Comune di Forio
Stazione di cura e soggiorno

FORIO MERRYLAND 2024/2025 ENGLISH

FORIO MERRYLAND 2024/2025 ( program English version)

FORIO MERRYLAND

(December 7th 2024 – January 6th 2025)

Saturday, December 7th – SWITCH ON WITH THE SHOW “ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

10.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. LIBRAIA (librarian) small book fair with stands of publishing houses and bookstores and talks with authors from all over Italy at the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti – locality Zaro in Forio

4 p.m. FROM THE BOARD TO THE TANNENBAUM an event that combines fun and creativity with workshop for children “Let’s write a letter to Santa Claus” and Christmas themed table games tournament by Association Drago Verde Ischia in Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro Forio

4 p-m. THE CHILDREN BAKERY School of cookies making to entertain children while preparing Christmas delights in San Gaetano square in Forio

7 p.m. LET THERE BE LIGHT! Inauguration of the ice rink with the cutting of the ribbon accompanied by the sweet notes of a glass violin that as if by magic we will reach the stars and everything will light up. Then there will be the lighting of the Christmas lights with spectacular special effects in C. Colombo square with a parade of “Alice in Wonderland” artists in order to return to dream together, immersed in the world of fairy tales, with a final musical show in City Hall square.

Sunday, December 8th – CIRO GIUSTINIANI CABARET SHOW

NATIVITY SCENE COURSE: representations of the Nativity scenes, symbol of worship, culture and myths of the municipal territory made by the skilled hands of the artisan Francovito D’Ambra. They are displaced in the characteristic fountain in Pontone square, in the flowerbed of Padre Insante square,  in the fountain in Cristoforo Colombo square and in the Oratory of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

6 p.m. DRUM DAY – THE DAY OF THE DRUMMER amazing performance of famous pop songs and rock drummers, from biggest musicians to the youngest ones, by the School of Rock in Forio in San Gaetano square

7 p.m. PANZA SWITCH ON parade of the Aurora Band with the Majorettes of the Company The Magic of Dance by Mary Sportiello in Panza

8 p.m. CIRO GIUSTINIANI CABARET SHOW an evening of pure fun with the  hilarious sketches of the famous comedian of Made in Sud in San Leonardo Square in Panza.

Monday, December 9th – STEFANO CAVALLO MEMORIAL

6 p.m. STEFANO IN OUR HEARTS: A GOAL FOR LIFE to remember Stefano Cavallo through his passions: football and food. A mini tournament of 5-a-side soccer with the players of the Virtus Libera, Forio Calcio a 5 and Real Forio. A gastronomic corner with tasting of dishes offered by the main chefs of the island and a delegation of the Professional Institute Telese of Ischia in the Sports Hall in Via Casale,  Forio.

Wednesday, 11st December – FRANCO ARMINIO AT COLOMBAIA

5 p.m. FRANCO ARMINIO – SACRO MINORE show by the landscape poet Franco Arminio at the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti – locality Zaro in Forio

6 p.m. CHRISTMAS SONG SCROOGE concert of the students of the Music Academy Notes on the Sea at the Cloister of San Francesco in Forio

Thursday, December 12nd – “SCAROLA” PIZZA CONTEST

6.30 pm. “THURSDAY FORIANO” APERIDINNER music and local sfizioserie in the historic center and the port of Forio

8.30 p.m. SHOWS AND CULINARY COMPETITION OF SCAROLE PIZZA the Christmas identitarian product of Forio and of all Ischia island presented to share together our culinary traditions among tastings, dances and anecdotes of the elderly by Chiaia e Dintorni 2.0 Association with the participation of the students of Professional Institute Telese of Ischia in the San Francesco Cloister in City Hall Square in Forio.

Friday, December 13rd – SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATIONS AMONG TRADITIONAL DRUMS AND FOLK SONGS

9 a.m. CHRISTMAS IN THE SCHOOLS a day at school with Santa Claus to raise awareness on plastic recycling by the Association Plastic Free Onlus of Ischia and the Association Croce Rosa, commemorative event of the Sassari Brigade of the Italian Army, Comparing photos of Forio from the 70s with the current and many candies to be given to students with the participation of the Eutenea Association, UNSI Ischia Section and the United Association for the Ucrainia Island of Ischia, starting at the Cloister of San Francesco in City Hall square in Forio

7.30 p.m. SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATIONS AMONG TRADITIONAL DRUMS AND FOLK SONGS Food&wine stands, musical entertainment of the duo Vento di Mare and traditional fire of the Bell Tower curated by the Parish of Santa Lucia in Forio

