boats in the Mediterranean Sea.
All manner of boats will be racing and there are illuminated night races. There’s music, food, and wine, too. Usually the second weekend in October.
Palio dei Rioni, iron horse race, takes place in Lodi, south of Milan, the first 
Sunday in October. Lodi’s 5 neighborhoods and 3 nearby villages compete in this race pulling iron horses on wheels to win the trophy El Baston de S. Bassan. (palio definition)
Matera Balloon Festival takes place for 4 days in October in the Southern Italy town ofMatera. In addition to international balloon teams, the festival includes a food, music, performing and visual arts events in Matera and the surrounding towns.
Rome Film Festival, in late October, includes international movie premiers, a competition, and lots of events.
International Accordion Festival is a huge gathering of accordion players and includes concerts and workshops. It’s held in mid October in Castelfidardo, known as the city of accordions, in the 
Ancona province of the Marche. Accordion Festival Information
Eurochocolate is a chocolate lovers paradise. This big chocolate festival takes place inPerugia, famous for its Perugina Baci chocolates, in mid October.
Sagra del Tordo, Feast of the Thrush, is a medieval reenactment of an archery tournament.The Festival takes place in Montalcino in Tuscany the last weekend of October and is a competition between the four neighborhoods of Montalcino.
Torrone Festival – Cremona claims to be the birthplace of torrone, Italian nougat. A document from October 25, 1441, indicates that torrone was made for a wedding banquet in Cremona. During the festival, the fourth weekend in October, the historic wedding is re-enacted and there’s plenty of torrone.
All Saints Eve or Halloween is becoming a popular time for costume parties. Urban Trekking offers special All Saints Eve treks in several cities, too. And of course Italy has displays of mummies and bones that make chilling Halloween destinations. Halloween in Italy
SMILE by Mary Bohling
When I first saw Il Volo in concert, one of the highlights was their rendition of “Smile.” They brought something to that song that had never been done before. The harmony, the expression, the quality….all perfection. I bought the CD at the venue, and I remember listening to “Smile” in the car on the way home, and being enchanted again at what I was hearing–completely enthralled by their voices.
Barbra Streisand must have felt it, too, because she chose that song to share with them on her tour. What a show stopper that was! And when Ignazio hit the high note at the end–wow–It even made her stagger back a bit. Her “show off” remark was perfect. And did you see the look on his face??? Priceless!
The fact is that all of these young men have million dollar smiles.…all gorgeous and all unique. Each time I see one I think, “that one is the best” until I see the next one. Gianluca’s smile could be an ad for a toothpaste brand. It is so enchantingly beautiful, teamed with his smiling eyes it takes your breath away. Something wonderful happens to Ignazio’s face when he smiles. It’s like a light was turned on–it just glows, and his face shines with so much joy, you just can’t help but smile along with him. Piero’s smile is touchingly sweet. It tugs at my heart strings and makes me say “awww,” followed by a big sigh. He is a handsome man and his handsome smile just completes it.
It’s always a treat when they are having fun and their smiles give way to great guffaws of laughter. They love to
laugh. They enjoy just being together and having fun with life. And we can’t help but smile when they smile and laugh when they laugh, because they are who they are, and they convey their warmth and joy to all who have the Il Volo experience.
Smiling–it’s such an easy thing to do and so contagious. Their music has brought smiles to our faces when we were feeling down, or facing a medical diagnosis, or experiencing a loss….whatever our need, the music of Il Volo has had a healing effect for so many. We have seen this in the comments made by grateful fans.
People often wonder if the guys know just how much of an effect they have on all of us. They see the adoration on the faces of the fans wherever they go, but I hope they know that to so many of us they are much more than just handsome faces with beautiful voices. Because we see in them something above the norm that lifts us up and puts smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts.
How appropriate it was that someone somewhere in the group of people guiding their careers chose “Smile” as one of the first songs in their repertoire. It’s a perfect song to convey what they mean to us. In our hearts and minds they are always smiling and making us smile, too.
IV♥,
Mary
UPDATED: HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, IGNAZIO!!!
Video by Kelly
HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY!
I love your beautiful voice and shining personality. You put a smile on my face every time YOU smile or sing! May you enjoy your special day and the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Jane ~ From Minnesota
SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU!
