About some weeks ago, the night temperature dropped below zero degrees, and the surface of the fallen leaves was covered with ice droplets, giving the feeling that the leaves were frozen.
Walking through the Royal Gardens, we can see these leaves lying on the ground, sparkling in the morning sun.
Location: Giardini Reali
It was very early in the morning, while walking towards piazza Castello to get a taxi, looking out into the distance, the colors of the sky were breathtaking.
I rarely go out so early, and glad to have the chance to see such a magnificent view.
Location: Piazza Castello
Gianduja is one of the masks of the Italian commedia dell'arte, typically representing the town of Turin (and Piedmont in general). Gianduja also became the namesake for a Piedmontese chocolate preparation. The mask depicts an honest peasant of Piedmontese country land, with a certain inclination for wine (particularly Brachetto d'Acqui), gastronomy and beautiful girls, while strictly faithful to his lover Giacometta, who is usually represented by a cute girl.
In the commedia dell'arte, Gianduja is a fond drinker and a very lecherous character, and Giacometta, his lover, always becomes jealous of him. Personality-wise, he always has a happy humour. He is dressed (in the usual version) with a tricorn hat and a brown jacket with red borders.
The character of Gianduja was created as a glove puppet but later became a marionette and then a live character portrayed by an actor. He is now Turin's official "king of the Carnival".
The character inspired the name of gianduja, a paste of chocolate and hazelnut typical of Turin.
Event: Carnival
On Saturday, was the kick off parade for the Carnival 2025.A procession of characters in special costumes and masks gathered in the square in front of the Town Hall, and then they went along Via Garibaldi to Piazza Castello for a short procession, ending in front of the Cathedral.
Carnival in Italy is a farewell party to eat, drink, and have fun before the limitations and solemnity of Lent. About a month before Ash Wednesday, Italians celebrate over many weekends with parades, masks, and confetti.
The origins of this event may be traced to ancient Greece and Rome, when they worshipped Bacchus and Saturn. Some think they date back to archaic winter-to-spring ceremonies. Despite its pagan origins, the event was so extensively celebrated and the tradition so powerful that it was swiftly altered to fit into Catholic rituals.
Carnival in Italy is traditionally celebrated on Fat Tuesday, but the weekend prior features activities as well. The most famous Carnivals in Italy are those held in Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Apulia and Acireale. These Carnivals include masquerades and parades.
Although the origins of Carnival may be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman celebrations, it is associated with the Catholic world. In actuality, it is celebrated on holidays, the final day before Lent when feasting is permitted. Therefore, it does not have a fixed date, but rather relies on the day of Easter.
In different places, the celebrations grew into a party and a parade for diverse causes. Whether the higher classes were exhibiting their wealth with elegantly decorated carriages, or the poorer classes were following troops through the streets, Carnival evolved across Italy. Many Carnivals were prohibited in the 18th century, only to be reinstated in the 20th.
Event : Carnival
There haven’t been any real snow days this winter, there was one very fine snowfall last November.
It was actually a mix of rain and snow, visible on site but difficult to capture properly in photos.
Anyway, I tried to take a few photos while walking through the narrow streets of Mercanti.
Location: Via Mercanti
Piero Domenico Angela Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian television host, science journalist, writer, and pianist.
He started as a radio reporter, then became a foreign correspondent, and established himself as the host of the RAI newscast. He is best known as the creator and presenter of broadcasting programmes modelled on BBC and David Attenborough documentaries, to whom he has been often compared, and also for his scientific journalism published in numerous publications.
Angela wrote thirty-three books, which sold over three million copies, received many honorary degrees, made over sixty documentaries and hundreds of television episodes, won seven Telegattos, and eight times won the national television directing award.
A mural dedicated to Piero Angela was created on the wall at the entrance to the TV production center in Turin.
The Project, entitled “Sapere Aude” (“dare to be wise”, a Latin exhortation that can also be translated as “have the courage to know”) features the figure of Piero Angela, a famous Turin television personality. The work is simple in its forms, almost as if it were a photograph, and in the colors that mix with those of the environment and the urban context. The work was created by Francesco Persichella, aka PISKV, an architect and street artist who, to date, has created more than 50 large murals in collaboration with international brands. The character, portrayed as a young man, greets the observer with a smile, creating eye contact with him and making him participate in the work itself. In the foreground are books and a television, sealing Piero Angela's role in spreading culture in Italy, transferring it from the printed page to the screen. This meant that the vast majority of the population could enjoy it freely, becoming passionate about topics such as science, evolution, the cosmos, genetics and so on. Ultimately, this mural is intended to be a tribute to a character who, with his passion, his culture, his dedication, made an enormous contribution to the growth of Italy, capable of uniting several generations and for this reason remembered with affection by both adults and children. A mural in his city, adjacent to the entrance of the Rai headquarters, the means through which he was able to spread his culture.
Location: Centro di Produzione Rai
Another view of that foggy night, at via Garibaldi with the Luci D'Artista lighted up.
This year, the work Palomar by Giulio PAOLINI is installed along via Garibaldi.
Location : Via Garibaldi