8.pm. XMAS DRAGONDAY weekly event dedicated to fans of board and role-playing games by the Association Drago Verde Ischia in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti – locality Zaro, in Forio

Saturday, December 14th – MUSIC & WORDS WITH GIANCARLO GIANNINI AND MARCO ZURZOLO

3.30 p.m. WAITING FOR THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS fun for the little children with inflatables, mascots, cotton candy and popcorn among the streets of the village of Panza

6 p.m. MUSIC AND WORDS presented by Giancarlo Giannini and Marco Zurzolo. A unique show where music and words meet giving unforgettable emotions with one of the symbols of Italian cinema in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti, in Zaro

8.30 p.m. THE VOICE KIDS & SENIORS singing competition between adults and children with an evening dedicated to our local talents by the Association Chiaia e Dintorni 2.0 in Maria Santissima Immacolata square, in Forio

Sunday, December 15th – FAIRY TALES MAGICAL PARADE

11.30 a.m. CHARITY UNDER THE TREE a special initiative dedicated to children of Hospital Santobono in Naples. A moment of solidarity and sharing, where every gift becomes a smile for those who need it most, making Christmas unforgettable for the little guests in City Hall square, in Forio

3.30 p.m. FAIRY TALES MAGICAL PARADE emotions and fun guaranteed for the little ones with the famous characters of the fairy tales that will let even adults coming back children again,  parading along the streets of the village to make us dream by Magicabula in Forio

6 p.m. TRIBUTE TO LUCIA MATTERA by the association IncontrArte at the Cloister of San Francesco in City Hall square, in Forio

7 p.m. CHRISTMAS POP SHOW concert of the students of the Modern Singing Course of the TCA The Creative Arts of Teresa Coppa Academy curated by Giovanni Apetino in San Francesco Cloister in City hall square, in Forio

7 p.m. FRANCESCO ROSI. THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN POLITICAL CINEMA Cineforum I Magliari curated by Vaghe Stelle dell’Orsa in Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

7.30 p.m. OH HAPPY DAY choral concert directed by Arianna Bosco curated by Officine Creative of Vocal Chordates in the Church of San Leonardo in Panza

Monday, December 16th – FORIO IN WONDERLAND TREASURE HUNT

7 p.m. CHRISTMAS POP SHOW concert of the students of the Modern Singing Course, curated by Giovanni Apetino and the TCA The Creative Arts by Teresa Coppa in the Cloister of San Francesco in City Hall square, in Forio

7 p.m. GIOVANNI TRUPPI IN CONCERT the singer and songwriter in an exclusive concert at Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti, in Zaro, Forio

8.30 p.m. FORIO IN WONDERLAND TREASURE HUNT a fun and surreal experience where adults can immerse themselves in the fantastic world of Alice in Wonderland. Enchanted clues, bizarre trials with unique characters such as the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts by Flavio Conte Events. Who will be able to discover the hidden treasure and save the Christmas?

Tuesday 17th December – PIANO CONCERT WITH ORAZIO MAIONE

6.30 p.m. CONCERT PIANO WITH ORAZIO MAIONE the internationally renowned concert artist will cheer us with the music of Alfano, Piana, Poulenc and Chopin in the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

7 p.m. THE LORD OF THE RINGS a comparison between the book and the film by the Drago Verde Ischia Association in Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti, in Zaro

8:30 p.m. CHIAMMATECE SCUGNIZZI musical theatrical performance by the Black People Theatre Company and with the participation of the Let’s Dance School at the delle Rose Church in Forio

Tuesday, December 17th, Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th – SEA INSIDE

SEA INSIDE 3 days of activities with meetings and debates dedicated to the theme of the sea with specialists in the field; stories, games and flavors of the sea will be at the center of the event animated by associations, enthusiasts, cooperatives and experts. The involvement of local fishermen to tell their life at sea and love for this activity through a show cooking with the catch of the day. Chefs, pizza makers and bakers will prepare recipes based on sea water and seafood products to delight the true flavors of our wonderful sea!