Linda Walker
Happy Birthday! I will be attending the concert in Boston In February. Can’t wait to see you. Im one of your older fans but quite passionate about the group. My father was Italian (actually Sicilian) and I only wish he were alive to hear you. Again, Happy birthday. Love, Linda Bond
Dear one, you will never know how much pleasure you have given this 84 yr. old! I’ve waited a very long time to hear beautiful music again! The best part is how much you all enjoy it. Happy Birthday and many more! Hope to see you in March in San Antonio,Texas! <3 <3 Dorothy Henderson
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM GINA IN TEXAS “EVERY BIRTHDAY serves as a gentle reminder that time indeed marches on. Since we can’t stop FATHER TIME–or even slow him down for that matter–only one truly intelligent course of action remain: LIVE TO THE FULLEST. If you’re treating each new day as a PRICELESS GIFT, congratulations. If you’re taking life for granted, think again. TODAY, and TOMORROW, and EVERY DAY after that should be cause for CELEBRATION. THIS DAY IS YOURS, and what a priceless gift it is. (Compiled by Criswell Freeman--“Have a Happy Birthday”) 
May you have a special day,
May your heart be full of cheer,
May love and laughter find you,
May your smiles be ear to ear.
May your joy be everlasting,
May only good things come your way,
May all your prayers be answered,
May you be blessed on your birthday.
Close your eyes and make a wish,
Give it wings and let it fly,
Beyond the highest mountain tops,
Up into the clear blue sky.
Aim high when you make your wish,
This is no time to retreat or hide,
Wish for the very best in life,
Now blow out your candles and try.
Buon compleanno !
Lydka
Greetings IGNAZIO from this valley in western Canada 
The land of horse ranches, vineyards and Italian pioneers –Like the successful Casorso, Tripani, Pandozi and Lanfranco families! So ” fly”away into a successful year, and life at its best Thank you for everything you share of your young self.
Laney Justus
Dear Ignazio,
May you be blessed with many, many more years of beautiful music,
health and happiness.
Buon compleanno!
Laia Ben-Dov
Happy 21st Birthday Ignazio! Here’s wishing you health, wealth and happiness as you journey towards the rest of your life.
Many thanks. So looking forward to meeting you guys. Just 5 months to go!!!
Lots of Il Volo love,
Ineke.
Dear Ignazio! Wow, how time flies when you are having fun right? You, Piero and Gianluca have been a part of my life for about 3 years now. I saw/met you at the CONCORD Sleeptrain concert. You are such a great person with a beautiful heart dear. Happy 21st bday and may all your dreams come true. You guys work so very hard at your craft and we, your humble fans, adore you. Thank you and enjoy your big day. In the picture, I’m on Gian’s right. See you in LAS VEGAS. You might even play some slot machine and WIN. Love you so much.
Ignazio, My Birthday wish for you is that you continue to love life and never stop dreaming. May beauty and happiness surround you, not only on your special day, but always!!! Big Birthday hugs, Barbara in AZ. (see you in March)
Happy 21st Birthday Ignazio. Thank you for all the joy and memories you have given me. I love you so much, just like another Grandson.
Barbara Ferraro
Dear Ignazio, Wishing you a very Happy 21st Birthday!! Enjoy your day with family & friends! Congratulations on all the Awards & Honors you have received this year!!! I am still not well. Anne has given me all the new CD’s & Live From Pompeii. I will be home from this Rehab in a few days & will listen to everything then! Have a wonderful Birthday! 
Grande Amore, Marlene Hoatland
Hi Ignazio,
Have a wonderful birthday with your
family and friend’s . I love you all, and we will see
you and your two “brothers” in Las Vegas next year.
Say hello to “Walter” for me!
Aloha, Jill 
️ 
Ignazio—–
Another milestone in your life!!!
look at all you guys have accomplished at such a young age–bigger and better things to come!!!
Sorry to hear about the false accusations about you guys the truth always prevails.
Your friend Fabio is painting a canvas of you guys for me he should be sending it soon to me. I will be seeing you at the Las Vegas and perchance concerts next year.
there is a big banquet planned before the concert in Las Vegas hopefully I will meet you there.
Best wishes and continued success,
John Kraus
Palm Springs, California
sudstheduds@aol.com
Dear Ignazio, you bring joy & happiness to me everyday with your beautiful persona and your wonderful talent. I wish the same for you on this special birthday. Buon compleanno.
Love from Donna, another faithful nonna.
