Monday
Regional elections in Emilia Romagna and Umbria
Voters in Emilia Romagna and Umbria have until 3pm on Monday, November 18th, to cast their ballots for the election of new regional governors after polls opened at 7am on Sunday.
In Umbria, outgoing governor Donatella Tesei, a member of Deputy PM Matteo Salvini's League party, is up against Assisi Mayor Stefania Proietti, who’s backed by a broad centre-left coalition including the Democratic Party (PD) and populist Five-Star Movement (M5S).
In Emilia Romagna, centre-right candidate Elena Ugolini faces Ravenna Mayor and Democratic Party member Michele De Pascale.
The November 17th-18th regional elections are regarded as key tests for PM Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, with the bloc hoping to retain Umbria but unlikely to win in left-wing stronghold Emilia Romagna.
Meloni’s coalition currently governs 14 out of 20 Italian regions following a tight win in the Liguria regional election in late October.
Tuesday
Public transport strike in Palermo
Commuters in Palermo, Sicily, may face delays or cancellations on Tuesday, November 19th, as staff at major public transport operator Amat plan to strike from 10am to 2pm.
The protest, which is backed by seven transport unions, was called in early October to demand better contractual conditions and a new hiring plan to tackle driver shortages.
The walkout is set to affect the entirety of Amat’s local bus network.
The operator hasn’t yet made any announcement regarding potential guaranteed services on Tuesday.
Wednesday
Healthcare workers hold 24-hour nationwide strike
Scheduled appointments, diagnostic tests and non-emergency services at clinics and hospitals around the country may be subject to changes or cancellations on Wednesday, November 20th, as doctors, nurses and other medical staff plan a 24-hour walkout.
The protest was called in late October by doctors' unions Anaao and Cimo and by nurses' union Nursing Up in protest against medical staff shortages and lack of funding.
Healthcare workers demand that “the dignity and value of our profession be restored” as “no one is willing to keep on working in a continuous state of emergency, with no end in sight,” unions said in a statement.
Anaao head Pierino Di Silverio said that “emergency and urgent services will be guaranteed” on Wednesday.
These will include “emergency surgery, intensive care, ambulance services, and emergency room operations”.
Italian PM Meloni visits Argentina
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will arrive in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, November 20th, as part of an official visit to Argentina, according to an official government statement.
Though details regarding Meloni’s trip haven’t been announced yet, she is expected to visit the Italian Embassy in Buenos Aires and meet Argentinian President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada.
Milei – a right-wing libertarian known for his flamboyant personality – took office on December 10th, 2023 after defeating centre-left rival Sergio Massa in the November elections.
Thursday
Madonna della Salute celebrations in Venice
Celebrations for the Festa della Madonna della Salute (Festival of Our Lady of Good Health) – one of Venice's most important cultural events – will take place on Thursday, November 21st.
The festival dates back to 1631, when, according to local tradition, the Virgin Mary put an end to a devastating plague epidemic that killed as many as 47,000 residents.
Every year, thousands of people travel to Venice on November 21st to visit the famous Basilica Della Salute and feast on local specialities, including castradina, a traditional mutton and cabbage stew.
If you’re looking to experience Venice's deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions, this festival will be one of your best chances to do so.
Sunday
Florence Marathon
The 40th edition of the Florence Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 24th, with the race starting and finishing in the city's breathtaking Piazza del Duomo.
Runners will cover 42.2 kilometres (26.2 miles), crossing Ponte Vecchio, circling around the Artemio Franchi stadium, and going along River Arno before returning to the historic centre.
You can find further info on registration fees and procedures here.
Venice Biennale exhibition closes
The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale international art exhibition will close on Sunday, November 24th – more than seven months after its opening date on April 20th.
Curated by São Paulo Museum of Art director Adriano Pedrosa, this year’s exhibition focused on the work of cultural and geographical outsiders based on the central theme of ‘Foreigners Everywhere’.
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