Wednesday, December 18th – CHIAMMATECE SCUGNIZZI

7 p.m. VALERIO SGARRA: FIRST IN A CROSSROAD Lounge of words and music migrants. Christmas with and by Valerio Sgarra, Aurora Cecchi, Alessandro Cervo in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

7.30 p.m. NOTES OF CHRISTMAS musical concert by the students of the music section of the Comprehensive Institute Forio 2 in the Church of San Leonardo in Panza  

8:30 p.m. CHIAMMATECE SCUGNIZZI musical theatrical performance by the Black People Theatre Company and with the participation of the Let’s Dance School at the delle Rose Church in Forio

Thursday, December 19th – CHOIR SHOW

6.30 p.m. “THURSDAY FORIANO” APERIDINNER music and local sfizioserie in the historic center and the port of Forio

7.30 p.m. SHOW WITH A CHOIR of the students of the TCA Academy of the prof.ssa Teresa Coppa in the Cloister of San Francesco in the City Hall square in Forio.

Friday, December 20th MONTERONE TOMBOLA

5 p.m. MONTERONE TOMBOLA the classic Christmas bingo in the square enriched with local dishes and hot drinks and Christmas prizes for the winners in Monterone square, Forio

6.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS SPARKLES musical journey with the soprano Giulia Lepore and piano Fabio Bianco between immortal arias and sweet Christmas melodies in the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

7.30 p.m. WITCHES & OCELOTS PARADES. AT THEATRE WITH LUCHINO VISCONTI Project of theatrical workshop, second meeting open to children from 16 to 26 years old by Collective Barberia in the Villa La Colombaia di Luchino Visconti in Zaro

Saturday, December 21st – WHITE NIGHT … WAITING FOR SPECIAL GUESTS LDA E PETIT

12 p.m. CHRISTMAS BRUNCH musical entertainment and tasty local dishes through the main road of Panza

7 p.m. FRANCESCO ROSI. THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN POLITICAL CINEMA meeting curated by Vaghe Stelle dell’Orsa. Cineforum Salvatore Giuliano in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

7:30 p.m. LIGHT THE NIGHT!  Musical entertainment for the center and the port of Forio waiting for young singers of the moment who will turn on the evening to music with the famous vocalist Max Righi surrounded by dancers and special effects in via Marina, Forio

Sunday, December 22nd – LA CORRIDA

12 p.m. CEREMONY OF DEDICATION to Dr. Giovanni Impagliazzo of a stretch of Via Provinciale Panza Succhivo                                                                                                    

12 p.m. CHRISTMAS BRUNCH in the streets of Panza among delicacies and flavors with music by Maurizio Filisdeo

3 p.m. FORIO BABYLAND a magical event dedicated to children and their families to celebrate the arrival of Christmas in an atmosphere of pure fun with Christmas hits, inflatables, souvenir photos and delivery of letters to Santa Claus for the Course of Forio

6.30 p.m. A MAGIC TO LIVE AT CHRISTMAS piano concert of the students of the Music Academy Notes on the Sea in the Basilica Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

9 p.m. LA CORRIDA an evening of fun with the performances of the so-called “amateurs into the fray” by the Chiaia e Dintorni 2.0 Association in S. Francesco Cloister in the City Hall Square in Forio.

Monday, December 23rd – FRANCESCO CICCHELLA SHOW

3 p.m. ALICE IN WONDERLAND TREASURE HUNT a game to discover the characters of Alice of Wonderland; children will receive clues to approach the destination step by step until reaching the treasure, curated by Flavio Conte Events throughout the center of Forio

3 p.m. THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL representation by Platypus and Studio A. in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

6 p.m. SANTA LUCIA FIRE preview of the feature film dedicated to the ancient tradition for the Syracuse martyr and one of the most significant characters of local popular culture, the beloved Salvatore Mattera, called Malvisiello. From an idea and direction of Ciro Mattera, written and directed by Eduardo Cocciardo and produced by Aenaria Recordings of Luca Ricci in the delle Vittorie Cinema, in Forio

7 p.m. CHRISTMAS PIANO CONCERT piano performance of the students of the Piano Course by Teresa Coppa TCA Academy and Iolanda Di Costanzo in the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

8 p.m. FRANCESCO CICCHELLA SHOW engaging, articulate and funny show by the famous comedian and imitator, in Piazza San Leonardo in Panza

Tuesday, December 24th – COMING BACK TO TRADITIONS WITH FISH “ASSISE”

5:30 a.m. CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MASS ON CHRISTMAS EVE in the Church of San Gaetano in Forio                                                                                              

6:30 a.m. RELIGIOUS PARADE of the Band Forio City in San Gaetano square and following fireworks shows

7:45 a.m. TYPICAL TASTINGS of the famous bruschetta of Forio, pasta and beans with mussels and nice wine from the countryside  

12 p.m.  XMAS EVE BRUNCH the famous Forian brunch with music and samples of our gastronomic specialties in the streets of the village, by local restaurateurs