Dearest Ignazio, “21”!! It seems like only yesterday that you were a chubby,adorable teenager with a big voice and dimpled smile !! Now you are a young man with a bigger voice, an infectious dimpled smile,and a hunky body!! I have always adored your magnificent voice,contagious smile and hilarious sense of humor !! I hope that you will always be the happy free spirit that you are today throughout your life !! You are truly a very beautiful person both inside and out !! My wish for you is a year filled with Grande Amore and all that your beautiful heart desires and more !!! HAPPY, HAPPY “21st” BIRTHDAY IGNAZIO !!!!!!!!! Love and Hugs Joan Brenin
Felice 21 ° Ignazio!
Thank You for the years of wonderful musical enjoyment you have given me!
On this special day, I wish you all the best, all the joy, and all the love you can ever have. May you be blessed abundantly today, tomorrow and the days to come! Have a fantastic Birthday! Buon Compleanno!
Love,
~Marie
Happy 21st Birthday, Ignazio!
Thank you for all the happiness, smiles and the occasional tear your singing brings to my life.
Have another great year!!
Linda Dawson
Dear Ignazio,
You make my heart happy!
I love your amazing voice, I love your smile, I love your sense of fun, I just love YOU, young man! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Happy 21st Birthday. May God continue to bless you!
Love,
Andrea Luttrull.
Hi Ignazio,
Happy Birthday for a spectacularly successful 21st year. Hope all your dreams come true for 2016. You look very regal riding Walter with your stunning hat on of course you would look stunning without a hat.
Sending loads of love from Loretta Foley – Toronto
Dear Ignazio, Happy 21st Birthday!!
You have matured into a handsome, kind and sweet young man! With all of these attributes, it makes your fabulous talent shine even more.
I hope you have a great party with all your friends and family!! “you Are Love”.
Love from Linda Snyder,
Flight Crew
Nuestro Amor, Ignazio, hoy (ILVOLOLOVERS de Detroit, MI, USA) celebramos su feliz cumple anos (21) con una sena Italiana: su plato favorito, Marsala, vino, y su musica bonita!
Damos gracias por su pasión cantando!
Bendiciones y Grande Amore!
Magdalena Skiles
Toledo, OH
Ignazio, hope you have a great day, and have some fun. That shouldn’t be difficult for you, I’m sure! You are my sunshine! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! See you in March. Kathryn “Kitty” Mason
I wish you a great Birthday and many years of happiness to follow.
Lesley Newall
Happy 21st Birthday, Ignazio! I love you to the moon and back! You are the reason for many of my smiles! Blessings and Best Wishes to you on your birthday and always! <3!
Barb Nelson
Ignazio, Buon 21st Compleanno. Stay young at heart, charming, smiling, patient, gentle, kind and loving as a handsome young man on the inside and out. I love watching you and your dimpled smile. You make me laugh a lot with the teasing that goes on when your are on stage and even when you are not. I Love, Love, Love the new CD, Grande Amore International. You guys worked on so hard this year and it shows and sounds Fantastic.
Best Wishes for many years to come.
Barbara Bubb
Happy 21 birthday, Ignazio hope all your dreams continue to come true for you. Love you. Have a great day!
Teresa Carosi
Best wishes for a Very Happy 21st. Birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day, a day to remember. Thank you for all your charm and fun, it makes your fans feel so happy.
Marion
Loving wishes on your Big Day, Ignazio; your joy is contagious! 
Marie Brown
Hi Ignazio,
Have a wonderful birthday with your
family and friend’s . I love you all, and we will see
you and your two “brothers” in Las Vegas next year.
Say hello to “Walter” for me!
Aloha, Jill 
Wishes for a very “Happy 21st Birthday” to a very Talented, Sexy. Sicilian, Hunk.! Enjoy your Special day!
Joan Hongo
Ignazio, I’m wishing you a fantastic birthday filled with fun, friends, family, and fulfillment of your heart’s desires!
You deserve the best!
Grande amore,
Jeanine, Compassion’s Doorway
Ignazio,
Wishing you the happiest day and the best of all things in this year! Can’t wait to see you in Vegas in March!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
~Kelly
‘Bacioni e Felice Compleanno’ (big kisses and happy birthday) !
Maria Leps
Happy Birthday Ignazio. My birthday wish for you is that you spend your day doing whatever you want to do and that you are as happy as you make me everyday. Enjoy! See you in February.
