Effetto Venezia - 2011

Effetto Venezia is the traditional summer event in Livorno, Tuscany, dating back to 1986, and it takes place every year in the old city quarter quartiere della Venezia during the first days of August. A lot of events will enliven channels, squares and bridges of this charming corner of Livorno, which – thanks to this architecture – recalls Venice, and that's why it is usually called "The new Venice"; handicraft is displayed on different stands, as well as other collectable objects, shows and small events are waiting along the streets, puppet shows, street artists, exhibits and boat trips in the channels called "Fossi Medicei".

The event was created to get people and visitors to know this part of the town, which was almost destroyed during the World War II, and later remained in a state of decay. During the first years the vents and exhibits were mostly dedicated to visiting buildings and churches, or to the local food. In 1994 a real revaluation of the whole area of this new Venice was started, the area began toi be considered as one of the best parts in Livorno: events and exhibits were enriched with antiques' fairs and even the old channels – the Fossi Medicei – were revalued.

The "Effetto Venezia" has slowly become more spectacular, offering - year after year – 9 days of different suggestions: famous and lesser famous artists come and perform here every day.

This year's focus of the festival Effetto Venezia, is dedicated to France, with Douce France: a festival with music, from Jacques Offenbach and his Cancan, to Ravel's Bolero. On the last day of celebrations you can listen to the Traviata by G. Verdi. Inside the exhibition area Bottini dell'Olio you can see an exhibit of different local artists who were inspired by Montparnasse.