What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats
In October, supermarkets and grocery stores fill up with Halloween costumes, themed treats and gadgets for tricks. Some Italians complain that this is a tradition imported from the USA and that we already have the February Carnival to dress up. What if I told you that’s not the case? Actually, this celebration of Celtic origins has many similarities with ancient traditions of Piedmont. The night between 1 and 2 November represented, in fact, the transition between the harvest season and that of the rest of the countryside as well as a moment of closeness to the dead. In the Piedmontese villages and valleys, on Halloween evening, it was customary to visit the cemetery leaving the table set, so that the souls of the dead could return to their homes and feast; the return of the living to the houses was announced by the sound of the bells, so that the dead could disappear. Another tradition was to sleep on the edge of the bed to allow the deceased to rest next to their loved ones. The tradition of the carved and illuminated pumpkin is also present in Piedmont, as well as that of the dried pumpkin filled with wine. After all, we are the region of Barolo, the King of wines.
November is also the month dedicated to contemporary art. So, grab your Jack o’ lantern and follow me.
Events and festivals
From October 28 to December 12, ARTiglieria Contemporary Art Center hosts Paratissima. A great occasion for young artists to be seen and discovered.
From 5 to 7 November, at Oval Lingotto, you can explore Artissima, one of the most important contemporary art fair in Europe where famous galleries presents international artists.
The third pavilion of Torino Esposizioni welcomes The Others, a contemporary art fair which focuses on emerging artists.
Saturday 6 November is the Night of Arts, museums and galleries open their doors to collectors and art lovers who will have the opportunity to wander under the enchanting atmospheres created by the christmas lights. The city centre is, in fact, pinpointed with Luci d’Artista, special installations created by renowned artists.
The art week involves also Castello di Rivoli, which has prepared a rich program that includes exhibitions and meetings with artists. Saturday 6 November, you also find a bus that from Piazza Castello in Turin will bring you directly to Rivoli castle.
Flavours of India at Palazzo Madama. From 5 November to 5 December the exhibition “Hub India. Classical Radical”. During the night of the arts, the entrance will cost only 1 euro.
Dama is a project that brings to town international art galleries. Many are the works spread all around the city. You can find a list here.
Music
If you want to dance with original Abba songs, Teatro Gioello is the place to be. Here, on 9 November, Abba Dream will bring back the great sound of the Swedish band. You can find the tickets here.
After 2 years, Club to Club returns. This festival is dedicated to avant-pop and electronic music,. Many are the djs that will perform in different venues. Find the program here and get back to the dance floor.
Museums and Exhibitions
In Avigliana, until December 12, the association Arte per Voi presents an exhibitions dedicated to Afghan women.
From November 3, Gam inaugurates an exhibition dedicated to Ontani and its Wunderkammer entitled “Luigi Ontani. Alam Jiwa & Vanitas”. While on Tuesday 2 November, from 6 pm to 8 pm, the director himself will welcome visitors and answer their questions before opening the exhibition “Una collezione senza confine”, collection without borders. The exhibition will include works by renowned artists such as Marina Abramović, Tony Cragg and many others.
For the food lovers
From 5 to 7 November, Mercato Centrale organizes the “Washoku Japanese culture & food fest – Nagoya Days” the first Piedmontese festival dedicated to Japanise dishes.
And for a moment of little pleasure…
The typical regional dish for All Saints’ Night is Cisrà, an ancient dish coming from the Langhe area. It is a soup made with chickpeas and vegetables with the addition of pork ribs or tripe. Tradition has it that this soup has to be offered hot and steaming. So, why not looking for restaurants or piole, traditional taverns of Turin and Piedmont, that serve this amazing preparation? Take a sit, remember the dead and celebrate life, the most amazing piece of art we can possess.
Lori Barozzino
Take a look at the last articles HERE as many events are still taking place.
Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.
(la foto di copertina è di Stefano Zanarello)
Leggi qui le ultime notizie: IL TORINESE