“I’ll be loving you eternally”
Donna Cunnane
Wishing much happiness always! Happy Birthday!!!!! Love, Donna
Hey Sweetie! Happy Birthday ! Thank You! Thank You for your beautiful music! ~~ Lynne
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IGNAZIO! MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH MANY MORE! WE LOVE YOU!! YOU BRING SUCH JOY INTO OUR HEARTS! WE WILL SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE, LAS VEGAS, AND CALIFORNIA NEXT YEAR!! GOD BLESS YOU!!
CHARLES AND ANNA BREEDING
LAFAYETTE, TN
Ignazio, when I think of you i think of a person who loves life, loves people and has incredible talent. You are a joy to watch. Happy Birthday. ~ Jan Bolin
Tanti Auguri Ignazio! Thanks for the beautiful music, love and joy you give. You are funny, sweet and have the biggest and most tender heart. You always know the right thing to say, especially when it is about something important! Just keep on being Ignazio! See you in Easton, Pa. in February.
God bless you and your family,
Margaret
Happy 21st Birthday Ignazio. Thank you for traveling around the world and sharing your wonderful voice with us. I celebrate your birthday!
Linda
Ignazio: I wish you the all the best on
your Birthday and many, many more healthy and happy days to come. Buon
Compleanno! With love, Victoria Litizeto P.S. Give “Walter” a kiss
for me. I also love horses.
Beloved Ignazio, hugs and kisses on this most important 21st Birthday! You are a blessed young man full of kindness and a generous spirit (not to mention, an exquisite voice). Remain grounded, but let your heart SOAR with joy and gratitude! And please, always take time to rest and regroup…it is a necessary part of being creative. Sandi Eyman
Much love and many blessings to you on your 21st Birthday, Igna! May you continue to sing sweetly and fly high!
Ruth Rapp
Phoenix, Arizona USA
Birthday greetings for Ignazio:
A Very Happy Birthday from Minnesota, Ignazio. I am SO looking forward to seeing you in March. Allene Shipman
Allene Shipman
Happy Birthday dearest Ignazio. Hope you have a fun day. Enjoy! Luv Ya, Julie Bernache
Ignazio sweet boy. Here is the windmill from your home town. It was for your 20th and now for your 21st. It reminds me of you. Ever turning and giving joy and laughter. Have a happy birthday.
from Joanie in California.
Dear Ignazio, you handsome, darling, devil!
We love you in Pittsburgh.
Irene Cohen
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY IGNAZIO
We have followed you with awe since the inception of your career and have had the pleasure of meeting you. The depth of your talent and showmanship, your kindness, humor and humility make you VERY special. Thank you for bringing real music back to the world. Please never stop.
Noi vi amiano
Joan, Angie & Ty
Dearest Ignazio: Happy 21st Birthday!!!!! I hope you know how very special you are and how much you are appreciated. Your talents are a hundredfold. May Our Dear Lord continue to bless you abundantly. May He send an army of angels to guard round you and keep you safe. May He hold you in the palm of His hand. Please stay as sweet as you are. Buon compleano! Phyllis K Fenton
Dear Ignazio:
Another year has come and gone and now you are 21.
A world you have seen and given your heart to, and won!
And now you have many nonnas, and I am just one more.
Sending you Birthday wishes of love and joy.
Keep singing, sweet one, we love you.
Linda Parks
Fort Worth, Texas
You are still special one year later! You will always be special!
Have a wonderful birthday and a very happy special 21st birthday!
Love and lots of hugs
Penina Honig (Toronto)
Dear Ignazio,
My birthday wish for you today and everyday is happiness. I pray that you will enjoy a healthy and happy life and hope you soon will meet your Grande Amore. Grazie mille for the joy you bring to my life. See you in Ft. Meyers, Florida
Buon Compleanno!!! Kate Antico
Ciao, Ignazio,
I send my happy, heartfelt birthday wishes to you. May you enjoy a very Happy Birthday filled with your family, friends, Buddy and Walter too. Congratulations on all your success during 2015 in your wonderful Italy! You are such a special young man with such a big talent, loving and kind heart. You have touched my heart with your angel voice and sweet smile, you also bring me joy and laughter! I will see you in February, 2016 in Chicago, IL.(first row!!!) God bless!! Ti amo. Nonna Harriett
Personally Speaking About Gianluca’s Periscope ~ Jane
If you did not get a chance to watch Gianluca’s Periscope filmed in Ignazio’s home a few weeks ago, here it is! I am so glad someone was a genius and saved this to Youtube. It is a classic!