Wednesday, December 25th – GREAT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

11:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS PARADE throughout the historic center of Forio, played by the historical Band Music City of Forio

8 p.m. GRAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT traditional Christmas carols with the participation of Antonella Iacono, Filomena Piro, Francesca Patalano, Angela Matarese, Gaetano Maschio and at the piano the Mr. Peppino Iacono, edited by Fantasynapoli in the Church of St. Maria di Loreto in Forio

Thursday, December 26th – SARACEN ALLEYS REPRESENTATION

1 p.m. CHARITY LUNCH by the Parish of San Sebastiano at the Cloister of San Francesco in Piazza Municipio in Forio

5.30 p.m. ATMOSPHERES AND MEMORIES OF FORIO an itinerant route in the characteristic Via di San Antonio Abate to represent the neighborhood between scenes of life dramatized and with the music made by the Association Raggio di Luce in Forio

6.30 p.m. FORIANO THURSDAY APERIDINNER music and local sfizioserie among the historic center and the port of Forio

7.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS HARMONIES organ exhibition with the participation of the Conservatory in the Church of San Leonardo in Panza

Friday, December 27th – BAGPIPES AND SHAWMS BEYOND CHRISTMAS

6 p.m. BAGPIPES AND SHAWMS BEYOND CHRISTMAS Ancient flavors and sounds together with the traditional historical figures of the bagpipers in the historic center of Forio

7.30 p.m. WITCHES & OCELOTS PARADES. AT THEATRE WITH LUCHINO VISCONTI project of theatrical workshop, third meeting open to children from 16 to 26 years old by Collective Barberia in the Villa La Colombaia di Luchino Visconti in Zaro

8 p.m. XMAS DRAGONDAY weekly event of the calendar dedicated to fans of board and role-playing games curated by Drago Verde Association in Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti, Zaro, Forio

8 p.m. CHRISTMAS AT CASA TROISI theatrical performance. Cineforum The hands on the city by the choir Voices of Hope in delle Rose Church, in Forio

8.30 p.m. GRAN DAMA spectacular event with games of shadows, lights and colors that will make even more magical the scene of live singing suspended from the ground with an impressive scenography in Forio

Saturday, December 28th – JAZZ MUSIC PARADE

12 p.m. END OF THE YEAR BRUNCH between music and local delicacies in the main street of Panza

4 p.m. ITINERANT JAZZ with the nice musicians of The Italian Dixie Band who will play along the main street of Forio
CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

6 p.m. ADULTS TREASURE HUNT the village of Forio becomes a hiding place where teams will be occupied to find a precious hidden treasure. Among alleys, secrets, riddles and discoveries there will be the most exciting treasure hunt of the year!

7 p.m. CHRISTMAS CONCERT by the Band Aurora with the participation of the Inarime Choir, with the direction of the Maestro Nicola Lauro in the Parish of San Leonardo in Panza

7 p.m. FRANCESCO ROSI. THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN POLITICAL CINEMA Cineforum The hands on the city curated by Vaghe Stelle dell’Orsa in Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

Sunday, December 29th – GHOSTS TOMBOLA

10.30 a.m. THE BREAKFAST OF ISCHIA the famous croissant of Ischia, the famous bread and tomato, the squeezed scarola, beans soup, pizza red flour, the fried sweet pasta cake “il Migliaccio”, pizza of scarola, the zingara sandwich are just some of our snacks to taste between new and old flavors by the Association Chiaia e Dintorni 2.0 in the Course of Forio

4 p.m. LIVE ACTION NATIVITY SCENE REPRESENTATION XI Edition of the evocative representation of nativity scene with the setting of ancient shops in memory of old crafts and traditions in the center of Panza by the Pro Loco di Panza in collaboration with the San Leonardo Abate parish in Panza

4 p.m. ITINERANT JAZZ with the nice musicians of The Italian Dixie Band who will play along the main street of Forio

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

6 p.m. ALTROVE inauguration of the photographic exhibition curated by Gino Di Meglio in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

7:30 p.m. CHRISTMAS CONCERT of the Forio City Band in the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

9 p.m. GHOSTS TOMBOLA Christmas bingo on the notes of ancient songs accompanied by a group mummers of other times. You can enjoy an imaginary journey between shadows, stories and mysteries lost in the fog of the past with the Theatre Company Il Pozzo e il Pendolo in the Cloister of San Francesco in City Hall square, in Forio

Monday, December 30th – LIVE ACTION NATIVITY SCENE REPRESENTATION XI EDITION – PANZA

