The Upper Tiber Valley, Umbria, in the Great War

"The Upper Tiber Valley, Umbria, in the Great War", the First World War, 1914-1918. An exhibition which opens in a few days time in Citta' di Castello, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the ending of this conflict, "The War to End all Wars", November 11th, at 11am 1918, and will be transferred later to San Sepulcro, the Tuscan town at the head of the valley near where the Tiber starts.

In the First War the Italians were on the side of the Allies, fighting desperately to throw off the domination of the Austrians, The Oest Reich, The Eastern Empire, and every small town and village lost brothers, fathers, sons and lovers in this conflict, many of whom are commemorated on memorials in the area.

This display is a unique opportunity to view a collection of local personal records of these times, uniforms, weapons, books, magazines, soldiers and momentos assembled from private sources in the area.

Never mind the chocolate festivals, the spaghetti and wild boar sauces, the wines and the beauty of the countryside, this is the real and deeply moving account of our valley, at war.

Eurochoc Festival

Well it was the last day of the Eurochoc Festival in Perugia yesterday and if you weren't able to enjoy the clear blue skies, uncommonly 24 degrees and the oodles of chocolate stalls, you will have to now wait until next year. The streets were packed with festa goers, everyone sampling their favourite morsel, people lounging on the steps of the Duomo, slumped on the pavements and sidewalks or relaxing in the Giardini Carducci.

There was something for all tastes. If your mantra is "a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips" there was diet chocolate, those with speciality dietry needs like vegetarians or diabetics were catered for and even the family pet could get a treat from the "Doggie Chocolate" seller. You could play chocolate chess, drink it and have fruit covered in it. This was a cocoa lovers paradise.


Mars Bar to Queen's Rook (picture by UmbriaArt)

With all the major producers present, Bacci, Perugina, Toblerone, Novi, it was nice to also see the smaller local producers demonstrating their Chocolatiers skils. The bus company laid on the Chocoline service and regular Chocotrains were running from Ponte San Giovanie so you didn't have any transport headaches getting into the old town.

So we now have to wait another 358 days until nest year. If you are planning 2009's tour, along with the truffles, chestnuts, fruits of the forest and beer festa's, Perugia's chocolate extravaganza is a must.


Even the statues need a break (picture by UmbriaArt)

Food, Glorious Food

As the Autumn Harvests are bought in much of the regions festivals turn to the subject of food. Here are the local morsels you can sample, and a few other festival as well.

1-2 Nov - Montone - Festival of the Forest, truffles and other produce from the woodlands about.

7-9 Nov - C. di Castello - "Il Tartufo Bianco" the ultimate in truffle appreciation.

9 Nov - C. di Castello - Piazza Gabriotti lets itself open to the joys of the classic "Vespa" scooters.

9 Nov - San Guistino - Market of antique and used object D'arte.

11 Nov - Trestina - Festival of Santa Martino, roast chestnuts and the latest wines, what more do you need.

11 Nov - Calzolaro - 90th anniversary of the ending of WW1. Model soldiers, original magazines, militaria, memorabilia, post cards, newspapers, maps, certificates. 0039 075 930 2428 for appointment. For two weeks.

13 Nov - C. di Castello - Festa del Pane, a homage to the delights of bread and its patron Santa Florido.

14 -16 Nov - C. di Castello - Fayre of Santa Florido.

21 Nov - C. di Castello - Teatro Comunale, "I Pelagraccio" mystery and splendor of this notorious family.

23 Nov - C. di Castello - Antique Market, for all those Christmas goodies.

30 Nov - Umbertide - "Photography in Umbria" exhibition of photographs and cameras from the past.