4 p.m. LIVE ACTION NATIVITY SCENE REPRESENTATION XI EDITION with the evocative setting of ancient shops in memory of old crafts and traditions in the center of Panza by the Pro Loco di Panza in collaboration with the San Leonardo Abate parish in Panza

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

9 p.m. TRIBUTE TO EDUARDO DE FILIPPO Tribute Theater-Song-Performance to the work and the person of the great Italian playwright Eduardo De Filippo for the 40th year anniversary of his death: poems, anecdotes, songs and theatrical moments played by Mr. Gaetano Maschio and the Fantasynapoli Company in Santa Maria di Loreto church in Forio

Tuesday, December 31st – NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH  FORLENZO E DJ SET

12 p.m. BACCALANDO AT SAN SILVESTRO fried seafood on new year’s eve between music and delicacies along the main street of Panza

12.00 p.m. NEW YEAR’S EVE BRUNCH the famous Forian brunch with music and samples of our gastronomic specialties in the streets of the country by local restaurateurs

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

11.30 p.m. GREAT NEW YEAR’S EVE waiting for the New Year to the rhythm of music and entertainment in the company of Forlenzo and his band, followed by DJ set of Ivano Veccia and Mario Maltese. Many special effects following the rhythm of mucic in via Marina, in Forio.

Wednesday, January 1st – NEW YEAR’S GOSPEL WITH MANUELA VILLA

11 a.m. SWIMMING BATH OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW YEAR in the hot thermal waters of Sorgeto Bay in Panza

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

6 p.m. GRAND CONCERT AKEMDA & GOSPEL ITALIAN SINGER GUEST STAR MANUELA VILLA in San Leonardo Abate church in Panza and 9 p.m. in Santa Maria di Loreto church in Forio

Thursday, January 2nd – BY MY HAND: THE CHRISTMAS OF COMMISSARIO RICCIARDI

6.30 p.m. “THURSDAY FORIANO” APERIDINNER music and local sfizioserie in the historic center and the port of Forio

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

7.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS HARMONIES organ show with the participation of the Conservatory in the Basilica of Santa Maria di Loreto in Forio

9 p.m. BY MY HAND theatrical performance of a Naples whipped by the frost, which is lying in front of the commissioner Luigi Alfredo Ricciardi as “an immense nativity scene”, while forced to make his way through lies, guilty victims and innocent murderers by the Teatro Il Pozzo e il Pendolo in the Cloister of San Francesco in City Hall square, in Forio

Friday, January 3rd – JAZZ CONCERT WITH GEGE’ MUNARI QUINTET

CANTINANDO AT CHRISTMAS guided tours in the ancient Ischia cellars with tastings of typical products of the Christmas tradition in the characteristic village of Panza

7 p.m. VALERIO SGARRA FIRST IN CROSSROADS, lounge of migrant words and music. Nostalgia of and with Valerio Sgarra, Aurora Cecchi, Alessandro Cervo in the Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti in Zaro

8 p.m. XMAS DRAGONDAY weekly event dedicated to fans of board and role-playing games curated by Drago Verde Association Ischia in La Villa La Colombaia of Luchino Visconti, Zaro, in Forio

8 p.m. MAGIC SHOW ON ICE figure skating show on the ice rink, single specialty and artistic couple with Alyssa Chiara Montan and Alberto Vanz in Cristoforo Colombo square in Forio

9 p.m. JAZZ CONCERT Geg’ Munari Quintet for a full immersion between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul and gospel sounds by Jazz Cultural Association in Maltese square, in Forio

Saturday, January 4th – QUANDO NASCETTE NINNO IX EDIZIONE

4 p.m. WHEN NINNO WAS BORN IX EDITION the Neapolitan theatrical nativity representation in our characteristic gates in Via Torrione from an idea of the Maestro Gaetano Maschio in collaboration with local associations in Forio

7 p.m. FRANCESCO ROSI. THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN POLITICAL CINEMA Men against curated by Vaghe Stelle dell’Orsa in Villa La Colombaia di Luchino Visconti in Zaro

Sunday, January 5th – WAITING FOR THE EPIPHANY

5.30 p.m. WAITING FOR THE EPIPHANY many activities and shows will cheer the great expectation of the little ones with the arrival of the Three Kings from the far Middle East throughout the main street of Forio

Monday, January 6 – THE EPIPHANY CELEBRATION3.30 p.m. THE EPIPHANY CELEBRATION Street performers will entertain the children with games, music and delights. As a surprise the fantastic Bubble Tunnel to have fun with many balloons for the Course of Forio